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In-person event

BNA2027 International Festival of Neuroscience

25 – 28 April 2027 + Add to calendar Belfast ICC Belfast
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Session Submission Guidelines 

International Festival of Neuroscience (BNA2027) 
Belfast | 25–28 April 2025 

The BNA2027 Programme Organising Committee invites submissions for symposia and workshops for the International Festival of Neuroscience. Please read the guidelines below carefully before submitting a proposal. For enquiries, contact [email protected]. 

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Overview 

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General Information 

Sessions should showcase high-quality, timely neuroscience research or address topics of broad relevance to the neuroscience community. 

We particularly welcome proposals in the following areas: 

  • Neural Development, Plasticity, and Evolution 

  • Neurodegeneration and Ageing 

  • Neural Circuits and Systems Neuroscience 

  • Cognition and Behaviour 

  • Psychiatry, Psychology, and Mental Health 

  • Neurons, Glia, and Cell-Cell Communication 

  • Metabolism, Homeostasis, and Neuroendocrinology 

  • Computational Neuroscience, Data Science, and AI 

  • Neurotechnology and Methods 

  • Neuroscience Advocacy, Policy, and Public Engagement 

  • Other (e.g. history of neuroscience) 

In reviewing submissions, the Programme Organising Committee will prioritise sessions that: 

  • Appeal to a broad BNA audience and attract new attendees 

  • Encourage engagement from exhibitors 

  • Present cross-sector perspectives (preclinical, clinical, industrial) 

  • Include both established leaders and outstanding early career researchers (ECRs) 

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Format for Symposia 

  • Duration: 100 minutes 

  • Structure:  

Four talks (~20 minutes each) + 1 audience question per talk 

OR  

Three talks (~23 minutes each) + a panel Q&A session (~23 minutes) 

Indicative timing: 

  • Chair introduction: 1–3 minutes 

Four talks (including Q&A): 23 minutes each or three talks (~23 minutes each) + a panel Q&A session (~23 minutes) 

  • Chair closing remarks: 1–3 minutes 

Requirements: 

  • Three of four speakers from different institutions/organisations 

  • At least one Early Career Researcher (within 5 years of highest degree) 

  • Two co-chairs (who may also be speakers), one of whom must be an ECR 

  • Up to 50% of speakers may present online, provided they attend live for Q&A 

  • Non-speaking chairs are permitted but are not eligible for complimentary passes or travel support 

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Format for Workshops 

Workshops should address topics of wide interest, such as policy, careers, research culture, funding, grant writing, publishing, teaching, reproducibility, ethics, or skills development. 

  • Duration: 100 minutes 

  • Format: Flexible and interactive (e.g. presentations, panels, group discussions, worked examples, short courses) 

  • Workshops must include interactive and participatory elements and not rely solely on one-way presentations 

  • Organisers may provide materials to attendees in advance 

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Speaker Selection 

To support a diverse and inclusive programme: 

  • Individuals may contribute to no more than two sessions across the Festival 

  • Organisers may be asked to replace speakers involved in multiple submissions 

The BNA is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Proposals should demonstrate consideration of diversity across: 

  • Gender (no more than 60% of any one gender) 

  • Career stage (including at least one ECR) 

  • Geography 

  • Sector (academic, clinical, industry, charity) 

Submitters must confirm that all proposed speakers have been informed of the submission, including Festival dates and location. 

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Speaker Travel and Expenses 

  • All speakers receive a complimentary Festival pass for the day of their talk*.  

  • Speakers are entitled to a 30% discount on member fees for additional day passes. 

  • Organisers are encouraged to explore external sponsorship opportunities where possible. 

  • Speakers may apply to the BNA Speaker Reimbursement Fund, which has limited availability. 

  • Partner submissions: 
    Partners are responsible for speaker travel and accommodation costs.  

  • *Partner session speakers will receive a complimentary FULL Festival pass with access to all session for the entirety of the event.   

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Submission Process 

All submissions must be made via the online application portal. Submissions by email or document will not be accepted. 

You will need to provide: 

  • Submitter contact details 

  • Session title and short marketing description 

  • Keywords 

  • Speaker details (name, email, organisation, career stage, gender, ethnicity, talk title) 

  • Rationale for the session and its importance 

  • Sponsorship or funding information 

  • A statement outlining how EDI has been considered 

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Review and Selection Process 

All proposals will be reviewed by the BNA2027 Programme Organising Committee, led by Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly (Cardiff University), with Co-Chairs Dr Dorothy Tse (Edge Hill University) and Dr Elaine Murray (Ulster University). 

The committee may contact submitters to discuss or refine proposals prior to final decisions. 

  • Outcomes will be communicated in June 2026 

  • Session scheduling will follow shortly afterwards 

  • Only the lead proposer will be notified and is responsible for informing all co-chairs and speakers 

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Thank you for contributing to the International Festival of Neuroscience. Your submission helps us deliver a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging programme for the neuroscience community.