Who We Are
The IBNS is dedicated to advancing understanding of the biological bases of behavior and fostering collaboration, communication, and mentorship among neuroscientists worldwide. Its annual meetings bring together researchers at all career stages to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and strengthen international networks in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. To encourage broad participation, the IBNS offers several travel grant opportunities for students and early-career researchers, as well as significantly reduced membership and meeting registration fees for scientists from many countries.
THREE REASONS TO JOIN
- Discounted annual meeting registration fees
- Networking and new contacts through our membership database
- Keep up with current IBNS and neuroscience news and events
Learn more about benefits of IBNS membership >>
Letter from IBNS President,
Markus Fendt, Ph.D.
Dear IBNS Members,
As we enter the new year, I would like to briefly reflect on the past one. In 2025, both our IBNS committees and the Council were partially renewed, resulting in a welcome increase in international representation across the society. I sincerely thank all colleagues who have taken on responsibilities within IBNS, and especially the IBNS Office — Marianne and Dawn — for their dedication, time, and hard work. It is a privilege to serve this community as IBNS President.
The year also featured a fascinating annual meeting in Tromsø, which marked the beginning of my presidency — complemented by memorable hikes and birdwatching in the remarkable surroundings of northern Norway.
Looking ahead, I am excited for our upcoming annual meeting in Cape Town. This will be the first IBNS meeting held in Africa, combining an outstanding scientific program with the opportunity to explore a region of exceptional natural beauty and cultural richness, while actively supporting and strengthening African neuroscience.
The program features excellent keynote speakers — Francesco Papaleo, Dayu Lin, and Christian Lüscher — as well as two local keynote lectures by Omamuyovwi Ijomone and Sian Hemmings, alongside symposia reflecting the thematic diversity and scientific excellence of our field. I warmly encourage IBNS members and all interested colleagues to register, submit abstracts, and help make this meeting truly memorable.
— When registering for the meeting, I also invite you to consider donating to our Travel Awards. In addition, donations made during membership renewal help support IBNS memberships for colleagues from financially less-resourced countries. Both forms of support directly benefit early-career researchers. I was surprised to learn how little has been contributed through these opportunities in recent years, particularly given that many of our members are based in comparatively well-resourced countries. Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference!
Finally, IBNS is currently calling for nominations of deserving members for society awards, as well as for several Council positions that are up for election. I strongly encourage you to nominate candidates (including self-nominations) and to participate actively in the upcoming elections.
At a time when the world around us feels increasingly unstable, IBNS’s commitment to promoting excellence in behavioral neuroscience and advancing equity and inclusion for researchers from all backgrounds is more important than ever.
With best wishes for a productive and inspiring new year,
Markus Fendt
IBNS President
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