RFPs: IBRO Collaborative Research Grants Program

The IBRO Collaborative Research Grants Program supports international neuroscience collaborations between emerging and established research groups. Grants of up to USD 6,000 (Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, US/Canada) and USD 5,000 (Pan-Europe) are available to cover direct collaboration expenses such as travel and research costs. Projects must begin in 2026, run for a maximum of two years, and follow an 80:20 disbursement structure.

About the Programme

The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Collaborative Research Grants Program is designed to strengthen global neuroscience research through structured international partnerships.

The programme prioritizes:

• Capacity building for emerging laboratories

• Cross-border scientific collaboration

• Knowledge exchange between research groups

• Advancement of neuroscience research

The funding strictly supports direct collaboration expenses and does not allow overhead or indirect institutional costs.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to:

1. Facilitate collaboration between two emerging research groups

2. Support partnerships between an emerging and an established research group

3. Promote international mobility and scientific exchange

4. Strengthen research capacity in emerging laboratories

An “emerging laboratory” is defined as:

• Established within the last seven years

• Led by an early-career principal investigator

Funding Amount and Regional Allocation

Maximum funding depends on the applicant’s regional classification:

• Up to USD 6,000: Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, US/Canada

• Up to USD 5,000: Pan-Europe

Funding must be used exclusively for collaboration-related activities.

Eligible Expenses

The grant may cover:

• Travel (bi-directional)

• Accommodation

• Subsistence

• Research costs directly related to collaboration

The grant does not cover:

• Institutional overhead

• Indirect costs

• Non-collaboration expenses

Disbursement Structure

IBRO follows an 80:20 payment model:

• 80% released two months before the official collaboration start date

• 20% released after completion and submission of required reports

Funds may be transferred to:

• The grantee

• The host institution

• Another directly involved individual (subject to specific conditions)

Who Is Eligible?

Project Leader Requirements

The Project Leader must:

• Be a Principal Investigator (PI)

• Lead an emerging laboratory

• Have no more than 7 years in the PI role

Career breaks (maternity, paternity, adoption leave) may be considered if justified.

Collaborator Requirements

The Collaborator must:

• Be a Principal Investigator

• Belong to either an emerging or established laboratory

Regional Eligibility Rules

Eligibility depends on IBRO regional classification:

• Africa, Asia-Pacific, Pan-Europe: Only inter-regional collaborations allowed

• Latin America: Both intra-regional and inter-regional collaborations allowed

• US/Canada: Collaborations within US/Canada or inter-regional allowed (inter-regional preferred if benefits are demonstrated)

Inter-regional collaboration is encouraged to maximize scientific exchange.

Project Timeline and Reporting

• Collaborations must begin in 2026

• Maximum duration: 2 years

• Interim report required one year after start

• Final reporting details provided after grant award

Bi-directional travel is required and must involve:

• Principal investigators

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Students contributing directly to the research

Why This Grant Matters

The IBRO Collaborative Research Grant:

• Builds global neuroscience partnerships

• Supports early-career principal investigators

• Encourages international mobility

• Strengthens research capacity in emerging laboratories

• Facilitates long-term scientific networks

It is particularly valuable for emerging research groups seeking global integration.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify PI status, years in role, and regional collaboration requirements.

Step 2: Identify a Qualified Collaborator

Ensure collaborator meets PI criteria and regional rules.

Step 3: Develop Collaboration Plan

Prepare a proposal outlining:

• Scientific objectives

• Collaboration activities

• Travel plan (bi-directional)

• Budget breakdown

• Expected outcomes

Step 4: Submit Through IBRO Portal

Applications must be submitted via the official IBRO grants portal during the active application window.

Step 5: Monitor Communications

Stay updated through IBRO’s official channels. If technical issues arise, submit a support request immediately.

The next application period is expected around the same time next year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including indirect or overhead costs

• Failing to meet regional collaboration rules

• Exceeding 7-year PI eligibility

• Proposing one-directional travel only

• Submitting incomplete budgets

• Ignoring reporting obligations

Careful compliance with eligibility rules is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to USD 6,000 (Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, US/Canada) and USD 5,000 (Pan-Europe).

2. Can established laboratories apply as project leaders?

No. The project leader must be from an emerging laboratory.

3. Are overhead costs allowed?

No. Only direct collaboration expenses are eligible.

4. How long can the collaboration last?

Maximum of two years.

5. When must projects begin?

All funded collaborations must commence in 2026.

6. Is inter-regional collaboration mandatory?

Yes for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Pan-Europe. Optional (but encouraged) for Latin America and US/Canada.

7. When is the remaining 20% of funding released?

After completion of the collaboration and submission of required reports.

Conclusion

The IBRO Collaborative Research Grants Program provides targeted funding to support international neuroscience collaborations led by emerging principal investigators. With regional funding allocations, structured reporting requirements, and a focus on direct collaboration expenses, the programme strengthens global research networks while building capacity in early-career laboratories.

Eligible applicants should ensure compliance with regional collaboration rules and prepare a clear, realistic proposal for submission during the official application period.