International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships 2026 (Funded)

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Applications are open for the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships 2026. The fellowships enable early-career neuroscientists to broaden the scope of their neuroscience training by conducting goal-directed laboratory visits.

The Exchange Fellowships for neuroscience international internships are designed to cover 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.

Funding

• Africa: Maximum Grant Amount: $6,000 USD
• Asia-Pacific: Maximum Grant Amount:
  • Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting: USD $2,500
  • Classic Exchange: USD $8,000
• Latin-America: Maximum Grant Amount: USD $7,500
• US/Canada: Maximum Grant Amount: USD $8,000

Eligibility

• Open to PhD neuroscience students.
• Early career postdoctoral fellows:
  • maximum 5 years from the start of their initial postdoc experience

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.

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.
• Applicants have the flexibility to apply for international exchanges either within or outside the Asia-Pacific 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.

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.

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.

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: One reference letter is a minimum requirement. However, providing two references is highly encouraged for a more thorough assessment. Requests for references will be sent out automatically through the IBRO Grants Portal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A copy of the applicant’s CV.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit IBRO Fellowship.