International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships 2025: (Deadline 15 April, 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.

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.).

Deadline: 15 April, 2025

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.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit IBRO Exchange Fellowships.