IBRO Schools Support Program for Neuroscience Training

Deadline: 31-May-2026

The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Schools Support Program provides funding to organize neuroscience training schools that promote global collaboration, capacity building, and diversity in brain research. Funding supports Foundation Training Schools up to USD 25,000 and Advanced Training Schools up to USD 50,000, covering course fees, travel, accommodation, meals, and laboratory materials for participants from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The IBRO Schools Support Program is designed to strengthen neuroscience education and international collaboration by funding training schools that advance knowledge, skills, and research capacity globally. The program emphasizes diversity, inclusion, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on experience in neuroscience.

Objectives of the Program

The program supports schools that:

• Deliver structured neuroscience training with lecture-based and hands-on experimental components
• Foster global collaboration and networking among faculty and students
• Promote diversity and representation from underserved and economically disadvantaged regions
• Support early-career researchers including MBBS, MSc, Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty
• Advance theoretical, technological, and methodological developments in neuroscience

Types of Schools Supported

Foundation Training Schools

• Funding: Up to USD 25,000
• Duration: Minimum 5 days
• Participants: 20–40 students (full financial support)
• Focus: Lecture-based learning, discussions, and basic experimental exposure
• Eligibility: MBBS, MSc, and Ph.D. students
• Coverage: Course fees, travel, accommodation, meals

Advanced Training Schools

• Funding: Up to USD 50,000 (co-funding or in-kind support required)
• Duration: Minimum 2 weeks
• Participants: Up to 30 students (full financial support; at least 50% international)
• Focus: Advanced hands-on laboratory training, research projects, and cutting-edge theoretical developments
• Eligibility: Senior Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty
• Coverage: Course fees, travel, accommodation, meals, teaching materials, and lab supplies

Eligibility Criteria

• Schools must be scheduled for 2027
• All participant costs must be fully covered by the grant
• Organizers must ensure gender and geographic diversity across organizing committees, faculty, and participants
• A confirmed speaker list adhering to diversity requirements must be included in the application

Eligible Costs

• Covered: Course fees, participant travel, accommodation, meals, teaching materials, laboratory supplies, and venue-related expenses
• Not Covered: Speaker honoraria, organizing committee meetings, and unspecified costs

How to Apply

1. Plan the School: Define objectives, duration, participant profile, curriculum, and hands-on components.
2. Assemble Organizing Committee: Ensure diversity in gender and geographic representation.
3. Confirm Faculty and Speakers: Include a list of instructors adhering to diversity requirements.
4. Budget Preparation: Include all eligible costs and co-funding or in-kind support if applying for Advanced Training Schools.
5. Submit Application: Follow IBRO guidelines and deadlines for 2027 school funding consideration.

Tips for Organizers

• Prioritize underrepresented and economically disadvantaged participants
• Ensure international participation for Advanced Schools
• Clearly demonstrate educational outcomes and skill-building objectives
• Include hands-on and experimental components wherever feasible

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can organize an IBRO School?
   Any institution or organization capable of delivering neuroscience training and adhering to IBRO diversity guidelines.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
   USD 25,000 for Foundation Schools; USD 50,000 for Advanced Schools.
3. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
   Yes, for participants and faculty, fully covered under the grant.
4. Do schools need to include international participants?
   Yes, at least 50% of Advanced School participants must be international.
5. What costs are not funded?
   Speaker honoraria, organizing committee meetings, and unspecified expenses.
6. What diversity requirements exist?
   Balanced representation across organizing committees, faculty, and participants by gender and geography is mandatory.

Conclusion

The IBRO Schools Support Program empowers the next generation of neuroscientists by providing high-quality education, practical research experience, and international networking opportunities, while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in global brain research.

For more information, visit IBRO.