IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 – International Neuroscience Fellowship for Early-Career Researchers

The IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 is a global career-development opportunity designed to support early-career neuroscientists through international laboratory exchanges. The fellowship allows researchers to expand their scientific skills, gain hands-on training, and build international collaborations by working in a host laboratory located in a different country.

This program covers travel and living expenses during the exchange period, helping researchers focus fully on advancing their neuroscience research. Special priority is given to applicants from underfunded and developing countries, while promoting gender balance and regional diversity.

Quick Overview – IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026

About the IBRO Exchange Fellowships

The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) created the Exchange Fellowship to help young neuroscientists strengthen their research experience through international exposure. Fellows complete a goal-oriented laboratory exchange where they learn new techniques, collaborate with global experts, and improve their research capacity.

The fellowship is designed specifically for early-career researchers who want to broaden their training and contribute meaningful knowledge to neuroscience. By supporting international collaboration, IBRO aims to strengthen global neuroscience research and encourage knowledge sharing across regions.

Fellowship Objectives

The IBRO Exchange Fellowship aims to:

• Expand neuroscience training through international lab exchanges

• Support early-career researchers in building global collaborations

• Encourage knowledge transfer to home institutions

• Strengthen neuroscience research capacity worldwide

• Promote diversity, inclusion, and gender balance in research

Fellowship Conditions

All selected fellows must meet the following conditions:

• The exchange must be international (host lab must be in a different country from the home institution)

• The fellowship must start in 2026

• A grant report must be submitted within 3 months after completing the exchange

• Funding is paid in two stages:

  • 80% before the exchange begins

  • 20% after completion and submission of final report

• Funds may be transferred to:

  • The fellow

  • Their institution

  • Their supervisor (in certain cases)

Who Can Apply?

The IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 is open to:

• PhD students in neuroscience

• Early-career postdoctoral researchers

• Applicants within 5 years of starting their first postdoctoral position

Eligible applicants must currently reside in one of the following regions:

• Africa

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• United States / Canada

Applicants from Europe must apply through the separate FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowship program.

Regional Eligibility and Grant Amount

Funding and exchange duration vary by region.

Africa

• Must be affiliated with an academic or research institution in Africa

• Exchange can be within or outside Africa

• Minimum exchange duration: 3 months

• Must use a grant with matching support from the host lab

• Maximum grant: $6,000

Asia-Pacific

Two funding options are available:

1. Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting

• Includes a lab visit and a scientific meeting outside the home country

• Lab visit duration: 2 weeks to 4 months

• Maximum grant: $2,500

2. Classic Exchange

• Lab exchange duration: 4–6 months

• Maximum grant: $8,000

Latin America

• Exchange allowed within or outside the region

• Minimum duration: 4 months

• Maximum grant: $7,500

US / Canada

• Exchange allowed within or outside the region

• Minimum duration: 4 months

• Maximum grant: $8,000

Required Application Information

Applicants must complete the online application and provide the following:

• Personal and academic background

• List of previous grants received (including IBRO grants)

• Detailed research proposal

• Exchange fellowship plan

• Motivation and impact statement

• Detailed budget request

• Host supervisor acceptance letter

• At least one reference letter (two recommended)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

Academic and Scientific Strength: Strong research background, publications, and academic progress.

Quality of Research Proposal: Clear objectives, strong research design, and structured plan.

Host Laboratory Quality: Reputation, commitment, and support from the host lab.

Reference Letters: Referees must confirm the applicant’s potential and suitability.

Impact and Benefit: Demonstrated value to the applicant’s career and home institution.

How to Apply for IBRO Exchange Fellowship 2026

Follow these steps:

1. Create an applicant account on the IBRO Grants Portal

2. Complete the online application form

3. Upload all required documents

4. Submit your application before 15 April 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and carefully review the fellowship guidelines before submitting.

For more details, click here. 

Important Notes

• The exchange must take place in a different country from your home institution

• The fellowship must begin in 2026

• A final report is required within 3 months after completion

• Matching support from the host lab may be required in some regions

Why Apply for IBRO Exchange Fellowship?

This fellowship is one of the best international neuroscience funding opportunities for early-career researchers because it:

• Supports international research training

• Builds global scientific collaboration

• Provides funding for travel and living costs

• Strengthens research skills and career development

• Encourages knowledge transfer to home institutions

• Promotes diversity and inclusion in science

FAQs

What is the IBRO Exchange Fellowship?

It is an international fellowship that supports early-career neuroscientists through funded research exchanges in a foreign laboratory.

Who is eligible to apply?

PhD neuroscience students and early-career postdoctoral researchers within 5 years of starting their first postdoc, residing in eligible regions.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are open from 15 January to 15 April 2026.

What expenses does the fellowship cover?

The fellowship covers travel and living expenses during the exchange period.

Must the exchange be international?

Yes. The host laboratory must be located in a different country from the applicant’s home institution.

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