Deadline: October 15, 2025

Applications are open for the IBRO Seeding Neuroscience Grants 2025-2026. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Seeding Neuroscience Grants are designed to provide critical financial support for inaugural activities, such as governance planning or strategic workshops, that mark the first step toward building a formal national or regional society or thematic network.

In addition to the establishment of national or regional neuroscience societies, this program also welcomes applications from groups aiming to form new formal sub-societies or thematic networks (e.g., computational neuroscience, glial research) that do not yet exist as recognized bodies. The goal is to empower local organizations or groups of neuroscientists to come together, develop shared goals, and establish the governance structures necessary to support a sustainable and interactive neuroscience community in their region. 

Grants

The maximum grant amount an applicant can request varies based on the region where the proposed activity is located and is determined by the corresponding IBRO Regional Committee. Note the maximum grant amounts below:

• Asia-Pacific: $2,000 USD
• Africa: $5,000 USD
• Latin America: $4,000 USD

Eligibility

Applications are welcomed from groups of scientists or organizations working towards the formation of a formal neuroscience society or thematic network. Eligible applicants include:

• Emerging neuroscience societies (not yet formally established) or groups actively planning the formation of a society.
• Groups based in regions with little or no formal structure for neuroscience exchange.
• Applicants with clear, actionable plans to launch a formal society or thematic network and promote scientific engagement in their region.
• Applications can be submitted by a group of scientists or an organization representing the interests of the neuroscience community in the region.

Review Criteria

Applications will be assessed by IBRO’s Regional Committees based on the following criteria:

• Relevance and impact potential for developing a neuroscience society or thematic network in the region
• Clear and achievable objectives
• Well structured and justified budget
• Demonstrated need for scientific infrastructure and exchange in the region
• Viable plans for sustainability and community building beyond the activity  

Application

A strong application should present a clear vision for the proposed activities and the long-term development of the society or thematic network. Required elements include:

• Applicant Organization or Group Overview
  • Mission, vision and key objectives
  • Geographic scope (national, regional), distribution and number of members
• Activity Description
  • Title and proposed dates of the activity 
  • Format (in-person or hybrid)
  • Location (city, country) and rationale for its selection, especially in the context of regional needs
  • Goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the activity  (e.g. launching a society, identifying governance structures, networking)
  • Target audience and estimated number of participants
  • Detailed description of the activity’s  content and structure
• Provisional Program
  • Draft schedule or agenda
  • Composition of the organizing committee
  • List of confirmed or invited attendees including full name, professional affiliation and role in the proposed activity
  • CVs of invited attendees for whom IBRO funding is being requested
• Budget
  • A detailed budget breakdown showing how IBRO funds will be used
  • Clearly defined categories and justifications for each expense (see above for eligible/ineligible costs)
• Long-Term Sustainability Plan
  • A concrete plan for the formation and governance of the new society or thematic network
  • Strategies for maintaining momentum post-activity , including follow-up activities and funding plans
  • Any existing initiatives that support the development of the neuroscience community
• Letters of Support 
  • At least one letter from local or international neuroscience bodies, academic institutions, or other relevant stakeholders supporting the activity or the development of a regional neuroscience society or thematic network
• Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
  • Description of how gender balance, career stage diversity and regional representation will be ensured in planning and participation
• IBRO Visibility
  • Plans for recognizing IBRO’s support before and during the activity  (e.g. promotional materials, slides, acknowledgements)

Create an applicant account here.

For more information, see FAQ and visit IBRO Seeding Neurosicence Grants.