Early Career Researcher Membership

Visibility and support as you build your career.

The BNA’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Membership is designed to help you thrive in the crucial early years after your degree or clinical training. Whether you're working in academia, the clinic, or industry, we connect you to the tools, people, and opportunities that will help shape your career.

Become an ECR Member

Establish Your Career

Establish your career with dedicated support:

Access exclusive careers advice and funding guidance from the BNA.
Explore current job openings on the regularly updated BNA job board.
Share your research findings and receive feedback at BNA meetings and events.

Learn and Develop

Build your knowledge with expert-led training and development opportunities:

Access free or discounted BNA Training Academy courses and events.
Stay up to date with neuroscience insights via BNA’s monthly news and opportunities email.
Join BNA committees or advisory boards to influence future initiatives and share your expertise.

Publish and Promote Your Work

Boost your exposure with exclusive BNA support:

Publish your research in the BNA’s open-access journal Brain and Neuroscience Advances, with 50% off APCs for BNA members.
Apply for BNA prizes, funding and travel bursaries to support your research.
Feature in the BNA member directory to raise your profile and find connections.

Expand Your Professional Network

Meet potential mentors, collaborators, and future colleagues:

Join your local BNA group and take part in events, campaigns, and outreach.
Attend events with peers, mentors, and professionals across academia, industry, and healthcare.
Put yourself forward for international positions and roles with BNA and partner organisations.

Connect Globally

Become part of a thriving international network:

Enjoy free membership of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS).
Access reduced registration for the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting via FENS abstract slots.
Join a growing global community of researchers and professionals across 53 countries.

Enjoy Partner Discounts

Benefit from savings across respected science organisations:

Reduced rates for FENS meetings via free FENS membership.
Up to 50% off Royal Society of Biology membership and training.
Free access to leading neuroscience journals like the European Journal of Neuroscience.

I like the networking opportunities - meeting other students and early career researchers who I can bond with and talk about my research. And, you know, they're friends that don't look at me like I'm mad when I'm talking about all my science, they actually enjoy it!

Bethany Facer - BNA Local Group Student Rep

We are committed to keeping BNA Membership affordable at every career stage.
Early Career Researcher Membership costs £52 per year when paid by annual Direct Debit, or £58 when paid by credit or debit card.

Eligibility Criteria

This membership type is for anyone within the first 5 years of their highest degree (e.g BSC, MSc or PhD).

For clinicians, this is the first 5 years following completion of F2.

For clinical psychologists, this is the first 5 years after starting a Professional Doctorate or work as a Clinical Psychologist.

Proof of previous student/trainee status will be required in order to evidence eligibility. This can be a photo or pdf of your student ID card, degree certificate, or a headed letter from your institution clearly stating your studies end date. You will be asked to upload this during the online application process. Your membership will be approved pending review of the supplied information.

Please note, Early Career Researcher Membership can only be obtained once and cannot be applied should a member return to full time education after time as an early career researcher or full member.