IBRO Parenthood Grants

The IBRO Parenthood Grants are a career development initiative spearheaded by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), designed to support early-career principal investigators during a pivotal period of their personal and professional lives. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by researchers navigating pregnancy, birth, or adoption, this grant aims to provide a crucial lifeline that helps ensure continuity in scientific projects. It particularly acknowledges how family responsibilities can impact research momentum, publication rates, and the ability to secure further funding. This initiative is a proactive step toward promoting equity and inclusivity within the global neuroscience community. The grant offers flexible funding for a variety of research-related expenses that may be affected during the parental transition. These include essential costs such as reagents, laboratory facility fees, outsourced experiments or data acquisition, and sample transportation. Additionally, the grant supports professional development activities like grant-writing consultations and attendance at academic conferences, including related travel and child-care expenses. By offsetting these costs, the IBRO Parenthood Grant enables grantees to maintain professional visibility and momentum during this period. Eligibility is strictly defined to ensure the grant benefits those who are balancing early academic careers with parenthood. Applicants must be early-career principal investigators, having served in that role for no more than seven years, and must demonstrate a significant publication record, including at least one peer-reviewed paper as a corresponding author. Parental eligibility includes individuals who are at least four months pregnant, have given birth within the four months prior to the application deadline, or are preparing to adopt a child as the primary caregiver. Extended breaks from research, such as previous maternity or adoption leave, are recognized and can be justified within the application. Funding is regionally calibrated, with maximum award amounts set by IBRO’s regional committees. Applicants in Africa can receive up to $3,000, those in Asia-Pacific up to $2,000, in Latin America up to $2,500, in Pan Europe up to $4,000, and in the US/Canada up to $3,000. Awarded funds are disbursed in two parts: 80% is transferred two months before the proposed project start date, and the remaining 20% is paid upon project completion and submission of the final report. Projects must be completed within one year of their start date, with final reporting due within three months of completion. Flexibility in fund transfer recipients is permitted based on grantee needs. The application process requires a detailed research proposal, a budget breakdown, and a motivation statement articulating the expected impact of the grant. Applicants must submit supporting documentation including confirmation of their independent PI status and of their pregnancy, birth, or adoption. Evaluators will consider the scientific merit of the proposal, the applicant’s credentials, and the clarity and justification of the funding request. A strong emphasis is placed on the impact the award will have on the applicant’s research trajectory and laboratory operations. The first 2026 application window opens on February 1 and closes on February 28, with a second round anticipated to open on July 1, 2026. Applications are submitted via the IBRO Grants Portal, and questions may be directed to the IBRO Programs Team. The organization also provides resources such as FAQs and technical support for applicants experiencing issues with the submission platform. The IBRO Parenthood Grants exemplify a targeted effort to support researchers at the intersection of scientific ambition and personal commitment, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to fostering equitable career development in neuroscience.