2026 IBRO Exchange Fellowships for Early-Career Neuroscientists – $6,000 Grant

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the 2026 International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships, a prestigious program designed to support early-career neuroscientists in broadening their research experience through international laboratory visits. The fellowship provides funding for travel and living expenses, enabling participants to gain new skills, access specialized facilities, and expand their scientific networks.

Priority is given to applicants from under-funded or less developed countries, with efforts made to ensure gender and regional diversity.

Fellowship Overview

• Fellowship Type: International neuroscience exchange
• Duration: Minimum 3 months
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Funding: Maximum grant amount of $6,000 USD per fellowship
• Payment Structure: 80% two months before the exchange, 20% after completion and submission of the grant report

Key Specifications

• Fellowships must be international, meaning the host laboratory is in a different country from the applicant’s home laboratory.
• Grant reports are required within 3 months after the completion of the exchange.
• Funds may be transferred to the applicant, their institution, or their supervisor’s account, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Matching funds from the host laboratory are encouraged to help cover travel and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants:
  • PhD students in neuroscience
  • Early career postdoctoral fellows, within 5 years of starting their postdoctoral training
• Regional Eligibility:
  • Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, US/Canada
  • African applicants must be affiliated with a research or academic institution within Africa
• Research Requirements:
  • Proposed exchange should last a minimum of 3 months
  • Exchange can occur within or outside the applicant’s home region

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following through the IBRO Grants Portal:

1. Applicant Details: Academic background and current research focus
2. Grants Received: A list of previous grants, including any IBRO grants
3. Research Proposal: Detailed description of the project requiring IBRO support
4. Exchange Fellowship Details: Information about the host laboratory and exchange plan
5. Motivation and Impact Statement: Explanation of the motivation for applying and how the fellowship will impact research and home laboratory
6. Budget Request: Itemized breakdown of funding requested from IBRO
7. Host Acceptance Letter: Confirmation from the host supervisor agreeing to the exchange
8. References: Minimum of one reference letter, though two are recommended for stronger assessment
9. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated CV including academic achievements and relevant experience

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the IBRO Grants Portal. All supporting documents, including host acceptance letters and reference letters, must be provided for a complete application.

The IBRO Exchange Fellowship provides early-career neuroscientists with a unique opportunity to gain international research experience, develop professional skills, and strengthen global collaborations while advancing neuroscience research in under-resourced regions.