Deadline: April 15, 2025
Applications are open for the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships 2025. The fellowships enable early-career neuroscientists to broaden the scope of their neuroscience training by conducting goal-directed laboratory visits.
This grant program is designated for covering travel and local expenses throughout the exchange period. Priority will be given to applicants from less developed and under-funded countries, in combination with efforts to ensure both gender and regional diversity.
Eligibility
- Open to PhD neuroscience students;
- Early career postdoctoral fellows – maximum 5 years from the start of the postdoc.
Only applicants currently residing in the following regions are eligible to apply:
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Africa
- US/Canada
Regional Eligibility Requirements
Africa
- The applicants must be affiliated with a research and/or academic institution within the Africa region.
- Applicants have the flexibility to apply for international exchanges either within or outside the Africa region.
- The grant is to be used along with matching funds from the host laboratory to defray the cost of travel and to subsidize living costs.
- The proposed laboratory exchange should last a minimum of 3 months.
- Maximum Grant Amount: $6,000 USD
Asia-Pacific
- Applicants affiliated with a research and/or academic institution within the Asia-Pacific region may apply to one of two different funding schemes:
- Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting
- This scheme is for a combination of a short lab visit and an attendance of a scientific meeting outside their country of residence. Both components should be included in the application for this scheme.
- The applicant is required to arrange a minimum 2-week laboratory visit that would be beneficial to their research, with the maximum duration being 4 months.
- Classic Exchange
- The applicant is required to arrange a 4-6 month laboratory exchange.
- Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting
Latin America
- Applicants have the flexibility to apply for international exchanges either within or outside the Latin American region.
- The proposed laboratory exchange should last a minimum of 4 months.
- Maximum Grant Amount: USD $8,500
US/Canada
- Applicants have the flexibility to apply for international exchanges either within or outside the US/Canada region.
- The proposed laboratory exchange should last a minimum of 4 months.
- Maximum Grant Amount: USD $8,000
Evaluation Criteria
The submitted applications will be assessed based on the following evaluation criteria:
- Scientific Credentials: The applicant has a strong academic and publication record, relevant work experience, and demonstrated progress to date.
- Quality of Research Proposal: The proposed research reflects a high standard of work in a significant research area, with clear aims, objectives, and a structured plan.
- Quality and Commitment of Host Lab: The host lab has a good reputation in the applicant’s research area(s), has expressed a strong commitment to support the proposed research, and has indicated matching research funds.
- Letters of Reference: The referees highly regard the applicant and assess their potential and suitability for IBRO funding.
- Benefit for the Applicant & Value to Home Lab: The applicant has clearly justified the need for the fellowship, and the value it brings to their home lab (through knowledge transfer, collaboration, etc.).
Application
The application form asks for the following information:
- Applicant Details: A brief description of the applicant’s academic background and current research focus.
- Grants Received: A list of grants that you have received, including IBRO grants.
- Research Proposal: A detailed description of the research project for which you request IBRO support.
- Exchange Fellowship Details: Information regarding the proposed exchange stay.
- Motivation and Impact Statement: A comprehensive explanation of your motivation in applying for this program and the impact of the requested funds to your research project and home laboratory.
- Budget Request: A detailed budget breakdown, specifying the proposed items to be funded by IBRO.
- Host Acceptance: An official acceptance letter from the host supervisor expressing their interest and confirming their willingness to accept the applicant for the proposed exchange stay.
- References: Two letters of reference supporting the applicant’s suitability for the award. One of them should ideally be the head of the department where you are starting your laboratory.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A copy of the applicant’s CV.
For more information, visit IBRO Exchange Fellowships.
