Funding opportunities and outreach initiatives are available for junior investigators.
By Luis Querol, PhD
Luis Quero
The Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) continues its long-standing tradition of fostering the next generation of researchers and clinicians dedicated to tackling peripheral nerve disorders. This commitment is exemplified by the PNS Training Grants Program, which has recently been named in honor of Prof. Laura Feltri. This recognizes her outstanding scientific legacy and her unwavering dedication to mentoring young investigators in the field. The PNS Laura Feltri Training Grants Program aligns with the PNS’s mission to “advance knowledge and improve the lives of people with peripheral neuropathies.”
PNS President Charlotte Sumner, MD (center), with the 2025 PNS Training Grants recipients Erva Bayraktar, PhD (left), and Katherine Lewis, PhD.
Designed to support early career researchers with advanced training, the program typically lasts two years at a host institution. The host institution may now be the same as, or different from, the candidate’s training institution. The overarching goal is to expand expertise, promote vital international collaboration, and strengthen the entire field of peripheral nerve research across its clinical, translational, and basic science domains.
Six trainees from different parts of the world have been awarded PNS Training Grants to develop projects, including clinical, translational, and basic peripheral nerve science projects.
For the 2026 call, the PNS is boosting its investment, with plans to fund up to three trainees per year with a generous award of $75,000 annually for two years. Applicants have two distinct profiles from which to choose. They are:
- Junior Clinical Investigators: Ideal for those seeking to gain or consolidate expertise in areas like clinical observational studies, outcome measures, diagnostic methods, or therapeutic development related to peripheral neuropathies.
- Junior Scientists or Clinician-Scientists: Aimed at developing advanced knowledge in Schwann cell and axonal biology or disease pathomechanisms through laboratory or translational research.
Eligible candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to peripheral nerve research and hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent). Individuals expecting to defend their doctoral thesis within one year of application are also eligible. Candidates must identify a qualified mentor with an established track record in peripheral nerve research. Both the mentor and the trainee must be, or must become, PNS members.
The society enthusiastically encourages applications from all motivated junior researchers, clinicians, neuroscientists, and basic scientists who aspire to build a career in this vital field and contribute to the vibrant, global PNS community.
Find detailed information, application requirements, and deadlines on the PNS website. •
