About this opportunity
Specialised teaching and hands-on training can shape the whole arc of a research career, and the cost of getting there is often what stops people. The IBRO Neuroscience Training Grants exist to remove that barrier. The grant covers the costs directly tied to attending a neuroscience training course or school, including registration fees, travel and local expenses.
This round is open to PhD students and early-career postdoctoral fellows who are within five years of starting their first postdoctoral fellowship, and it funds courses that begin between 1 January and 31 August 2027. Applications for this round open on 15 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
The amount you can request depends on where you live. Applicants resident in Africa may request up to USD 5,000, while Asia-Pacific and Latin America cap at USD 3,000, Pan-Europe at USD 4,500 and the US and Canada at USD 4,000. Funding priority goes to applicants from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on gender and regional diversity, and preference may be given to those who can use IBRO funds as matching funds.
Two things are worth knowing before you apply. Applications for this scheme are not accepted from students wishing to attend an IBRO-Supported School, as those schools run their own application route. And the programme accepts applications twice a year, so a course later in 2027 can still be covered in the round that opens in April 2027.
What you receive
- Coverage of training course registration fees
- Coverage of travel related to the training course
- Coverage of local expenses during the course
- Up to USD 5,000 for applicants resident in Africa
- Career development funding administered through the IBRO Grants Portal
- Option to use IBRO funds as matching funds alongside institutional or other support
Who can apply
- You are a PhD student or an early-career postdoctoral fellow
- You are within five years of starting your first postdoctoral fellowship
- You plan to attend a neuroscience training course that starts between 1 January and 31 August 2027
- The course is a structured programme focused on education and skill development in a field closely related to neuroscience
- You are applying during the open window of 15 September to 31 October 2026
- Applications to attend an IBRO-Supported School are not considered under this scheme, apply directly to the school through the IBRO Training page instead
- Conference or meeting attendance and exchange stays at another laboratory are not eligible costs under this grant
- Funding priority goes to applicants from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds, with emphasis on gender and regional diversity
Who should not apply
- Costs related to attending a conference or meeting
- Costs related to an exchange stay at another laboratory
- Attendance at an IBRO-Supported School, which has its own application route
Documents to prepare
- Applicant details, a brief description of your academic background and current research focus
- Course description with detailed information about the training course and its relevance to your research and career development
- Impact statement explaining how attending the course will benefit your research or career trajectory
- At least one letter of reference, and one reference must come from your current supervisor
- Detailed budget breakdown covering course fees, travel costs and local expenses
- Details of any co-funding sources and amounts if you will use IBRO funds as matching funds
- Course acceptance letter after you are awarded the grant, within the timeframe communicated to you
How to apply
- Check the IBRO country classification to confirm the maximum amount for your region of residence.
- Create an account on the IBRO Grants Portal if you have not used it before.
- Open the Neuroscience Training Grants application for this round on the IBRO Grants Portal.
- Enter your applicant details, including your academic background and current research focus.
- Add the course description and explain how the training relates to your research and career development.
- Write your impact statement on how attending the course will benefit your research or career trajectory.
- Nominate your referees and make sure at least one letter comes from your current supervisor.
- Submit a detailed budget covering course fees, travel and local expenses, plus co-funding details if you are matching IBRO funds.
- Submit before 31 October 2026, then provide your course acceptance letter within the timeframe given to successful applicants.
Selection process
- Applications are submitted through the IBRO Grants Portal during the open window of 15 September to 31 October 2026.
- Applications are evaluated on the completeness of the applicant details, course description, impact statement, references and budget.
- Funding priority is given to applicants from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds, with strong emphasis on gender and regional diversity.
- Preference may be given to applicants who can leverage IBRO funds as matching funds from an institution or other source.
- Successful applicants are awarded the grant on condition that they provide their course acceptance letter within a specified timeframe.
- Payments follow an 80:20 format, 80 percent two months before the course starts and 20 percent on completion of the course, the certificate and the grant report.
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Who can apply for the IBRO Neuroscience Training Grants?
PhD students and early-career postdoctoral fellows who are within five years of starting their first postdoctoral fellowship, and who plan to attend a neuroscience training course starting between 1 January and 31 August 2027.
How much can I request?
The maximum depends on your region of residence. Africa is USD 5,000, Asia-Pacific and Latin America are USD 3,000 each, Pan-Europe is USD 4,500, and the US and Canada are USD 4,000.
What costs does the grant cover?
Training course registration fees, travel related to the training course, and local expenses. Costs tied to conference or meeting attendance, and costs tied to an exchange stay at another laboratory, are not eligible.
Can I use this grant for an IBRO-Supported School?
No. Applications from students wishing to attend an IBRO-Supported School are not considered under this programme. Apply directly to the school of interest through the dedicated application page listed on the IBRO Training page.
When is the next application round?
This round runs from 15 September to 31 October 2026 for courses starting between 1 January and 31 August 2027. The programme accepts applications twice a year, and the next round opens in April 2027 for courses starting between 1 July and 31 December 2027.
How and when is the money paid?
Funds are transferred in an 80:20 format. Eighty percent is awarded two months before the course start date, and the remaining twenty percent is released after the course, once you submit your certificate of attendance or completion and the required grant report. Payment can go to an account in your name, your institution, or someone directly involved such as your supervisor, with exceptions possible depending on the situation.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applications are submitted free of charge through the IBRO Grants Portal.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
