Request for Applications: Brain Awareness Week Grants

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The IBRO/Dana Brain Awareness Week Grants provide up to US$1,250 for outreach and awareness activities that improve public understanding of the brain and neuroscience research in countries outside Europe. The grants support inclusive, interdisciplinary events and campaigns that engage diverse audiences, promote global brain health awareness, and explore the wider social, ethical, legal, and societal implications of neuroscience. The IBRO/Dana Brain Awareness Week Grants support public outreach activities designed to increase understanding of brain science and neuroscience research. The grants are connected to Brain Awareness Week (BAW), a global campaign that encourages public interest in neuroscience and highlights how brain research can influence everyday life. The programme provides an opportunity for organizations and groups to bring neuroscience closer to their communities through educational activities, advocacy, public events, and awareness campaigns. Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign focused on increasing public awareness of the brain and the importance of neuroscience research. The campaign encourages participants to communicate the relevance of brain science to people from different backgrounds and age groups.

Activities can engage:

The campaign can help create greater public understanding of neuroscience and its relevance to health and society. The grants support outreach and awareness campaigns that improve public understanding of neuroscience. Supported activities should connect brain science with society and encourage meaningful engagement with neuroscience research. Projects can include activities focused on: The programme aims to help bridge gaps in public knowledge about neuroscience and brain health. Particular attention is given to regions where resources and public understanding of neuroscience may be limited. Funded activities can therefore provide communities with accessible information about brain science and explain how neuroscience research can affect health and everyday life. The grants encourage projects that connect neuroscience with society. Applicants can explore neuroscience from different perspectives and create opportunities for people to discuss the wider benefits and implications of brain research.

Relevant discussions may include:

Supported activities should incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants are expected to follow the ALBA Network’s guidelines for organizing diverse and inclusive events. Projects should consider how different groups can participate and engage meaningfully with the proposed activities. An inclusive approach can help ensure that neuroscience outreach reaches audiences from different backgrounds and communities. Proposed activities must also align with IBRO’s visibility guidelines. Applicants should ensure that their planned communications and event activities provide appropriate visibility for the programme and its supporters. Following the relevant visibility requirements can help applicants maximize their funding potential. The maximum grant amount is US$1,250 per grant. Applicants should develop a realistic project plan and demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute directly to the proposed neuroscience outreach or awareness activities. Proposed events can take place in any country outside Europe. The programme is specifically designed to support Brain Awareness Week-related outreach beyond Europe and to increase global access to neuroscience awareness activities. Proposed events must be held in 2027. Events do not have to take place during the official Brain Awareness Week period. However, activities must align with and promote the objectives of the global Brain Awareness Week campaign. Brain Awareness Week activities can be designed for diverse audiences.

Potential participants include:

Applicants should identify their intended audience and explain how the project will communicate neuroscience concepts in an accessible way. A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate how the activity will increase public understanding of the brain and neuroscience.

Applicants should explain:

Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the objectives of Brain Awareness Week. Neuroscience research can influence understanding of the brain, health, behaviour, and many aspects of everyday life. However, public access to accurate and understandable information about neuroscience can vary significantly between communities and regions. Brain Awareness Week provides a platform for researchers and outreach organizers to communicate brain science beyond academic settings and encourage broader public engagement. The IBRO/Dana grants help extend this effort to countries outside Europe, particularly communities where resources and public awareness may be limited. They are grants supporting outreach and awareness campaigns that increase public understanding of the brain and neuroscience research in countries outside Europe. The maximum grant amount is US$1,250. Events can take place in any country outside Europe. No. Events do not have to occur during the official Brain Awareness Week period, but they must take place in 2027 and align with and promote the campaign’s objectives. Activities can focus on neuroscience, brain health, the benefits of brain research, and the ethical, legal, and societal implications of neuroscience. Yes. Proposed activities should emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion and follow the ALBA Network’s guidelines for organizing diverse and inclusive events. They are requirements for ensuring appropriate visibility for IBRO in supported activities. Applicants must align their activities with these guidelines to maximize their funding potential. Activities can engage people of different ages and backgrounds, including schools, policymakers, media, and members of the wider public. The IBRO/Dana Brain Awareness Week Grants provide up to US$1,250 to support n