IRP Research Grant Scholarship 2026 , Europe (Funding of up to 150,000 Swiss Francs)
The IRP Research Grant is a prestigious research funding opportunity offered by the International Research in Paraplegia (IRP) Foundation. It supports high-quality basic and clinical research focused on central nervous system (CNS) regeneration, neuroprotection, spinal cord injury, and functional restoration. Researchers working on projects relevant to paraplegia and long-term recovery are encouraged to apply. Selected projects can receive funding of up to 150,000 Swiss Francs for two years.
Degree Level
The IRP Research Grant is open to researchers at the following degree and career levels:
- PhD holders
- MD (Medical Doctor) degree holders
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career researchers and junior research groups
- Established principal investigators
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research credentials relevant to neuroscience, spinal cord injury, or clinical rehabilitation.
Available Subjects
Research proposals may cover a wide range of topics related to CNS and spinal cord injuries, including but not limited to:
- CNS regeneration and repair
- Spinal cord injury mechanisms
- Neuroprotection strategies
- Nerve regeneration
- Trophic support of injured neurons
- Functional recovery after CNS lesions
- Long-term neurological recovery
- Diagnosis of spinal cord injuries
- Acute lesion management and surgery
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Urology related to paraplegia
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Other paraplegia-related clinical disciplines
Research is preferably conducted in mammalian models for basic science studies.
Benefits
The IRP Research Grant offers several significant benefits:
- Funding of up to CHF 150,000 for a period of two years
- Support for high-impact neuroscience and clinical research
- Recognition from a leading international foundation in paraplegia research
- Equal opportunity for researchers of all nationalities
- Encouragement and support for early-career and junior research teams
- Transparent, excellence-based selection process
Eligible Nationalities
All nationalities are eligible to apply for the IRP Research Grant.
There are no citizenship or passport restrictions.
However, the research project must be carried out in Europe, regardless of the applicant’s nationality.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IRP Research Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The research project must be implemented in Europe
- The proposal must focus on CNS or spinal cord injury research with relevance to paraplegia
- Applicants must demonstrate scientific excellence and feasibility
- Both basic and clinical research proposals are accepted
- Projects must not include additional institutional overhead costs
- Junior research groups are strongly encouraged to apply
All applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process by the IRP Scientific Committee.
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply for the IRP Research Grant:
- Review the official invitation to apply and selection criteria
- Prepare a detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and relevance to paraplegia
- Ensure the project will be conducted within Europe
- Complete the official IRP Research Grant application form
- Submit the application before October 31 (Deadlines may vary visit official website for latest updates)
- Applications are evaluated by the IRP Scientific Committee based on scientific quality and relevance
Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
