The IBRO FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships Programme 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded career development opportunity designed to support Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience across Europe. The programme promotes intra-European research mobility, advanced methodological training, and international collaboration by funding short-term laboratory exchanges in established European research institutions.
Jointly organized by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the International Brain Research Organization Pan-Europe Regional Committee (IBRO-PERC), this fellowship plays a vital role in strengthening neuroscience research capacity across Europe.
About the Fellowship Programme
The FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships Programme was created to help early-career neuroscientists expand their technical expertise by undertaking goal-oriented laboratory visits outside their home country. These exchanges allow fellows to gain access to new methodologies, technologies, and scientific perspectives that may not be available at their home institutions.
By encouraging mobility and collaboration, the programme contributes to the long-term development of Europe’s neuroscience research ecosystem while supporting the professional growth of emerging scientists.
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Fellowship Status and Key Dates
- Application Status: Open
- Application Period: 15 December 2025 – 15 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 (23:59, Brussels time)
- Funding Body: FENS & IBRO-PERC
- Grant Type: Career Development
- Maximum Grant Amount: €4,000
Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on 15 April and 15 October.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Be a Master’s student, PhD student, or early postdoctoral fellow (within five years of starting a postdoc)
- Currently based in Europe
- Be working in the field of neuroscience
- Be a member of:
- A FENS member society, or
- An individual FENS member, or
- An IBRO-affiliated organization in the Pan-Europe region that is not a FENS member
- Have a formal acceptance letter from the host laboratory
- Provide a recommendation from the home laboratory
Eligible IBRO organizations include institutions such as the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Brain Research Society (Turkey), and several others.
Important Note: Applicants based in Africa, Asia, or Latin America should apply through the general IBRO Exchange Fellowships Programme, not this call.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
- Duration: Minimum of 4 weeks and maximum of 4 months
- Location: Both home and host laboratories must be located in different European countries
- Completion Timeline: The fellowship must be completed within one year of the award date
If a stay exceeds four months, applicants must clearly explain additional funding sources and expected outcomes for the extended period.
What Does the Grant Cover?
The fellowship provides funding of up to €4,000, which may be used for:
- Economy-class travel (including local public transportation)
- Accommodation during the exchange period
Not covered:
Insurance, research equipment, consumables, groceries, and personal expenses.
Payment Structure
- 60% of funds are paid at least two weeks before the exchange begins
- 40% of funds are paid after completion and submission of the final report
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Applications are carefully reviewed to ensure fairness and scientific excellence. Reviewers assess proposals based on the following criteria:
1. Scientific and Training Quality
- Clarity and quality of the proposed research
- Relevance of the training and new methodologies to be acquired
2. Added Value of the Exchange
- Contribution to the applicant’s ongoing or future research
- Benefits to the home institution, including collaboration and capacity building
3. Suitability of the Candidate
- Alignment between the applicant’s background and proposed training
- Strength of the home supervisor’s recommendation
4. Expected Outcomes
- Clearly defined, realistic, scientific, and methodological goals
- Feasibility of achieving outcomes within the planned duration
5. Feasibility and Need
- Demonstrated scientific and financial need for the exchange
Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each criterion clearly within the application form.
Reporting Requirements
All fellows must submit a final scientific and training report within two months of completing the exchange. This report is required to receive the final portion of the grant.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official application portal. Applicants must log in or create an account before applying.
- Only one application per applicant is allowed per application round
- Only one host laboratory may be selected
Why Apply for the IBRO FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowship?
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for early-career neuroscientists to:
- Gain hands-on experience with advanced research techniques
- Build long-term international collaborations
- Strengthen academic profiles and future funding prospects
- Contribute to the advancement of neuroscience in Europe
By supporting mobility and skills development, the programme helps shape the next generation of neuroscience leaders.
For more information, visit the IBRO FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships.
