The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) has officially opened applications for its Collaborative Research Grants 2026, designed to foster international partnerships between emerging and established neuroscience research groups.

This competitive grant supports early-career principal investigators (PIs) seeking to build impactful scientific collaborations across regions. If you are leading an emerging laboratory and looking to expand your research network globally, this funding opportunity can help accelerate your scientific career.

Application Deadline

Applications are open from 15 February 2026 to 15 March 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the official IBRO Grants Portal during this period.

About the IBRO Collaborative Research Grants

The IBRO Collaborative Research Grants aim to strengthen global neuroscience research by encouraging partnerships between:

Two emerging research groups, or
One emerging and one established research group

The funding supports direct collaboration expenses only, including:

International travel
Accommodation
Subsistence
Research-related expenses

Indirect costs and institutional overheads are not covered.

Collaborations must begin in 2026 and be completed within two years of the start date.

Maximum Grant Amount by Region

Asia-Pacific: USD 6,000
Africa: USD 6,000
Latin America: USD 6,000
Pan-Europe: USD 5,000
US/Canada: USD 6,000

Funds are disbursed using an 80:20 format:

80% awarded two months before the collaboration start date
20% released upon submission of the final funding report

Who Can Apply?

Project Leader Requirements

Must be a Principal Investigator (PI) for a maximum of 7 years
Must lead an emerging laboratory (established within the last 7 years)
Career breaks (e.g., maternity, paternity, adoption leave) are accepted if justified

Collaborator Requirements

Must be a Principal Investigator
Can be from an emerging or established laboratory

Collaboration Conditions

Must include bi-directional travel between groups
May involve PIs, postdoctoral researchers, and/or students
Must align with the scientific objectives outlined in the proposal

Regional Eligibility Rules

IBRO applies specific regional collaboration guidelines:

Africa, Asia-Pacific, Pan-Europe: Project leaders must apply with an inter-regional collaborator (outside their IBRO region).
Latin America: Eligible for both intra-regional and inter-regional collaborations.
US/Canada: Eligible for intra-regional (US–Canada) or inter-regional collaborations. Inter-regional partnerships are preferred.

Special consideration is given to proposals that strengthen emerging groups, smaller institutions, and underrepresented research environments.

Why Apply for IBRO Collaborative Research Grants?

Expand your international research network
Strengthen capacity in emerging neuroscience labs
Gain global research visibility
Support mobility of early-career researchers
Foster long-term scientific partnerships

For neuroscientists looking to build sustainable international collaborations, this grant provides structured support and recognition from a globally respected scientific organization.

How to Apply

Create an applicant account on the IBRO Grants Portal
Review the funding terms and FAQ
Submit your application during the official application window

Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility criteria carefully before submission.

For more information, visit the official IBRO website: Click Here

Check for more grant opportunities here

IBRO Collaborative Research Grants 2026: Up to $6,000 to Fund International Neuroscience Collaborations

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