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BNA members

Why join the BNA?

By joining the BNA you will be part of a vibrant, progressive community of 2,000+ members, and you will help to define and deliver the future of neuroscience. 

Through UK-wide activities and events, collaborations, campains and lobbying, the BNA respresents the voices of everyone interested in neuroscience, from researchers and clinical scientists to students and members of the public.

For the price of one coffee a week (or much less!) BNA members also recieve benefits including free membership of the Federation of European Neuroscience Associations (FENS), access to reduced fees for the US-based Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting, eligibility for prizes, bursaries and funding - and much more.

See the different membership types, below, to find out what benefits you will get as a BNA member.

"Being part of the BNA means I'm connected with all things neuroscience. By that I don't only mean news and events and access to bursaries.  As a member I get a say in the future of neuroscience in the UK.  It's important to me that I'm integral to a movement for positive change." - Roni Tibon, BNA member

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Contents

  1. Membership types
  2. Research group scheme
  3. Group Membership
  4. Gift membership
  5. Reduced fees
  6. Use of BNA logo
  7. Honorary membership
  8. Joint membership with the International Neuroethics Society
  9. Ways to save on membership fees

Membership types

Membership is open to everyone in the neuroscience community, both in the UK and internationally, and to all who express a strong interest in neuroscience. 

Click the pictures below to find out which type is the right one for you: if you're not sure please contact us.

If you already know which membership type you want, please click here to join online.

If you need to upgrade your membership type, please contact us

Undergraduate BNA members

Undergraduate/ Student

Postgraduate BNA members

Postgraduate

Early Career Researcher

Early Career

Full Member

Full / Industry

Associate BNA member

Associate

Retired BNA members

Retired

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Research group scheme

This scheme allows new and existing Full or Full Industry Members of the British Neuroscience Association (BNA) to give up to nine members of their research team extended subscriptions with the BNA, giving them extended access to bursaries, reduced meeting fees, membership of FENS, and more.

To claim extended membership subscriptions for your group, simply complete this short form and we'll do the rest!

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Group Membership

Group membership is classed as the registration of 20 or more members to the BNA. Group registrations receive a 10% discount on registration fees and the BNA office will undertake all of the administration of registering and invoicing so that members can start to enjoy their BNA benefits as soon as possible! Click here for more info.  

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Gift membership

GiftGift subscriptions: Why not give the gift of neuroscience to a friend or relative? Contact the BNA Office to ask about getting membership subscription as a gift. 

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Reduced fees

In line with our Equity and Diversity Policy, the BNA offers reduced subscriptions for up to one year to members who are able to justify that they have special circumstances such as a career break or parental leave. Reductions will be discretionary and their extent will depend on the financial status of the individual.  If you believe you qualify for such a reduction, please contact our Membership Secretary

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For information regarding use of BNA logos and trademarks, how to refer to your BNA membership status, and how we use your information, please see the BNA Terms of Use, Data Protection Notice and Disclaimer.

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Honorary membership

This category of membership, which confers free access to member benefits, is awarded to a small number of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the BNA. Honorary membership is awarded by the BNA Council and Committee. 

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Joint membership with the International Neuroethics Society

The BNA proudly partners the International Neuroethics Society (INS), giving individuals the opportunity to receive a 10% discount on membership fees when signing up for both societies. The BNA Trustees recognise how important it is for neuroscientists to consider the ethical implications of their work and for members of the public to have the chance for informed debate. By partnering with the INS in this way, BNA members have greater opportunities to interact with neuroethicists and vice versa, to the benefit of all. To take advantage of this offer please click here.

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Ways to save on membership fees

Tax deduction

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to claim tax relief on your BNA subscription fee as an expense incurred in employment. The amount you can claim will depend on the taxes you pay.

Please refer to the HMRC website pages for latest information:
https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/professional-fees-and-subscriptions
https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/how-to-claim

You can find the BNA in the list of Approved professional organisations and learned societies under the name 'Neuroscience Association British Formerly the Brain Research Association.

You will not be able to claim any tax relief if your membership subscription fees are already covered by your employer or institution.

Please note that the BNA is unable to give tax advice and it is up to the individual to assess their specific situation.

Group membership schemes

We welcome and encourage groups to join the BNA and it's a great way to benefit and save money.

There are two different group schemes in place:

Feel free to get in touch to discuss which group option might be best for you. Email office@bna.org.uk.

Direct Debit

By switching from annual card payments to Direct Debit you can reduce your membership fee and save you money. Check out the fees on your membership category.

Special considerations

We do appreciate there are growing challenges for many of us with the current rise in living costs. If the cost of membership presents a barrier, please do get in touch and we can discuss further options. Email office@bna.org.uk 

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