Junior Reviewer Training Programme
Introducing the Junior Reviewer Training Programme:
Shaping the Future of Scientific Excellence
The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), in collaboration with the European Journal of Neurology (EJoN), is proud to announce an exciting new initiative: The Junior Reviewer Training Programme. This innovative project is designed to empower early-career neurologists and trainees by equipping them with essential skills in scientific peer review—an area often overlooked in traditional academic training.
Why this programme is important
Peer review is the cornerstone of scientific integrity, yet formal training opportunities remain scarce. Junior researchers frequently face challenges in learning how to critically evaluate manuscripts, provide constructive feedback, and navigate editorial processes.
At the same time, journals worldwide struggle with a shortage of qualified reviewers, leading to delays and inconsistencies in publication quality.
The Junior Reviewer Training Programme addresses these gaps by creating a structured, mentorship-driven training experience. Participants will be paired with experienced EJoN editors in their field of interest for a period of 12 months. Reviewing the manuscripts, participants will learn best practices under expert guidance—ensuring both skill development and exposure to cutting-edge research.
Benefits for participants
Graduates of the programme will:
- Gain hands-on experience in peer review and editorial processes.
- Receive certification, enhancing their academic and professional profile.
- Improve their own scientific writing and publication success.
- Join a network of skilled reviewers, contributing to the advancement of neurology research.
Each successful participant will receive a publication voucher, granting one fee-waiver for a submission of their own article (the participant must be a first author) in EJoN within two years of completing the programme. Approximate worth of a publication voucher is € 3000. (note that this amount cannot be transferred to a different journal nor can it be paid out to the awardee).
Impact on the scientific community
By fostering a new generation of trained reviewers, this initiative will:
- Expand the EJoN reviewer pool with motivated, well-prepared professionals.
- Enhance the quality and efficiency of the publication process.
- Promote inclusivity and diversity in neurological research across Europe.
Timeline and next steps
The application deadline for the first round is 28 February 2026.
After the application deadline the Task Force reviews and rates each application, scanning for a clearly defined educational need. The best 5 applicants will be selected and matched with editors who will train them and guide during the programme.
The programme officially launches in May 2026, following an introductory webinar. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect at the EAN Congress in June 2026.
The maximum length of the programme for the participant is 12 calendar months counted from the start of the programme. The exact schedule will be announced together with the results of the application procedure.
Join us in shaping the future of neurology publishing!
- Active EAN membership: Full Individual Member or RRFS member working in an EAN Full Institutional Member country, a Corresponding Institutional Member country or low and lower-middle income country in sub-Saharan Africa. Please, note that approval of your first membership application may take up to 10 working days, and we advise that you submit it at least 3 weeks before the deadline for submitting the application
- Neurology resident or neurologist within the first 5 years of national board certification (junior consultant), PhD student, PhD graduate (graduated no more than 5 years ago), or post-doc (no more than 5 years into your post-doc position).
- Obliged to participate for the full length of the programme (12 months)
- Fluent in written and spoken English, as all the content is in English only.
Please note that, when entering the programme, applicants need to be:
- ready to take the initiative and define concrete goals;
- willing to learn and interested in professional development;
- aware of the additional duties and time engagement related to the training;
- able to monitor the progress of the training and redefine the timelines if needed.
To apply for the Programme, candidates must fill in the application form and upload their up-to-date CV and motivational letter (within the application form). All the documents must be filled in/provided in English.
IMPORTANT!
Please note that the Application Form is only visible for EAN Full individual members and RRFS members after login to myEAN.
Only applications completed until the deadline will enter the selection process. Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. However, a re-submission for the next call is possible. Participation in the programme is one time only.