Rising Stars Awards

The Rising Stars Awards provide start-up grants for neuroscience laboratories to support the research needs of early career neuroscientists, particularly those from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds or who lack substantial initial funds. Awards aim to provide recognition, targeted capacity building and enable integration of advanced methodologies and tools into awardees' research, enhancing their chances of securing additional funding. Grants are regionally tiered with maximum amounts set by IBRO Regional Committees.

Start-up grant funding (region-dependent maximum amounts), professional recognition, targeted capacity building, and support to integrate advanced methodologies; funds paid in two instalments (80% then 20%) and require a one-year funding report.

Open to early career neuroscientists who have started their first independent laboratory as a Principal Investigator (PI) in 2025 or who are starting their first independent laboratory as a PI in 2026; ‘‘early career’’ refers to researchers within the first five years from their first faculty appointment. Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received substantial support from other sources; regional eligibility and priorities vary by IBRO region.

Create an applicant account on the IBRO Grants Portal and submit the application via the portal during the application period; required materials include applicant details, new laboratory details, list of grants received, motivation and impact statement, CV, two reference letters, letter of support from institution, and a detailed budget.