FENS Launches Inaugural Brain Conference on Cancer Neuroscience

Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) has announced a new Brain Conference dedicated entirely to Cancer Neuroscience — a rapidly emerging scientific discipline that is reshaping understanding of how the nervous system interacts with cancer. The conference will take place from 25–28 August 2026 at Rungstedgaard, Denmark, co-chaired by Professor Michelle Monje of Stanford University and Professor Frank Winkler of Heidelberg University Hospital, both recognised as 2025 Brain Prize laureates.

The event is the first FENS Brain Conference to be centred on this discipline, which sits at the intersection of neuroscience, oncology, and immunology. It will explore three major themes: Brain Cancer Neuroscience, Extracranial Cancer Neuroscience, and Brain–Body Communication in Cancer. A particular focus will be placed on the crosstalk between the nervous system, the immune system, and cancer, and on how fundamental discoveries in the field can be translated to benefit patients.

The format will be small-scale and highly interactive, in keeping with the FENS Brain Conference series — jointly organised with the Lundbeck Foundation, awarder of The Brain Prize. The programme is designed to encourage ample interaction and conceptual discussion, and welcomes early, mid, and advanced career scientists from across neuroscience, cancer research, neuromedicine, cancer biology, and immunology.

FENS and The Brain Prize are offering stipends of up to €1,000 each for both Danish researchers and international participants. Regular registration and abstract submission remained open until 25 April 2026.