The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program is now open for applications ahead of its February 2, 2026 submission deadline. This globally competitive initiative supports early and mid-career researchers dedicated to advancing the learning and development of children and youth. The fellowship is jointly offered by CIFAR and the Jacobs Foundation, aligning closely with the Jacobs Foundation’s Strategy 2030 and its commitment to improving learning outcomes worldwide.
Fellowship Purpose and Research Focus
The program seeks researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neuroscience, and the science of learning. Applicants are particularly encouraged to propose work that incorporates interdisciplinary approaches and examines learning from multiple levels of analysis.
Central to the fellowship’s purpose is the advancement of research that embraces learner variability, generates evidence to improve human learning, supports effective education practices, and strengthens the capacity to scale impactful learning innovations. The Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR are especially interested in research exploring:
- How individual and contextual differences shape learning outcomes.
- Approaches to designing for learner variability at scale.
- Interventions that address inequalities and mitigate differential impacts of digital technologies on children.
- The role of data in supporting informed decision-making by learners and educators.
Fellowship Structure and Funding
Up to 12 fellowships will be awarded, each providing CHF 150,000 in funding over a three-year period. An additional 10% indirect cost allocation (CHF 15,000) is provided to the host institution, bringing the total award to CHF 165,000. Funds may be used to support up to 50% of the fellow’s salary, research activities, scientific assistance, equipment, travel, and other project-related expenses.
Fellows may also apply for supplementary funding after completing their fellowship to support evidence-to-action initiatives and scientific capacity-building projects.
Non-Financial Benefits
Beyond financial support, the program provides a rich portfolio of opportunities for professional development. Fellows gain access to:
- Networking and alumni events within the Jacobs and CIFAR communities.
- Opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers worldwide.
- Media platforms to disseminate research to both academic and public audiences.
- Professional development activities, including conferences, annual fellowship meetings, and online exchanges.
In return, fellows commit to active participation in fellowship events, collaboration with peers, sharing research insights with the Jacobs Foundation, and contributing to science communication initiatives such as BOLD articles.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Have obtained a PhD or equivalent degree within the past 10 years, with allowances made for documented leaves.
- Be employed at a university or research institution by the fellowship start date.
- Conduct research closely aligned with child development, early learning, or learning variability.
- Demonstrate a commitment to engaging with the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Network.
Applicants may change institutions during the fellowship, following the “money follows the researcher” model.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated equally across the following areas:
- Research achievements and publication record.
- Creativity, innovation, and leadership potential.
- Scientific rigor of proposed methods and data.
- International relevance of planned work.
- Potential to advance human learning and development.
- Alignment with Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030.
- Willingness to engage with the broader Jacobs and CIFAR networks.
Application Process
The application process includes three stages:
- Initial Application – Focuses on alignment with the Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030 and the applicant’s potential as a network contributor.
- Extended Proposal – Invited applicants provide detailed research plans, a budget overview, and a timeline.
- Interview – Reviewers clarify questions, assess motivation, and evaluate the applicant’s readiness to engage fully with the network.
Applications must be submitted by February 2, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Feedback is provided to applicants who reach the interview stage.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Fully answer all application questions with clarity and precision.
- Present a broad vision for research over the next 3–5 years rather than a single project.
- Demonstrate motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Show readiness to contribute to and benefit from the broader fellowship community.
- Align proposals closely with the fellowship’s selection criteria.
Contact Information
For questions, applicants may email [email protected].
The fellowship officially starts on January 1, 2027, and ends on December 31, 2029.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
