The SIF Early Career Pharmacologists Group (SIF-ECPG) was formally established in 2013 within the Italian Society of Pharmacology (Società Italiana di Farmacologia, SIF) during the presidency of Professor Pier Luigi Canonico. The original name of the Group was “SIF-Giovani” and it was created to promote the scientific and professional development of early-career pharmacologists by fostering networking, collaboration, and scientific initiatives dedicated to researchers under the age of 38. To better reflect its mission and enhance its visibility and inclusiveness within the international scientific community, the Group subsequently adopted the current name.
Today, the SIF-ECPG brings together more than 700 members, including PhD students, medical residents, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists working in pharmacology and related disciplines. The SIF-ECPG is led by an elected Committee. Information on the current Committee members and governance is available here (hyperlink). While the Group enjoys substantial autonomy in planning and organizing its activities, it operates in close collaboration with the SIF Executive Board, the appointed Senior Advisor, and the SIF Secretariat. Since its foundation, the SIF-ECPG has grown into a dynamic community committed to supporting young scientists through scientific exchange, career development, networking, and international collaboration.
Main Activities
The SIF-ECPG regularly organizes scientific and educational initiatives designed to foster the professional growth of its members. These include:
· the SIF-ECPG Conference, an international biennial meeting dedicated to PhD students, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, medical residents, and other early-career scientists in pharmacology and related biomedical sciences;
· educational events addressing current topics in pharmacological research (Webinars and Schools);
· career development activities focused on scientific communication, research methodology, grant writing, and professional skills (Masterclass);
· collaborative initiatives with national scientific societies from different disciplines (i.e. PharmAcademy).
· collaborative initiatives with international scientific societies, including EPHAR and IUPHAR.
· networking initiatives that foster collaborations among Early Career Groups of other societies;
Get Involved
The activities and governance of the SIF-ECPG are continuously updated throughout the year. To learn more and become actively involved, please visit:
Early-career members are encouraged to actively participate in the SIF-ECPG community by joining one or more Working Groups, contributing to scientific initiatives, and taking part in the Group's educational, networking, and outreach activities.
Beyond its own initiatives, the SIF-ECPG also contributes to the development of programmes and activities dedicated to early-career researchers within the scientific meetings, congresses, and educational initiatives promoted by the Italian Society of Pharmacology. Discover all the initiatives across SIF events here (hyperlink).
Through its scientific, educational, and networking initiatives, the SIF-ECPG continues to support the next generation of pharmacologists and to strengthen the role of early-career researchers within the Italian Society of Pharmacology and the broader international scientific community.
For information about the SIF-ECPG, joining the Group or SIF Working Groups, and participating in its activities, please contact the SIF Secretariat and include "SIF-ECPG" in the subject line of your email.