Great news for neuroscience researchers! Applications are now open for the IRP Research Grant, a prestigious fully funded program supporting innovative projects in spinal cord injury research. In this article, we outline the grant’s benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
The IRP Research Grant 2026-2027 is a fully funded research grant for international applicants. Funded by the IRP Foundations, the program exclusively promotes fundamental and clinical research related to spinal cord injury. Each selected proposal will receive funding for two years, with a total value of up to 150,000 Swiss Francs.
Open to researchers worldwide, the program supports studies in neurosciences with a focus on CNS and spinal cord lesions, nerve regeneration, trophic neural support, and lesion-induced functional changes—preferably in mammals. Clinical research areas may include diagnostics, acute injury management, surgery, neurology, urology, rehabilitation, and other fields linked to paraplegia.
The IRP Foundations aim to advance global research in neuroprotection and spinal cord regeneration, funding projects from scientists, clinical research centers, and laboratories worldwide. Their ultimate goal is to reduce the impacts of paraplegia and work toward finding a cure.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Research Grants
- Institution: IRP
- Study Location: Switzerland
- Focus Areas: CNS Regeneration, Neuroprotection, Functional Restoration (spinal cord emphasis)
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Deadline: October 21
Scholarship Coverage
IRP Research Grant provide the recipient with the following benefits:
- Each proposal retained will be financed for 2 years, to the value up to 150,000 Swiss Francs; the grant doesn`t cover additional overhead costs.
Eligibility Criteria for IRP Research Grant
To be eligible for IRP Research Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Languages:
- A very good level of English language proficiency is required.
- Knowledge of French and/or Italian would also be of benefit but is not essential.
- Eligible Countries: All world countries
- Originality of the methodology: To be admissible, all projects submitted must include a clear description of the methods to be adopted (conservative approach or an innovative, creative concept), so that its feasibility can be assessed. The researcher must verify that, based on the planned methodology, his/her approach will deliver answers to the questions posed.
- International reputation: The value and scope of a researcher’s work is measured by the number, quality and relevance of his/her scientific contributions (articles published in specialized journals, or presentations at scientific congresses).
- Clinical interest: Basic research should not be disconnected from reality. The proposed projects must be relevant to the clinical situation caused by lesions of the spinal cord or the brain, and their outcomes must clearly contribute to a better understanding of paraplegia and lesions of the brain.
- Overall evaluation: An assessment of how the project is presented, described and of the motivation behind it: the logic of the planned experiments and the likelihood of obtaining applicable results, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying lesions of the brain and of the spinal cord, and thus of developing new therapeutic te 2026-2027 chniques.
