IBSA Foundation Fellowships 2026: €32,000 Grants for Early-Career Scientists (6 Openings – Deadline Jan 31)

The IBSA Foundation is offering six prestigious fellowships worth €32,000 each to early-career scientists under 40 years old in 2026. This fully-funded opportunity supports groundbreaking research in dermatology, endocrinology, fertility, orthopaedics, pain medicine, and healthy aging.

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Background & Foundation Overview

The IBSA Foundation is a Swiss-based philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing scientific research and promoting knowledge sharing in medicine and healthcare. Since its establishment, the Foundation has supported hundreds of researchers worldwide, fostering innovation in critical areas of human health.

Why IBSA Fellowships Stand Out

• Generous Funding: €32,000 per fellowship—one of the highest stipends for early-career researchers.
• Prestigious Recognition: IBSA Fellows join an elite network of scientists making a global impact.
• Career Acceleration: Fellowship recognition significantly enhances academic and industry opportunities.
• Flexible Research: Support for innovative, high-risk projects that traditional funding might overlook.
• Global Network: Access to international conferences, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.

Fellowship Details & Research Areas

The 2026 IBSA Foundation Fellowships support research in six specialized medical fields:

1. Dermatology

• Research focus: Skin diseases, wound healing, cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer, inflammatory conditions.
• Example Projects: Novel treatments for psoriasis, melanoma biomarkers, aging skin interventions.

2. Endocrinology

• Research focus: Hormone disorders, diabetes, thyroid conditions, metabolic diseases.
• Example Projects: Insulin resistance mechanisms, thyroid cancer diagnostics, growth hormone therapies.

3. Fertility & Urology

• Research focus: Reproductive health, infertility treatments, urological disorders, sexual health.
• Example Projects: IVF success optimization, male infertility genetics, endometriosis treatments.

4. Orthopaedics & Pain Medicine

• Research focus: Joint diseases, bone health, chronic pain management, sports medicine.
• Example Projects: Osteoarthritis interventions, pain biomarkers, regenerative orthopaedic techniques.

5. Healthy Aging

• Research focus: Longevity research, age-related diseases, quality of life in elderly populations.
• Example Projects: Sarcopenia prevention, cognitive decline interventions, frailty assessment tools.

6. General Medical Research

• Open to: Innovative proposals across medicine, biology, pharmacy, biotechnology, and bioengineering.

Eligibility Requirements

Age & Career Stage

• Under 40 years old as of the application deadline (January 31, 2026).
• Early-career researchers: Typically within 5-10 years post-PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
• Postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty, and research scientists are encouraged to apply.

Educational Background

Applicants must hold a degree in one of the following fields:

• Medicine (MD, MBBS, or equivalent)
• Biology or Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, PhD)
• Biotechnology (MSc, PhD)
• Bioengineering (MSc, PhD)

Research Proposal Requirements

• Originality: Novel approach or hypothesis.
• Feasibility: Realistic timeline and methodology for a 12-month project.
• Impact: Clear potential to advance the field and improve patient outcomes.
• Alignment: Direct relevance to one of the six IBSA research areas.

Institutional Affiliation

• Must be affiliated with a recognized research institution, university, or hospital.
• Institution must provide a letter of support and confirm research facilities’ availability.

Financial Support & Benefits

Fellowship Award: €32,000

Allowable Expenses:

• Research materials and laboratory supplies.
• Equipment and technology (within reason).
• Travel to conferences and research sites.
• Publication fees for open-access journals.
• Research assistant or technician support (partial).
• Data analysis software and subscriptions.

Additional Benefits:

• Publication Support: Priority consideration for publication in IBSA-affiliated journals.
• Conference Attendance: Invitation to annual IBSA Foundation Scientific Symposium (travel covered).
• Mentorship: Access to senior researchers in your field through the IBSA network.
• Career Development: Workshops on grant writing, research communication, and leadership.
• Networking: Connection to previous IBSA Fellows and industry partners.

Duration: 12 months from award notification (typically March 2026 – March 2027).

Application Process & Timeline

Key Dates

• Application Opens: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM CET)
• Review Period: February – March 2026
• Award Notification: April 2026
• Fellowship Start: May – June 2026

Required Documents

1. Research Proposal (max 10 pages): Background, significance, aims, hypotheses, methodology, timeline, outcomes, and references.
2. Curriculum Vitae (max 5 pages): Education, publications, awards, and research experience.
3. Budget Justification (max 2 pages): Detailed breakdown of the €32,000 allocation.
4. Letters of Recommendation (2 required): One from PhD/postdoc supervisor; one from current mentor/department head.
5. Institutional Support Letter: Confirming affiliation and facility access.

Tips for a Winning Application

1. Start Early: Begin writing at least 6 weeks before the deadline.
2. Focus on Impact: Connect your basic science to clinical applications.
3. Be Realistic: Demonstrate you can complete the project in 12 months.
4. Highlight Innovation: explicitly address the novelty of your approach.
5. Get Feedback: Share your proposal with colleagues and non-specialists.
6. Follow Instructions Exactly: Adhere strictly to page limits and formatting.
7. Strong Letters Matter: Choose recommenders who know your work intimately.
8. Budget Transparency: Be specific (e.g., “ELISA kits for cytokine analysis (€3,500)” rather than “Lab supplies”).

How to Apply

Application Portal: Visit the official IBSA Foundation website.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Create an account on the IBSA Fellowship portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents in PDF format (max 10MB per file).
4. Request letters of recommendation (system emails recommenders directly).
5. Review and submit before January 31, 2026.

Questions? Contact the IBSA Foundation Fellowship Office at fellowships@ibsafoundation.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply if I’m exactly 40 years old? A: No. You must be under 40 as of January 31, 2026.

Q: Can I apply for multiple research areas? A: No. You must select one primary research area, though interdisciplinary projects are encouraged.

Q: Is this fellowship renewable? A: No. It is a one-time award for 12 months.

Q: Can I use the funds for my salary? A: No. The fellowship supports research expenses only.

Q: Are international applicants eligible? A: Yes. The fellowship is open to researchers worldwide.

Suggested Focus Keywords

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Disclaimer: Universal Job Board is not affiliated with IBSA Foundation. All information is accurate as of January 2026. Please verify details on the official IBSA Foundation website.