Dear Selma Kanazir,

16 March 2026 - The ALBA Network, a division of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), is deeply concerned about persistent and growing visa barriers that prevent many scientists -  especially those with limited travel privileges from participating in international scientific events. Despite formal invitations and strong professional credentials, researchers often face high fees, complex procedures, opaque bureaucracy, long unjustified delays, and unexplained refusals. These obstacles limit scientific exchange and undermine global equity and inclusion.

Visa processes in many regions have become increasingly expensive and burdensome. In many cases, applications require high and non-refundable fees and visa bonds, detailed financial and employment records, proof of accommodation and travel bookings, and in-person interviews that may be costly or difficult to access. Processing times can stretch for weeks or months, frequently jeopardising researchers’ participation in scheduled scientific events. While researchers from high income countries enjoy nearunrestricted mobility, scientists from mobility-restricted regions are disproportionately affected, with rejection rates in parts of Africa and Asia far exceeding global averages (Maru, 2025; Maru 2026). Each visa denial carries significant financial and professional consequences, including missed presentations, lost awards, and exclusion from crucial networks (ODI Global 2026). Beyond individual setbacks, these barriers diminish collaborative potential, curtail the influx of novel ideas that drive innovation and scientific breakthroughs, and perpetuate an entre soi or clique culture that narrows research diversity – ultimately costing opportunities for transformative discoveries in neuroscience and beyond.

Call to action

To promote equitable access to scientific exchange, the ALBA Network urges:

1. Conference organizers:

• Rotatemeeting locations to countries with more accessible visa policies and offer reliable virtual or hybrid participation.
• Provide early speaker/awardee invitations and administrative support, including clear guidelines and official documentation for visa applications.
• Establish dedicated assistance or funds to help cover visa fees and related costs .

2.Governments and visa authorities to:

• Create simplified and expedited “scientific talent” visa pathways for accredited scientists attending international events.
• Reduce unnecessary documentation requirements and excessive fees.
• Offer fee waivers or subsidies for verified academic travel.
• Develop systems - such as researcher registries or multilateral visa agreements -that streamline repeat academic travel.

The ALBA Network recognises that conference organisers often work with limited resources and that not all recommended actions can be implemented immediately. However, we encourage organisers to consider these measures during event planning whenever feasible. Through ALBA activities, equitable participation is supported by notifying speakers and awardees 4–6 months in advance and providing letters of support to facilitate visa applications.

We stand in solidarity with scientists facing mobility barriers and call on the global community to ensure that participation in science is determined by talent and contribution - not nationality. A fair and inclusive system strengthens global neuroscience and benefits everyone.

Signed,

Prof. Violetta Zujovic, Chair, ALBA Network
Prof. Bita Moghaddam, Chair-Elect, ALBA Network
Prof. Francesca Cirulli, Past Chair, ALBA Network
Prof. Ole Kiehn, President, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
Prof. Nicholas Spitzer, President, Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
Prof. Shubha Tole, President, International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
Prof. Paola Bovolenta, FENS President-Elect
Prof. Emre Yaksi, FENS Programme Committee Chair
Prof. María Dolores Ledesma, FENS Forum 2026 Host Society Committee Chair

References:

Maru, M. T. (2025, January). Schengen visa discrimination in numbers. Henley & Partners. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/publications/global-mobility-report/2025-january/global-mobilitycontradiction-schengen-visa-discrimination-numbers

Maru, M. T. (2026, January). Global Mobility Hierarchy: EU Visa Reforms Reinforce Bias Against Africans. Henley & Partners. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/publications/global-mobilityreport/2026-january/global-mobility-hierarchy-eu-visa-reforms-reinforce-racial-bias-against-africans

Bracci, D & Maghoma, K. (2026, February). The hidden costs of global visa inequality. ODI Global. Retrieved from https://odi.org/en/insights/the-hidden-costs-of-global-visa-inequality/

Best regards,
Mediterranean Neurosciences Society