European Society For Neurochemistry

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £45,500
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: €500 - €1,000
• Geographic Focus: Europe and Mediterranean border countries

Contact Details

Website: http://www.neurochemsoc.eu/

Email: igozes@tauex.tau.ac.il (ESN Secretary)

Phone: 01274 409288

Address: University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, United Kingdom

Overview

The European Society for Neurochemistry (ESN) is a learned society established in 1976 following informal discussions among European neurochemists. Registered as a UK charity since 2003, ESN serves as the professional organization for neurochemists and neuroscientists across Europe whose research focuses on the role and interactions of small molecules in nervous system function and pathology. With annual expenditure of approximately £45,500, ESN advances neurochemistry through targeted grants, prestigious awards, conferences, and training initiatives. The society was founded with the explicit objective to facilitate exchange of ideas among members, bridge basic and clinical neurochemistry, and maintain openness to members from all European countries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• ESN Neurochemistry Initiative Funding: Up to €1,000 per application - Supports neurochemistry-related events (conferences, symposia, workshops) within Europe (Annual deadlines, typically December 1st)
• Travel Grants: €500 per award - 3 grants offered for FENS Forum and ESN conferences for young researchers under 36 (Rolling basis aligned with conference dates)

Priority Areas

• Neurochemistry research and education across Europe
• Support for young scientists and early-career researchers
• Biennial meetings and advanced neurochemistry schools
• Scientific meetings promoting neurochemistry as a discipline
• Neurodevelopment in health and disease
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms of nervous system regulation

What They Don't Fund

• Non-neurochemistry related activities
• Events outside Europe (for Initiative Funding)
• Applications from ESN Council members (for Initiative Funding)
• Researchers over 36 years old (for Travel Grants)
• Non-members

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Governance and Leadership

ESN is governed by a Council with 8 trustees and supported by 10 volunteers. Key officers include:

President: Prof. Carlos Duarte (Portugal)

Past President: Prof. Illana Gozes (Israel) - “advance Neurochemistry for the public benefit and to promote the development of Neurochemistry in Europe”

Secretary: Dimitra Mangoura (Greece)

Treasurer: Prof. Carlos Duarte (Portugal)

Council Members include representatives from Serbia, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, and Germany.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

ESN Neurochemistry Initiative Funding:

1. Download and complete application form from website
2. Submit electronically to ESN Secretary (igozes@tauex.tau.ac.il)
3. Submit before December 1st for following year's events
4. Include detailed neurochemistry-related event information

Travel Grants:

1. Submit electronically to ESN Secretary
2. Include: Application letter (max 3,000 characters), CV (max 2 pages), PhD confirmation (if applicable), Abstract/proof of accepted presentation as first author

Note: Active ESN membership (€25 annual fee) is mandatory for all applications

Decision Timeline

Decisions typically made by ESN Council in time for supported events/conferences. Specific timelines not publicly documented.

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Multiple applications accepted across years. No specific restrictions documented, though council members remain permanently ineligible for Initiative Funding.

Application Success Factors

• Mandatory membership: Join ESN before applying (€25/year, includes ISN and FENS membership)
• Clear neurochemistry focus: Demonstrate direct relevance to neurochemistry research
• Geographic compliance: Initiative Funding strictly for European events
• Age requirements: Travel grants strictly for researchers under 36
• First author status: Required for travel grant applications
• Post-award visibility: Must prominently display ESN sponsorship and logo
• Documentation: Provide Book of Abstracts or link after funded events
• Active engagement: Involvement in ESN activities strengthens applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Membership is non-negotiable - join before applying at only €25/year
• Small grants (€500-€1,000) but highly targeted to specific needs
• Strong emphasis on supporting early-career researchers under 36
• Geographic restrictions strictly enforced for Initiative Funding
• Council members categorically excluded from Initiative Funding
• Membership provides significant added value beyond grants (journal access, conference discounts)
• Part of larger network - ESN membership includes ISN and FENS automatically

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The European Biophysical Societies' Association
• European Society of Endocrinology
• The Guarantors of Brain
• The British Neuropathological Society

References

1. European Society for Neurochemistry official website: https://neurochemsoc.eu/
2. UK Charity Commission Register: Charity 1098662
3. Federation of European Neuroscience Societies - ESN Profile: https://www.fens.org/membership/societies/european-society-for-neurochemistry-esn
4. International Society for Neurochemistry - ESN funding programs
5. ESN Officers and Council Members 2023-2025: https://neurochemsoc.eu/news-archive/esn-officers-and-council-members-2023-2025/