NICE START: A Platform for the Future of Cognition, Language & Neuroscience Research
Plans for an exciting new international event for early career life scientists are taking shape thanks to a team of doctoral students at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon, Portugal. Members of the NICE_Lab are working together to create the NICE START 1st International Meeting of Young Researchers in Cognition, Language and Neurosciences, which will take place later this year.
We spoke to the organising committee to find out more about their plans for the event, the confirmed keynote speakers, and the importance of collaborative discussion for the future of cognitive life science and language research…
Please can you tell us about your science backgrounds and your involvement with NICE START?
We are a group of young researchers (PhDs in Cognition Sciences, Language and Neuroscience) from NICE_Lab - Neuroscience for Innovation, Communication and Education. We investigate a variety of topics within these domains of scientific knowledge. With the support of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing of the Portuguese Catholic University and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, we are working together to organize NICE START - the 1st International Meeting of Young Researchers in Cognition, Language and Neurosciences. As the organising committee, we are involved in all the logistics of organising this event.
The organizing committee:
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Ana Sofia Lopes
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Isabel Manica
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Jorge Amorim
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Lina Castanho
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Marta Santos
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Rafael Ribeiro
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Paula Pinto Nogueira
What is the mission of NICE START?
The mission of this meeting is to highlight emerging areas of research in Cognition, Language and Neuroscience, to promote the sharing of innovative ideas, and to foster interaction between PhD students, researchers and potential partners.
When and where is it taking place?
The event will take place on October 24 and 25, 2025, at Palma de Cima Campus (Universidade Católica Portuguesa) in Lisbon.
What will the event offer for in-person attendees?
Participants will have the opportunity to present their work, explore new approaches and reflect on the future of neuroscience and cognitive sciences, in an environment of learning, sharing and cooperation. Keynote speakers will include Sofia Lynce de Faria of the Catholic University of Portugal, David Guedes of the University Institute of Lisbon, and Gonçalo Cotovio of the NOVA Medical School in Lisbon. All participants will receive welcome packs and some merchandising, and for those who register for an oral presentation or a poster, we will offer to have their abstracts published in a scientific journal.
Will there be opportunities to network or seek career advice?
Attendees of the event can expect several valuable networking and career development opportunities, including:
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Informal Networking Sessions – Coffee breaks, lunches, and social events designed to encourage conversations between PhD students, senior researchers, and potential collaborators.
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Poster and Oral Presentation Sessions – These provide a platform for attendees to showcase their work, receive feedback, and connect with others working on similar topics.
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Roundtable – Session featuring experienced researchers and professionals who can share insights on academic careers, interdisciplinary research paths, and alternative career options in industry or science communication.
These activities are designed to help attendees grow professionally, expand their academic network, and explore diverse career trajectories.
Why are events like this so important for young researchers?
Events like these are of great importance to young researchers, as they offer a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends in research, disseminate their own work, develop scientific communication skills and establish contacts with experienced researchers and potential partners. By promoting the sharing of innovative ideas and interdisciplinary contact, the event stimulates creativity, fosters collaborations and contributes significantly to the academic and professional growth of early career participants.
Why is interdisciplinary contact so vital for the future of life science?
Fostering interdisciplinary discussions between scientists is essential because the most complex challenges—such as understanding the brain, addressing mental health, or developing new technologies—rarely fit within the boundaries of a single discipline. By bringing together diverse perspectives, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks, interdisciplinary dialogue encourages innovative solutions, bridges knowledge gaps, and leads to more holistic and impactful research. It also helps to break down silos, making science more collaborative, adaptive, and responsive to real-world problems. In essence, it drives scientific progress by uniting complementary strengths across fields.
How can our readers find out more about the event?
More information can be found on the event website: https://fcse.lisboa.ucp.pt/pt-pt/node/45541
The call for papers can be found here: https://forms.gle/F8spPH6sARgBpFab7.
We also have an Instagram page where information will be shared and updated regularly:
- Instagram: @nicestart_ucp
More resources for early career neuroscientists
If you're an early career neuroscience researcher and would like further information about relevant events, grants and more, take a look at these great resources on the Hello Bio blog:
- Awards, Grants & Prizes: A Year-Round Guide for Early Career Neuroscientists
- Ten Neuroscience Conferences to Attend in 2025
- Networking & Knowledge-Sharing for Early Career Neuroscientists
- Ten Inspiring Neuroscientists to Follow on LinkedIn
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