Call for Proposals: IBRO Parenthood Grant Program

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Parenthood Grant Program supports early-career neuroscientists who are approaching or experiencing parental leave, ensuring continuity of their independent research projects. The grant provides region-specific funding for research, professional support, and caregiving-related expenses, with applications accepted twice annually.

International Brain Research Organization Parenthood Grant Program Overview

The IBRO Parenthood Grant Program is designed to reduce career disruption for early-career principal investigators during pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption. The program ensures that ongoing neuroscience research projects can continue smoothly while researchers take on primary caregiving responsibilities.

The grant focuses on maintaining research momentum, protecting scientific productivity, and promoting equity in academic neuroscience.

Purpose and Key Objectives of the Grant

The Parenthood Grant Program aims to:

• Support continuity of independent research during parental leave

• Reduce structural barriers faced by early-career researchers with caregiving responsibilities

• Promote retention and equity in neuroscience research careers

• Enable timely completion of funded scientific projects

What the Grant Funds

The IBRO Parenthood Grant covers a wide range of research-related and professional expenses.

Eligible costs include:

• Laboratory reagents and consumables

• Facility, infrastructure, and core service fees

• Outsourcing of experiments or data acquisition

• Transportation of non-commercial samples or reagents

• Travel expenses related to conference participation

• Child-care costs linked to professional travel

• Professional services such as grant writing or research consultation

All requested costs must be clearly justified and directly linked to research continuity.

Funding Amount and Regional Limits

The maximum funding amount depends on the applicant’s geographic region and is determined by the relevant IBRO Regional Committee.

For Asia-Pacific applicants:

• Maximum grant amount: USD 2,000

Applicants should consult their regional guidelines when preparing the budget.

Project Duration and Fund Disbursement

Funded projects must adhere to a defined implementation timeline.

Key conditions include:

• Project duration: Up to one year from the proposed start date

• Mandatory grant report: Due within three months after project completion

• Funding disbursement:

  • Majority of funds released before project start

  • Remaining funds released after successful completion and reporting

Funds may be transferred to the grantee, their institution, or another approved authority involved in project execution.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The program is open to early-career principal investigators who meet all eligibility criteria.

Applicants must:

• Be an independent principal investigator for no more than seven years

• Demonstrate research independence with at least one peer-reviewed publication as corresponding author

• Account for justified career breaks such as maternity or adoption leave

Parental eligibility requirements include at least one of the following:

• Applicant or partner is pregnant for a minimum of four months

• Birth occurred within four months prior to the application deadline

• Adoption process is underway with the applicant assuming primary caregiving responsibilities

Why This Grant Matters

The IBRO Parenthood Grant addresses a critical gap in academic research funding by recognizing caregiving as a structural challenge rather than a personal limitation.

The program:

• Prevents loss of research productivity during parental transitions

• Supports gender equity and inclusion in neuroscience

• Encourages long-term retention of talented researchers

• Strengthens global neuroscience research capacity

Application Cycles and Key Dates

Applications are accepted twice per year.

Key timeline details:

• Next application call opens: July 1, 2026

• Project start date: Defined by applicant proposal

• Reporting deadline: Within three months of project completion

Applicants are advised to prepare documentation well in advance.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete and well-documented application package.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Prepare a structured research proposal explaining project continuity needs

2. Write a motivation and impact statement describing how the grant supports scientific progress

3. Develop a transparent and itemized budget aligned with eligible costs

4. Compile supporting documentation

5. Submit the application during the open call period

Incomplete or unclear submissions may be rejected during eligibility screening.

Required Application Documents

Applications must include the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Description of academic background and research focus

• Record of previous funding

• Institutional confirmation of independent principal investigator status

• Official documentation of pregnancy, birth, or adoption

• Agreement to IBRO terms and conditions

All documents must be accurate, current, and clearly legible.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed using a standardized review process.

Evaluation is based on:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements

• Scientific credentials and independence

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research plan

• Strength and clarity of the justification for support

• Transparency and appropriateness of the budget and spending plan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues:

• Submitting incomplete eligibility documentation

• Providing vague or unsupported budget requests

• Failing to demonstrate independent research leadership

• Missing deadlines or application windows

• Weak explanation of how the grant ensures research continuity

Clear alignment between needs, activities, and costs is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the IBRO Parenthood Grant Program?

The grant supports early-career neuroscientists during parental leave by funding research and professional expenses that help maintain project continuity.

Who can apply for the grant?

Early-career principal investigators with no more than seven years in their role, who meet parental eligibility criteria and demonstrate research independence, may apply.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Funding limits vary by region. Applicants from the Asia-Pacific region may request up to USD 2,000.

What expenses are eligible for funding?

Eligible expenses include research materials, outsourcing, professional services, travel, and child-care costs related to academic activities.

How long can the funded project run?

Projects must be completed within one year of the proposed start date.

When are applications accepted?

Applications are accepted twice per year, with the next call opening on July 1, 2026.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, scientific quality, feasibility, justification, and budget clarity.

Conclusion

The IBRO Parenthood Grant Program plays a vital role in supporting early-career neuroscience researchers during critical life transitions. By funding research continuity and caregiving-related needs, the program promotes equity, scientific excellence, and long-term career sustainability in global brain research.

For more information, visit IBRO.