IBRO Rising Stars Awards 2026

IBRO Rising Stars Awards 2026 is sponsored by International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). Supports diverse, early-career neuroscientists in establishing their own laboratories by providing essential start-up funds as they transition into independent professional positions.

Rising Stars Awards: Start-up Grants for Neuroscience Laboratories Grant Payment and Reporting Funding Terms and Conditions Substantial support for early career investigators setting up new laboratories 15 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026 Applications for this program are currently closed.

By providing start-up grants for neuroscience laboratories, the Rising Stars Awards support the research needs of early career neuroscientists who either come from diverse and/or underrepresented backgrounds (racial/ethnic minorities, sexual orientation, special needs, etc) or lack substantial initial funds or grant support from other agencies.

Additionally, they significantly impact their professional trajectories, by providing critical recognition for their research endeavours, supporting targeted capacity building and enabling the integration of cutting-edge methodologies and tools into their work. As a result, this program also enhances awardees’ chances of securing additional funding. Discover more about the impact of the IBRO Rising Stars Awards here .

This program is open to early career neuroscientists who: have started their first independent laboratory as a Principal Investigator (PI) in 2025 or are starting their first independent laboratory as a Principal Investigator (PI) in 2026 The term “early career neuroscientist” refers to researchers who are within the first five years from their first faculty appointment.

Funding priority will be given to those who have not previously received, nor expect to receive, substantial support from other sources. Applicants who can use this award to leverage matching funds from other sources will also be viewed favorably. Regional Eligibility Requirements Not sure what region your country of residence falls in?

See IBRO’s country classification here . Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America Priority will be given to applicants who have developed a successful career in a high or upper-middle income country and have taken up academic positions in their home country. The call for applications is open to applicants residing in one of the Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in the Pan-Europe region.

Applicants must currently hold academic positions within the US or Canada. Conference-related expenses Indirect costs/overheads from the institution managing the grant The maximum grant amount an applicant can request varies based on the region where they will start their laboratory and is determined by the corresponding IBRO Regional Committee.

Please note the specific amounts below: Asia-Pacific : 10,000 USD Latin America : 8,000 USD To ensure a comprehensive and fair evaluation of applications, applicants are requested to provide the following information: Applicant Details : A brief description of the applicant’s academic background and current research focus.

New Laboratory Details: Key details such as laboratory address, starting date, associated professional title, etc. Grants Received: A list of grants that you have received, including IBRO grants. Motivation and Impact Statement : A comprehensive explanation of your motivation in applying for this program and the impact of the requested funds to your research project(s). Curriculum Vitae (CV) : A copy of the applicant’s CV.

References : Two letters of reference supporting the applicant’s suitability for the award. One of them should ideally be the head of the department where you are starting your laboratory. Letter of support : An official letter of support from the university or the chair of the department where you are starting your laboratory confirming your independent investigator status.

Budget Request : A detailed budget breakdown, specifying the proposed items to be funded by IBRO. Grant Payment and Reporting The grant will be awarded in an 80:20 format: 80% of the grant will be provided two months prior to the start date of the proposed project, with the remaining 20% upon completion and submission of the associated grant report.

The funds can be transferred to an account in grantee’s name, that of their institution or of someone else directly involved with the grant, e.g. their departmental Chair. Depending on the situation, exceptions could be made. The funding report must be uploaded in the IBRO Grants Portal one year following the receipt of the award.

Create an applicant account here . Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for any inquiries. For technical issues with the site, submit a customer support request form .

Please submit your application using the link which appears in the “key information” box at the top of the page, accessible during the application period. Please note you will be redirected to the IBRO Grants Portal .

Institution of Emerging Lab Universidad Nacional de Córdoba Howard University College of Medicine Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit Hiran Shanake Perera Weerasinghe Arachichige Federal University of Rio de Janeiro National Brain Research Center University of Maryland Baltimore Rio Cuarto National University Smt.

Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy Universidad Catótica Argentina The Chinese University of Hong Kong Rafael Camilo Ferrer Fierro University of Hong Kong (HKU) Department of Human Anatomy, Redeemer’s University Institution of Emerging Lab Adriana Fernanda Kuckartz Vizuete Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Gabriela Hurtado-Alvarado Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan University, Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus The Chinese University of Hong Kong American University of Beirut Jose A.

Fernandez-Leon Fellenz Exact Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires Memorial University of Newfoundland Osaka University Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant Universidad San Sebastián National Brain Research Centre University of Montreal, Faculty of Medicine National University of Sciences & Technology Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico Nova Southeastern University For any queries, please contact the IBRO programs team .

IBRO Collaborative Research Grants How can the Rising Stars Award boost your career?