FENS Forum 2026 – Federation of European Neuroscience Societies
Europe’s largest neuroscience conference comes to Barcelona
6 to 10 July 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
The FENS Forum 2026 will bring together neuroscientists, researchers, clinicians, students, institutions and industry partners from across Europe and beyond for five days of scientific exchange, collaboration and brain research. Coordinated by FENS in partnership with the Spanish Society of Neuroscience, the Forum covers all areas of neuroscience, from basic research through to translational and clinical science.
Highlights of the 2026 conference
FENS Forum 2026 will bring together a broad programme of scientific sessions, networking opportunities and exhibition activity for the neuroscience community.
Scientific symposia covering the latest developments in neuroscience
Plenary and special lectures from leading researchers
Technical workshops and special interest events
Poster sessions, networking opportunities and career development sessions
A busy exhibition featuring technology, tools and services for neuroscience research
Come and join our fantastic team to learn how our LED Illumination Systems for fluorescence microscopy and optogenetics can support neuroscience research, from everyday fluorescence imaging to fast, precise light control.
What We’re Going to Bring
We’ll be bringing ourpE-300opto to FENS Forum 2026 for its major European launch, placing optogenetics front row centre at one of Europe’s biggest neuroscience meetings.
Designed specifically for scientists using optogenetics, the pE-300opto combines fast, precise optical stimulation with the flexibility needed for both ex vivo and in vivo neuroscience experiments. With three individually controllable LEDs at 470 nm, 550 nm and 635 nm, <10 µs TTL triggering, inline excitation filter holders and the option to switch between liquid light guide and fibre output, it has been developed to support a wide range of opsins and experimental setups.
For researchers working in optogenetics, electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging or combined stimulation and imaging experiments, FENS Forum 2026 is the ideal opportunity to see the pE-300opto up close, speak to the CoolLED team and explore how precise LED illumination can support neuroscience research.
We’ll also be showcasing other LED Illumination Systems from our fluorescence microscopy range, including the pE-400 Series and pE-800, giving visitors the chance to compare solutions for routine fluorescence imaging, high-speed switching and more advanced multi-channel microscopy applications.
pE-300opto
The pE-300optois a dedicated LED Illumination System for optogenetics, designed to deliver fast, precise optical stimulation for neuroscience research. With blue, green-yellow and red LED channels at 470 nm, 550 nm and 635 nm, the system supports a wide range of opsins
pE-400 Series
The pE-400 Series delivers the most advanced yet cost-effective illumination for routine to advanced fluorescence microscopy applications. Four powerful LEDs offer broad spectral coverage from 365-635 nm for use with fluorophores ranging from DAPI through YFP to Cy5.
pE-800
The arrival of the pE-800 sees LEDs take centre stage as the widefield illumination method of choice. Featuring eight individually controllable LEDs and lightning fast TTL switching; the pE-800 delivers the highest quality data with minimum total cost of ownership.
Things To Do in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most recognisable cities, combining architecture, culture, food, sea views and the sort of sunshine that makes you briefly wonder whether conference travel is actually a lifestyle choice.
Best known for Gaudí’s extraordinary buildings, lively neighbourhoods and Mediterranean setting, Barcelona offers plenty to explore around the conference schedule – From world-famous landmarks to relaxed evening walks.
| Item | Thing to do | Official website / booking link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Sagrada Família — Barcelona’s most famous landmark and one of Gaudí’s most extraordinary works. Its towering architecture, stained glass and sheer scale make it a must-see, even if you only have a short amount of free time. | Official Sagrada Família website |
| 2 | Explore Park Güell — A colourful hillside park designed by Gaudí, known for its mosaic details, curved forms and views across the city. Useful for anyone who enjoys architecture, photography or pretending a conference trip is also a cultural sabbatical. | (Park Güell) |
| 3 | Walk through the Gothic Quarter — A maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, squares, cafés and shops. It is ideal for an evening wander after a day of talks, posters and trying to remember where you left your lanyard. | (Barcelona Tourism) |
| 4 | Visit Casa Batlló — One of Gaudí’s most distinctive buildings, with a colourful façade, flowing interiors and an architectural style that suggests straight lines were having a day off. | Official Casa Batlló website |
| 5 | Head to Montjuïc — A scenic area with gardens, museums, viewpoints and cultural attractions overlooking the city. A good option if you want a change of pace from the busier central streets. | (Barcelona Tourism) |
About CoolLED
CoolLED specialises in LED microscope lighting and, since our team of four introduced the first commercially available LED microscope light source in 2006, we have led the way in designing and manufacturing cutting edge microscope lighting.
