ERA-NET NEURON

According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than a billion people suffer from central nervous system disorders. Neuroscientific research related to these diseases and its application into diagnostic and therapeutic methods is therefore very important.

ERA-NET NEURON was launched in 2007 during the European Union’s 6^th Framework Programme with the objective to provide funding for research in disease-related neuroscience. At the start, it included 15 partners and four observers from twelve different countries. Since 2008, the network has organised an annual Joint Transnational Call in the field of disease-related neuroscience, and it still continues this tradition. Over the years, in addition to launching calls, the network’s aim has been to promote cooperation in the field in Europe by networking early-career researchers.

The current ERA-NET NEURON Cofund 2 network will continue until the end of 2025. In addition to the Research Council of Finland, the networks involves 26 partner organisations (from 16 EU countries and seven non-EU countries). The Research Council's work package primarily includes tasks that help support early-career researchers in the field. ERA-NET NEURON network launches an annual call for the ’Excellent Paper in Neuroscience Award’, EPNA. The Award is intended to encourage young researchers and reward the best publications in the field. We encourage Finnish researchers to participate in the call whenever possible. In addition to a call co-funded with the European Commission in 2021, the network still plans annual project calls between member organisations. As a rule, the Research Council participates in every second call. The call topics are selected on the basis of the ERA-NET NEURON Strategic Research Agenda.