The Eric Kandel Young Neuroscientists Prize recognises the work of outstanding young scientists in the field of neuroscience and helps advance their careers as researchers. The Eric Kandel Young Neuroscientists Prize, named after American neuroscientist and Nobel laureate Prof. Eric Kandel, was established in 2009 in order to recognise the work of outstanding young scientists in any field of neuroscience and to help advance their careers as researchers. The prize is awarded every two years by the Hertie Foundation in conjunction with FENS since 2010, being under the patronage of the german Ministry for Education and Research.
The Hertie Foundation in cooperation with the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the Eric Kandel Young Neuroscientists Prize 2025.
The prize includes the Prize money of € 50,000 for personal use, a research funding of € 50,000 and the invitation to give the Eric Kandel Prize Lecture at the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona. All European neuroscientists under the age of 40, who have demonstrated outstanding and independent scientific creativity and productivity, as documented by multiple and excellent publications in leading scientific journals, are eligible. The age limit may be extended for specific circumstances such as maternity and paternity leave (max. 2 years per child).
Candidates must be nominated by the head of their university/research institute or by an internationally renowned neuroscientist. Self-nomination is not possible. Nominations must include the following documentation: 1) a letter of recommendation (not exceeding two pages), 2) the candidate’s curriculum vitae including, 3) a publication list, 4) three key publications in PDF format with at least one independent publication from the candidate’s lab.
The deadline for nominations is July 24, 2025. Nominations must be submitted by E-Mail to the Hertie Foundation to Prof. Alexander Grychtolik (Grychtolikaf@ghst.de). An international jury of leading neuroscientists will select the candidate. The winner will be officially announced in autumn 2025 under www.fens.org with the publication of the congress program for the FENS Forum 2026. The prize will be awarded on 7 July 2026 at the FENS Forum in Barcelona during the Eric Kandel Prize Lecture.
The foundation supports two core mission areas:
Neuroscience & Brain Research
Strengthening Democracy & European Identity
Projects must clearly align with one of these themes and deliver public benefit.
Emphasis is on innovative pilot projects needing startup funding (Anschubfinanzierung).
Standard project durations are a few months up to 3 years (maximum 5 years)
Only non-profit organizations or public institutions can apply—no individuals, and no private company-directed funds.
All funded outputs must be publicly accessible and meaningful.
The foundation eschews bureaucratic forms—submissions are informal project sketches, unless otherwise stated.
Pitches should include:
Project concept and objectives
Expected impact and innovation
Timeline and budget estimate
Clear financing plan, including other sources
Funds may cover personnel, materials, travel, equipment, consumables; indirect costs are not included.
Major changes (≥20% of the approved budget) require foundation approval
Funds must be used within 6 months of disbursement, with periodic reporting and final financial accountability
A final narrative and financial report is required within 3 months of project completion.
Interim reports may be requested for longer projects.
Communications must include Hertie branding and may require input coordination with their communications team.
Each proposal undergoes internal screening, possibly with external expert review.
The foundation has full discretion—no entitlement to funding, even for meritorious ideas
The foundation distributes around €30 million annually, with over 20 projects funded yearly in both mission areas
Successful proposals typically show a clear seed role, strong public impact, and synergy with broader Hertie initiatives (e.g., AI for brain health institute).
📊 Summary Table
Predictor | Applicant Action |
---|---|
Mission alignment | Tie project strongly to "Brain Research" or "Democracy" missions |
Innovation + public benefit | Highlight novelty and potential societal value |
Appropriate format | Submit concise sketch with objectives, methods, timeline, budget, impact plan |
Eligible entity | Apply via non-profit/academic institution—not as an individual |
Budget discipline | Justify costs clearly; avoid indirects; manage any large reallocation requests |
Reporting & branding | Prepare for final and possibly interim reports + brand alignment |
Strategic fit | Show how this seed project links to or leverages Hertie networks |
💡 Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Frame explicitly: “This pilot will seed scalable innovation in [mission area].”
Use the sketch format, but stick strictly to guidelines—no frills necessary.
Show other funding sources to illustrate viability and complementarity.
Keep the budget tight and purpose-specific (e.g., staff, consumables, travel).
Plan for public dissemination—publications, tools, events.
Emphasize speed and impact—Hertie invests in lean, high-leverage innovation.
Connect with existing Hertie programs (e.g., AI institutes, debate youth programs) to show broader synergy.
Applications are open to europe neuroscientists under the age of 40, who have demonstated outstanding and independent scientific creativity and productivity, as documented by multiple and excellent publications in leading scientific journal.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Grüneburgweg 105 60323 Frankfurt a. M.Tel. +49 69 66 07 56-0 Fax +49 69 66 07 56-999 info@ghst.de
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Jul 24, 2025
Jul 24, 2025
$58,736
Affiliation: Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung
Address: Grüneburgweg 105 60323 Frankfurt a. M.Tel. +49 69 66 07 56-0 Fax +49 69 66 07 56-999 info@ghst.de
Website URL: https://www.ghst.de/en/kandelprize
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.