Career Support Committee (CSC)

The ISN Career Support Committee (CSC) is designed to empower and support the next generation of neurochemists in their journey toward research independence.

This grant supports committed ISN members in developing their own research activities, establishing themselves as independent investigators, or reintegrating into active research after a career interruption.

Only active ISN Postdoc Members (minimum three years post-doc) and ISN Full Members (up to 10 years post-doc) who have continuously been members for at least 24 months are eligible to apply for CSC schemes. However, career breaks* or other extenuating circumstances may be considered. Please contact the CSC Chair to discuss any special circumstances.

*View ISN’s Career Break Policy.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

 

October 31

referring to all CSC schemes

 

CSC SCHEMES

CSC Research Grant

CSC Research Grant

The CSC Research Grant is designed to support committed young ISN members in establishing themselves as independent researchers. This grant provides funding of up to USD 10’000 for research-related expenses, including laboratory supplies, small instrumentation, or participation in ISN-related scientific events.

To promote global inclusivity, 40% of the total budget will be reserved for applicants from developing or underdeveloped countries, as defined by the World Bank classification.

 

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be ISN Postdoc or Full Members with a minimum of 24 months of continuous membership at the time of application.
  • Postdoc applicants must have at least three years of postdoctoral experience.
  • Full Members must be within 10 years of their PhD award date.

 

Award Amount

Up to USD 10’000 per awardee.

 

Eligible Expenses

  • Project-related laboratory expenses (e.g. consumables, small equipment), access to shared research facilities, animal housing costs.
  • Up to 20% of the requested funds may be allocated to attend ISN-related events.

 

Application Requirements

  • A signed letter from the department chair confirming the applicant’s career status and potential for research independence.
  • Completed application form, including:
      • Applicant’s publication list and previous awards.
      • Details of the host laboratory.
      • Project description and budget breakdown.
CSC Return Home Grant

CSC Return Home Grant

The CSC Return Home Grant is designed to support young investigators (postdocs, faculty members, and young group leaders up to 10 years post-doc) who are returning home to a low- or middle-income country* after holding a postdoctoral position in a developed country*. The grant helps ease the transition back home and supports the establishment of independent neurochemistry research, promoting continued scientific productivity in the investigator’s home country.

This program is open only to ISN Full Members with an independent status at their home institution. Please note that PhD students and early-career postdocs are not eligible under this scheme. The proposal must clearly outline the benefits to both the applicant and their home institution.

*based on the World Bank List

 

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be ISN Postdoc or Full Members with a minimum of 24 months of continuous membership at the time of application.
  • Applicants must be within 10 years of being awarded a PhD.
  • Applicants must have independent researcher status at the host institution in the eligible country.

 

Award Amount

Up to USD 10,000 per awardee.

 

Application Requirements

  • Project description outlining goals and significance.
  • Detailed budget and curriculum vitae.
  • Letter of support from the Department Chair.
  • Letter of recommendation from the Head of Laboratory.

 

Additional Requirements

  • Written commitment from the host institution confirming a position and availability of laboratory space.
  • Department Chair must confirm institutional support.
CSC Interruption Re-Entry Grant

CSC Interruption Re-Entry Grant

The CSC Interruption Re-Entry Grant supports the reintegration of senior researchers into active research following significant career interruptions. This funding is intended for established scientists in neurochemistry who have experienced disruptions due to childbirth, major illness, or extended caregiving responsibilities.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record in neurochemistry and show that they were internationally competitive prior to the interruption. This grant aims to facilitate their return to research by providing essential resources to re-establish their scientific activities.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be ISN Full Members with a minimum of 24 months of continuous membership at the time of application.

  • This category is specifically intended to support senior researchers returning to research after a significant break.\

 

Award Amount

Up to USD 10’000 per awardee.

Eligible Expenses

  • Research supplies and consumables.

  • Salary support for the applicant or for a research staff/student assisting their project.

 

Application Requirements

  • Project description outlining scientific significance.

  • Detailed budget and curriculum vitae.

  • Letter of support from the Department Chair.

  • Letter of recommendation from the Head of Laboratory.

 

Additional Requirement

  • Applicants must provide a statement describing how the career interruption impacted their research activities and how this grant will support their re-entry into active research.