The IBRO Exchange Fellowships provide a powerful opportunity for early-career neuroscientists to expand their research skills through international laboratory exchanges. Designed to support practical, goal-driven training, this program enables researchers to gain hands-on experience while strengthening collaboration between home and host laboratories.
Through the IBRO Exchange Fellowships, participants sharpen their expertise, broaden scientific networks, and accelerate career growth in neuroscience.
About the IBRO Exchange Fellowships
The IBRO Exchange Fellowships support international neuroscience internships that cover travel and local living expenses during the exchange period. The program prioritizes applicants from under-funded and less developed regions while also promoting gender and regional diversity.
Importantly, each fellowship focuses on practical training rather than theory alone. Fellows work directly in host laboratories to advance clearly defined research goals.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship targets early-career researchers who actively pursue neuroscience training. Eligible applicants include:
- PhD students in neuroscience
- Postdoctoral fellows within five years of their first postdoc
Applicants must currently reside in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, or the US/Canada. Researchers based in Europe should instead apply through the dedicated FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowship program.
Regional Eligibility and Funding Scope
Eligibility and funding levels vary by region, allowing the IBRO Exchange Fellowships to respond to local research realities.
Africa
Applicants must affiliate with an academic or research institution within Africa. Exchanges may take place inside or outside the region. Each exchange must last at least three months, with funding capped at USD 6,000.
Asia-Pacific
Applicants may choose between:
- Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting (USD 2,500)
- Classic Exchange lasting four to six months (USD 8,000)
Latin America
Proposed exchanges must run for a minimum of four months, with funding up to USD 7,500.
US/Canada
Applicants may pursue exchanges inside or outside the region for at least four months, with grants up to USD 8,000.
Fellowship Structure and Grant Conditions
All exchanges must:
- Be international
- Begin in 2026
- Submit a grant report within three months of completion
IBRO releases funds using an 80:20 structure. Fellows receive 80% before the exchange begins and the remaining 20% after submitting the final report.
Funds may transfer to the fellow, their institution, or a supervising researcher, depending on circumstances.
Application Requirements
Applicants submit materials through the IBRO Grants Portal. Required documents include:
- Academic background and research focus
- Detailed research proposal
- Exchange fellowship plan
- Motivation and impact statement
- Budget breakdown
- Host laboratory acceptance letter
- One or two reference letters
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applications undergo evaluation based on scientific merit, proposal quality, host lab commitment, and overall benefit to the applicant and home institution.
How to Apply
Applicants must first create an account on the IBRO Grants Portal during the open application period. The official application link appears in the key information section at the top of the call.
Grant Status: Open
Application Window: 15 January 2026 – 15 April 2026
Grant Type: Career Development
