Deadline: April 15, 2026
The IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 programme offers early-career neuroscientists a valuable opportunity to undertake international research exchanges, gain advanced laboratory skills, and strengthen global scientific collaboration. This prestigious, funded fellowship supports PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers to conduct research visits in leading laboratories worldwide.
This post provides a complete overview of the IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026, including eligibility criteria, funding details, application requirements, and key dates.
About the IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026
The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Exchange Fellowships programme is designed to support mobility and capacity-building among early-career neuroscientists. The fellowship enables researchers to carry out short- to medium-term research visits at host laboratories abroad, allowing them to acquire new techniques, expand scientific networks, and contribute to research development in their home institutions.
IBRO places strong emphasis on supporting applicants from under-resourced and less-developed regions, while also promoting gender balance and regional diversity across the global neuroscience community.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a PhD student in neuroscience, or
- Be an early-career postdoctoral fellow (within five years of starting their first postdoctoral position)
- Be based in one of the following eligible regions:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- United States / Canada
Researchers based in Europe are not eligible under this scheme and should instead apply through the FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships programme.
Fellowship Funding and Duration
Funding amounts and exchange durations vary by region and programme type. The fellowship primarily covers travel and local living expenses during the exchange period.
Regional Funding Breakdown
Africa
- Funding: Up to USD 6,000
- Minimum duration: 3 months
Asia-Pacific
- Short Exchange + Scientific Meeting: Up to USD 2,500 (2 weeks to 4 months)
- Classic Exchange: Up to USD 8,000 (4 to 6 months)
Latin America
- Funding: Up to USD 7,500
- Minimum duration: 4 months
United States / Canada
- Funding: Up to USD 8,000
- Minimum duration: 4 months
Applicants are encouraged to secure complementary support from the host laboratory where possible.
What the Fellowship Covers
The IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 are intended to support:
- International travel costs
- Local living and subsistence expenses
- Research-related mobility costs during the exchange
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes:
- Personal and academic information
- A detailed research proposal outlining the planned work during the exchange
- Description of the proposed host laboratory and exchange stay
- Motivation statement explaining the expected impact of the fellowship
- A clear and realistic budget
- An official acceptance letter from the host supervisor
- At least one reference letter (two are strongly encouraged)
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
All applications are submitted through the official IBRO online grants portal.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Scientific quality and feasibility of the research proposal
- Applicant’s academic background and career stage
- Quality, suitability, and commitment of the host laboratory
- Strength of recommendation letters
- Expected benefit to the applicant and their home institution
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 15 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 (11:59 PM CEST)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for the IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026?
The IBRO Exchange Fellowships 2026 provide more than financial support. Successful applicants gain:
- Access to advanced research facilities and expertise
- International research experience and collaboration
- Enhanced career development and global visibility
- Skills and knowledge transferable to their home institutions
Need Support With Your Application?
We offer professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help strengthen your application and maximise your chances of success.
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