Applications are open for the IBRO Seeding Neuroscience Grants 2026. The deadline to apply is 30 September 2026. This grant supports emerging neuroscience societies and thematic networks in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
Specifically, IBRO will fund inaugural activities that help groups build formal structures for neuroscience exchange. These activities may include governance planning, strategic workshops, and related meetings. However, activities must take place in 2027 and must be held in-person or in a hybrid format.
Application Deadline: Applications: 1 Sep 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Eligible Countries: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America
Award Provider: International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
Project Location: Activities must take place in 2027 and be held in-person or in a hybrid format (fully virtual activities are not eligible).
About the Grant
The IBRO Seeding Neuroscience Grants aim to support the development of new neuroscience societies or thematic networks in regions where formal structures remain limited or are still emerging. Therefore, the grant is designed for groups that want to organize foundational activities and build long-term collaboration.
Eligible inaugural activities may include workshops, planning meetings, and strategy sessions. In addition, applicants should show how the proposed activity will contribute to the formal establishment and sustainability of the society or network.
Eligibility
- Groups of scientists or organizations working towards the formation of a formal neuroscience society or thematic network
- Emerging neuroscience societies that are not yet formally established
- Groups based in regions with little or no formal structure for neuroscience exchange
- Applicants must include at least one letter of support from recognised neuroscience leaders or institutions
- Activities must be in-person or hybrid; fully virtual activities are not eligible
- In countries with an established national neuroscience society, applicants may apply only if they are starting a formal process to create a dedicated sub-society or regional chapter, and the activities focus on planning and governance
Grant Amount: Maximum grant amounts — Asia-Pacific: 2,000 USD; Africa: 5,000 USD; Latin America: 4,000 USD
Project Duration: One-off inaugural activities (e.g., workshops, planning meetings) to be held in 2027. Grant paid in two instalments (80% two months prior to activity; 20% after report).
Funding Scope: Covers eligible event-related costs such as venue rental, participant travel and accommodation, event materials, AV/technology for hybrid components, and administrative costs (administrative expenses limited to 10% of requested budget).
IBRO states that grant funds may support:
- Venue rental
- Participant travel and accommodation
- Event materials
- Audio-visual and technology costs for hybrid components
- Administrative costs, limited to 10% of the requested budget
Grant payments are made in two instalments. First, IBRO pays 80% two months before the activity starts. Then, the remaining 20% is released after completion and submission of the grant report.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required information and documents before starting the application. These include:
- Applicant organization or group overview, including mission, vision, and objectives
- Geographic scope and membership details
- Activity description, including title, proposed dates, format, and location
- Provisional program or draft schedule
- Composition of the organising committee
- List of confirmed or invited attendees with full name, affiliation, and role
- CVs of invited attendees for whom IBRO funding is requested
- Detailed budget breakdown showing use of IBRO funds
- Long-term sustainability plan for the proposed society or network
- At least one letter of support from recognised neuroscience leaders or institutions
- Description of diversity and inclusion efforts
- Plans for recognising IBRO’s support
Before applying, applicants should also ensure they can meet post-award responsibilities. For example, successful groups must align activities with IBRO’s diversity and inclusion values, acknowledge IBRO support in materials and during the activity, and upload a funding report through the IBRO Grants Portal no later than three months after the activity ends.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
