At FENS 2024, the Buddy System was designed to help students and young scientists feel more connected and less overwhelmed while navigating the conference. Whether you wanted to meet new people in research or explore Vienna with someone local, the Buddy System was here to help.

What Was the Buddy System?

The Buddy System was a no-fee program created for students and early-career researchers attending FENS 2024. It paired participants with others based on mutual interests or preferences, helping them start conversations and connections even before arriving in Vienna.

How Did It Work?

Participants who registered for the Buddy System were paired up and provided each other’s contact information to facilitate early connections. This allowed them to begin networking before the conference and have someone to explore Vienna with, share insights about the event, or discuss their research interests.

We also hosted an on-site meet-up and had a dedicated booth for buddies to visit, where they could gather in person and continue building those connections.

How Were Pairings Made?

Pairings were based on the preferences selected during registration or were left up to us to make the best matches possible.

What Could Buddies Do Together?

Once connected, the possibilities were endless! Buddies could:

• Ask questions about the conference, travel tips, or must-see spots in Vienna.
• Discuss different areas of neuroscience or share experiences from working in various countries.
• Visit our booth together for a small surprise.
• Attend our on-site meet-up and connect with experts.

But most importantly, the goal was to be supportive, enjoy each other’s company, and make the FENS 2024 experience more enjoyable.

The Buddy System was all about fostering community and ensuring that no one felt lost or alone during the conference. We hope the connections made through this program will last well beyond the event.