Call for Proposals: Research & Policy Grant for Early Career Researchers – Apply Before 31 March 2026

The Research & Policy (R&P) Grant for Early Career Researchers is an annual funding initiative designed to support promising researchers in conducting high-quality, policy-relevant secondary analyses of international education data. Jointly implemented by the European Commission (Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture – DG EAC) and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), the grant focuses on strengthening research capacity and informing education policy within the European Education Area.

The programme supports innovative research projects that draw on IEA’s international large-scale assessment (ILSA) data and address key priorities related to basic skills, equity, digitalisation, and democratic citizenship in education systems across Europe.

The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2026.

Programme Overview and Objectives

The R&P Grant is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and education policy by enabling early career researchers to produce evidence that directly informs decision-making at national and European levels.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen research capacity among early career education researchers
• Foster international collaboration and methodological excellence
• Promote the use of IEA international large-scale assessment data
• Generate robust, policy-relevant insights for the European Education Area
• Support evidence-based approaches to improving basic skills and educational outcomes

Funded projects focus on secondary analyses of established IEA studies, ensuring efficient use of high-quality, internationally comparable datasets.

Grant Benefits and Support Package

Successful applicants receive both financial support and expert guidance throughout the research process.

The grant offers:

• €20,000 per project, paid as a lump sum to the researcher or their institution
• A 12-month research period
• Priority access to IEA training in Hamburg (summer 2026)
• Methodological and thematic expert support from IEA and DG EAC
• Opportunities for policy dialogue and dissemination at the European level

This combination of funding and mentorship is intended to support rigorous research design, high-quality analysis, and effective communication of findings to policy audiences.

Eligible Research Topics

Proposals must align with at least one of the defined thematic areas that reflect current European education priorities.

Eligible research topics include:

• Foundational skills in primary education (Grade 4)
  • Reading, mathematics, and science outcomes
  • Determinants of student achievement
• Digital well-being and social media
  • ICT use and digital skills
  • Student engagement and well-being
• Equity and social inclusion
  • Socio-economic disparities
  • Migration, language, and geographic inequalities
• Democratic values and citizenship
  • Civic knowledge and democratic attitudes
  • Student participation and engagement

Projects should demonstrate clear relevance to education policy and contribute actionable insights for stakeholders within the European Education Area.

Data Sources and Methodological Focus

Funded research projects are expected to make use of IEA international large-scale assessment datasets, including but not limited to:

• TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)
• PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study)
• ICCS (International Civic and Citizenship Education Study)
• ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study)

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct quantitative secondary analyses using these datasets and to interpret findings within a policy-relevant framework.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for the grant.

Eligible applicants include:

• PhD candidates or researchers who obtained their first doctoral degree within the last five years
• Master’s degree holders with limited additional research experience
• Researchers with demonstrated capacity for quantitative data analysis
• Applicants with a clearly defined, policy-relevant research proposal
• Applicants supported by at least one senior researcher or policy expert
• Applicants with proficiency in English

Researchers of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Full eligibility conditions and requirements are detailed in the official call documentation.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically through the IEA Grant Platform.

Required application documents include:

• A structured research proposal aligned with the call guidelines
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the applicant
• Proof of degree completion or doctoral enrolment
• Letter of support from a supervisor
• Letter of support from a host institution (if applicable)
• Application deadline: 31 March 2026

Applicants are strongly advised to review the full call documentation before submission to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Enquiries and Contact Information

For questions or requests for clarification, applicants may contact the grant coordination team.

The grant is administered by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), with offices in Amsterdam and Hamburg.

Strategic Importance

The Research & Policy Grant for Early Career Researchers plays a critical role in advancing evidence-based education policy across Europe. By empowering early career researchers to engage directly with high-quality international data and policy actors, the programme contributes to more informed, equitable, and forward-looking education systems.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. 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.