Deadline: February 2, 2026
The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program 2027–2029 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional three-year opportunity for outstanding early- and mid-career researchers dedicated to advancing global understanding of child and youth development. This prestigious programme supports interdisciplinary research that addresses critical challenges in learning, development, education systems, and equitable outcomes. The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program 2027–2029 provides generous funding, access to world-leading research communities, and resources to strengthen high-impact scientific work.
About the Opportunity
The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship is a collaborative initiative of the Jacobs Foundation and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). It supports researchers working across disciplines such as psychology, education sciences, neuroscience, computer science, sociology, learning sciences, linguistics, economics, and related fields.
The programme focuses on research that improves learning practices and outcomes for children and youth globally. Areas of interest include learning variability, educational inequalities, scalable teaching and learning practices, responsible data use in education, and evidence-based policies. Fellows join a global research community dedicated to shaping the future of learning and development.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent degree) awarded within the last 10 years by the start of the fellowship.
- Be employed at a research or higher-education institution at the time of application (full-time or permanent appointment not required).
- Demonstrate a strong research record, creativity, leadership potential, and commitment to high-quality, internationally relevant scientific work.
- Submit a research proposal aligned with the programme’s thematic priorities.
- Express willingness to engage with the Jacobs-CIFAR research community throughout the fellowship period.
Benefits / Award Details
- Funding Amount: CHF 150,000
- Paid directly to the host institution.
- May be used for salary support, research costs, equipment, travel, trainee support, and related project expenses.
- Overheads: A fixed overhead rate is available in accordance with the programme guidelines.
- Duration: 3 years
- 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2029 (non-negotiable)
Fellows gain access to an international network of leading researchers, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and support structures that amplify both academic and policy-relevant impact.
Application Requirements / Documents
While specific document requirements are outlined in the application portal, applicants should generally expect to prepare:
- A detailed research proposal aligned with programme priorities
- Curriculum vitae
- Publication list
- Institutional affiliation documentation
- Budget outline for the use of fellowship funds
- Any additional materials requested in the online application system
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 February 2026, 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 January 2027
- Fellowship End Date: 31 December 2029
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal. Applicants are encouraged to prepare all documents early to ensure alignment with programme criteria and deadlines.
Selection Process
Candidates are selected based on:
- Quality and significance of past research contributions
- Creativity, leadership potential, and scholarly impact
- Scientific rigour of proposed methodologies
- Relevance of planned research to global child and youth development
- Alignment with the Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030
- Expected contribution to the community of Jacobs-CIFAR Fellows
- International relevance and real-world applicability of the research
All criteria are weighted equally during evaluation.
Additional Information / Terms
- Funding is awarded to the applicant’s host institution, not directly to the individual.
- Fellows are expected to actively participate in network meetings, learning sessions and collaborative research activities organised by Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR.
- The programme supports projects with both scientific excellence and practical relevance to global education and development systems.
Host Organisation
Jacobs Foundation – a global leader in funding research and practice that improve learning and development outcomes for children and young people.
CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) – an international research organisation connecting top scientists to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Read More About the Programme
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