IFER Graduate Fellowship for Alternatives to the Use of Animals in Science

The International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) Graduate Fellowship supports graduate students conducting research that advances the development, validation, or implementation of human-relevant, non-animal methodologies in research, testing, or education. Funding is directed toward innovative scientific methods with the potential to replace animal models while improving scientific outcomes. Special consideration is given to proposals demonstrating a strong likelihood of replacing animal use in research. The fellowship provides $15,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years based on student progress and funding availability. Fellows are also eligible for a $1,000 travel award to present their research at conferences. The program supports projects utilizing human cell lines, stem cells, computational models, and other non-animal methods in place of animal models. The application process consists of two stages. First, applicants submit a pre-proposal including their background, project summary, supporting documents, and ethical research commitment. The IFER Scientific Advisory Board evaluates applications for innovation, alignment with IFER's mission, and scientific merit. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full proposal, which undergoes final review using NIH-style guidelines. Applicants must be graduate students enrolled in a degree program with at least one year remaining until program completion at the time the fellowship begins. This fellowship is ideal for students committed to advancing humane science through the development and implementation of alternatives to animal testing and research.