INNS Educational Activities

The VP of Education of the International Neural Network Society (INNS) is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, empowering early-career researchers, and cultivating mentorship pathways across the global artificial intelligence and neural network communities. Through structured support programs, financial assistance, and research recognition, INNS ensures emerging scholars have the tools, guidance, and network required to advance the field.

INNS Doctoral Consortium

The INNS Doctoral Consortium is a premier mentoring event held in conjunction with the annual International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN). Designed primarily for Ph.D. candidates midway through their doctoral programs, the consortium provides a collaborative setting to present ongoing work, work through research challenges, and build connections with senior experts.

Key Objectives

• Gain Insights and Perspectives: Obtain new ideas and diverse perspectives on their research directions.
• Build Networks: Form lasting friendships with fellow attendees, fostering a supportive cohort of emerging scholars committed to collaborative research.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Each student will be paired with a senior researcher to discuss their research and career aspirations.

Submission Package Requirements

• Research Summary (1 page): Highlights core topics, key contributions to date, and planned future directions.
• Research Plan: A brief document (up to 2 pages) outlining the remaining thesis roadmap.
• Academic Profile: CV, thesis abstract (up to 1,000 characters), department/university affiliation, advisor name, and estimated defense date.

Travel Support & Recognition

Selected participants receive dedicated travel grant support. Accepted students are invited to attend the INNS Doctoral Consortium and Student Luncheon during the conference to receive their participation certificates.

Application Guidelines & Timeline

• Applications open in March and close in April annually.
• Students are welcome to apply for both the Doctoral Consortium and the IJCNN Travel Grant Program, but may only be approved for one.

• Grant funds are transferred strictly after the conclusion of the conference, contingent upon full attendance at the Doctoral Consortium and the Student Luncheon.

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IJCNN Travel Grants Program

Fully sponsored by INNS, the IJCNN Travel Grants Program provides partial financial assistance (offsetting flight and hotel costs) to lower financial barriers for student authors presenting their research at IJCNN.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active INNS member or student member.
• Full-time student enrolled in an accredited degree program.
• First (primary) author of an accepted paper on an official IJCNN topic track.
• Registered to attend and present the paper in person.

Application Materials

• Proof of current student enrollment (e.g., valid student ID).
• A brief statement of need (maximum 1,000 characters).
• Formal letter of support from an academic advisor or department chair.

Recognition

Awardees are invited to receive their award certificates at the INNS Student Luncheon during the conference. 

Application Guidelines & Timeline

• Applications open in March and close in April annually.
• Students are welcome to apply for both the Doctoral Consortium and the IJCNN Travel Grant Program, but may only be approved for one.

• Grant funds are transferred strictly after the conclusion of the conference, contingent upon full attendance at the Student Luncheon.

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INNS Doctoral Dissertation Award