Call for Proposals: Seeding Neuroscience Grants

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The IBRO Seeding Neuroscience Grants support groups of neuroscientists and organizations in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America that are working to establish new neuroscience societies, sub-societies, or thematic networks. Grants provide up to US$2,000 in Asia-Pacific, US$5,000 in Africa, and US$4,000 in Latin America for activities such as governance planning, strategic workshops, participant travel, event costs, and network-building activities. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Seeding Neuroscience Grants are designed to support the creation of new neuroscience societies and thematic networks in regions where formal structures for collaboration are lacking or underdeveloped. The programme aims to help neuroscientists establish sustainable communities that can facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development, and scientific engagement at national or regional levels. Funding can support initial activities required to bring a new society or network together and develop a clear foundation for future work. The grants support activities that help establish a new neuroscience society, sub-society, or thematic network.

Supported activities can include:

The proposed activities should contribute directly to establishing a formal and sustainable neuroscience structure. The maximum grant amount depends on the applicant’s region. Applicants in the Asia-Pacific region can receive up to US$2,000. Applicants in Africa can receive up to US$5,000. Applicants in Latin America can receive up to US$4,000. Applicants should develop their project budget according to the maximum amount available for their region. Funding can cover several costs associated with launching the proposed society or network.

Eligible expenses include:

Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total project budget. The grant is provided in two installments. Applicants should therefore plan their project finances and reporting responsibilities around these two payment stages. The grants are intended for groups of neuroscientists or organizations actively working to establish a new formal neuroscience society or thematic network. The proposed entity must not already exist as a recognized organization.

Possible initiatives may include:

Examples of thematic areas can include computational neuroscience or glial research. The programme is particularly relevant to groups seeking to establish formal structures around neuroscience fields or communities that are currently underrepresented. A proposed network should have a clear purpose and demonstrate why establishing a new structure would add value. Applicants should explain how the proposed society or network will address an unmet need rather than duplicate an existing organization. The programme prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear added value.

Applicants should identify:

Projects addressing a specific neuroscience subfield that is not represented by an existing national society may be particularly relevant. The grants are not intended to support standalone conferences or meetings without a concrete plan to establish a new society or network. A proposal should therefore go beyond organizing a single event. The planned activity should form part of a broader strategy for establishing a formal, interactive, and sustainable neuroscience community. Long-term sustainability is an important part of the proposed vision. Applicants should describe how the new organization or network could continue operating after the initial grant-supported activities. The proposal should provide a clear strategy for: Applicants should provide a detailed vision for the proposed society or network.

The application should include:

These elements should collectively demonstrate that the proposed initiative is realistic and has potential to develop into a sustainable neuroscience community. Applications should demonstrate efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. Applicants should consider how the proposed activities can involve participants from different backgrounds and create an inclusive environment for neuroscience collaboration. Diversity and inclusion should be reflected in the planning and delivery of the proposed activities. Applicants must also include plans for IBRO visibility. The proposal should explain how IBRO’s support will be appropriately acknowledged and communicated through the proposed activities. Applicants should ensure that their planned visibility measures are consistent with the programme’s requirements. A strong application should clearly demonstrate why a new neuroscience society or network is needed.

Applicants should explain:

The application should show that the proposed event or workshop is a starting point for building a longer-term neuroscience community rather than an isolated meeting. Formal scientific societies and thematic networks can create opportunities for researchers to collaborate, exchange knowledge, organize scientific activities, and strengthen professional communities. In regions where neuroscience structures are limited or fragmented, establishing a new society or network can provide a foundation for sustained interaction among researchers. The IBRO Seeding Neuroscience Grants are designed to provide early-stage support for these community-building efforts. They are grants supporting the formation of new neuroscience societies, sub-societies, and thematic networks in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The maximum funding is US$5,000 in Africa, US$4,000 in Latin America, and US$2,000 in Asia-Pacific. Groups of neuroscientists or organizations actively working to establish a new formal neuroscience society, sub-society, or thematic network can apply. The grants are intended for new entities that do not yet exist as recognized societies or networks. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed initiative fills a genuine gap. No. Standalone conferences or meetings without a concrete plan