[Jacobs Foundation](https://jacobsfoundation.org)

February 2027

CHF 150,000 over 3 years (plus up to 10% overhead, total CHF 165,000); up to 12 fellowships awarded per cycle

Supports early- and mid-career researchers globally to advance interdisciplinary research on children's learning and development.

For researchers within 10 years of PhD; funds research, salary, and networking in child/youth learning variability.

--- ## Description The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program is a globally competitive fellowship supporting early- and mid-career researchers dedicated to improving the learning and development of children and youth. Jointly run by the Jacobs Foundation and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), the program encourages interdisciplinary research across fields such as education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neuroscience, and the science of learning. Fellows are expected to explore how variability among learners and contexts affects educational outcomes, design scalable interventions, and contribute to reducing inequalities in learning. The program values projects that bridge research, practice, and policy, and offers both financial support and integration into an international network of peers and mentors. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated): Full application submission deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellowship provides CHF 150,000 over three years, with up to 10% additional for institutional overhead (total CHF 165,000). - Up to 12 fellowships are awarded per cycle. - Funds may cover up to 50% of the fellow’s salary, research expenses (personnel, equipment, travel, trainee support), and overhead. - Additional funding may be available at the end of the fellowship for projects focused on evidence-to-action and capacity building. --- ## Eligibility - Open to early- and mid-career researchers worldwide. - Applicants must have received their PhD (or equivalent) within the past 10 years (adjustments made for career breaks such as parental or sick leave). - Must be employed at a university or research institution at the start of the fellowship (not necessarily full-time or permanent). - The fellowship is awarded to individuals (not teams); joint applications are not accepted. - Research must be aligned with child/youth learning and development, especially learning variability. - Commitment to engaging with the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Network is expected. --- ## Application Process 1. **Initial Application:** Focuses on alignment with the Jacobs Foundation’s Strategy 2030 and the applicant’s fit for the network. 2. **Extended Proposal:** Shortlisted candidates submit detailed research plans, budget, and timeline. 3. **Interview:** Finalists are interviewed to assess motivation, research vision, and engagement potential. 4. **Review:** Multidisciplinary panel evaluates all stages; applicants receive feedback if they reach the interview stage. - Applications are submitted via the [CIFAR application portal](https://cifarportal.smapply.io/prog/jacobs_cifar_research_fellowship_program_/). - No budget is required for the initial round; detailed budget and plan required if invited to the next stage. - The fellowship period is fixed (e.g., January 2027–December 2029). --- ## Additional Information - Fellows benefit from non-financial support, including networking, alumni events, and dissemination opportunities. - The “money follows researcher” policy allows fellows to change institutions during the fellowship. - Alumni may be selected for the CRISP initiative for additional support. - The program is international, and research focus may be global or context-specific. --- ## External Links - [Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program Overview](https://jacobsfoundation.org/activity/jacobs-foundation-research-fellowship-program/) - [2027-29 Call for Applications](https://jacobsfoundation.org/2027-29-call-for-applications-jacobs-cifar-research-fellowship/) - [Application Portal (CIFAR)](https://cifarportal.smapply.io/prog/jacobs_cifar_research_fellowship_program_/) - [Research Agenda: Advancing Research on Learning Variability](https://jacobsfoundation.org/our-vision/advancing-research-on-learning-variability/) - [Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030](https://jacobsfoundation.org/strategy-2030/) - [Meet the Fellows](https://jacobsfoundation.org/fellowships/jacobs-foundation-research-fellows-2/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web | |---|---|---|---| | Jacobs Foundation | fellowship@jacobsfoundation.org
info@jacobsfoundation.org | +41 44 388 61 23 | [Contact Page](https://jacobsfoundation.org/kontakt-2/) |

Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program

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