Applications are now open for 2026 International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships. 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.
Fellowship Specifications:
The fellowship must
be international (i.e. the host laboratory should be located in a different country from the home laboratory)
begin in 2026
The required grant report should be submitted no later than 3 months following the conclusion of the exchange.
Funds will transferred according to an 80:20 format, meaning 80% of the grant will be awarded two months prior to the start date of the exchange, and the remaining 20% upon completion of exchange and submission of the required grant report.
The funds can be transferred to an account in grantee’s name, that of their institution or of someone else directly involved with the grant, i.e. their supervisor. Depending on the situation, exceptions could be made.
Requirements
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.
Maximum Grant Amount: 6,000 USD
Application Details
Application Form
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.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026.