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

January 2026 | February 2026

3-year fellowships; funding amount not specified, but covers salary and research expenses.

Supports early and mid-career researchers advancing the learning and development of children and youth worldwide.

Forecasted call—dates and details subject to change; check program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program (now Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program) is a globally competitive initiative designed for early and mid-career researchers whose work focuses on improving the learning and development of children and youth worldwide. The program encourages interdisciplinary research across fields such as education sciences, psychology, neuroscience, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, linguistics, and pedagogy. Priority is given to projects that: - Address variability in learning and development - Seek to scale up effective education policies and practices - Reduce inequalities in children’s learning and the impacts of digital technologies - Leverage data to inform teaching and learning decisions - Improve learning outcomes in diverse and heterogeneous student groups Fellowships are awarded to highly talented researchers with strong potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership in the field. --- ## Due Dates - January 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) - February 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellowship duration: 3 years - Funding is provided directly to the fellow’s institution - Funds may be used for: - A portion of the fellow’s salary - Research expenses (e.g., assistants’ salaries, equipment, technical assistance, professional travel, trainee support) - Exact award amount is not specified in current materials --- ## Eligibility - Open to early and mid-career researchers worldwide - Applicants must have received their PhD within the past 10 years - Research should focus on learning and development of children and youth - Interdisciplinary and multi-level analysis approaches are especially encouraged - No citizenship or country restrictions specified --- ## Application Process - Calls for applications are posted annually, typically by late November - Application is submitted online via the program portal (see links below) - Selection is based on research excellence, relevance to the foundation’s themes, and potential for impact and collaboration --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship offers both financial and non-financial support, including access to a global network of researchers and professional development opportunities. - Alumni may be eligible for the Creating Impact Science Program (CRISP), which provides additional support for ongoing research. --- ## External Links - [Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program overview](https://jacobsfoundation.org/activity/jacobs-foundation-research-fellowship-program/) - [2024 Call for Applications (archived)](https://jacobsfoundation.org/2024-call-for-applications-jacobs-foundation-research-fellowship-program/) - [Jacobs Foundation home page](https://jacobsfoundation.org) - [Application portal (may update annually)](https://cifarportal.smapply.io/prog/jacobs_cifar_research_fellowship_program_/) - [Contact page](https://jacobsfoundation.org/kontakt-2/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------|-----------------------------------------| | Email | info@jacobsfoundation.org | | Phone | +41 44 388 61 23 | | Address | Seefeldquai 17, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland | ---

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