The Jacobs Foundation, in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), has announced the 2027–2029 Call for Applications for the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship. This globally competitive fellowship supports outstanding early- and mid-career researchers whose work advances understanding of how children and youth learn and develop across diverse contexts and systems. Applications are now open, with a submission deadline of 2 February 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. A Rebranded Fellowship With a Global Research Vision Formerly known as the Jacobs Research Fellowship, the programme has been rebranded to reflect the strategic partnership between the Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR—two organisations recognised globally for leadership in research, innovation, and evidence-informed policy. The fellowship brings together scholars from around the world who are working at the intersection of research, practice, and policy, with the shared goal of improving learning and developmental outcomes for children and young people. Who the Fellowship Is For The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship is aimed at highly talented and innovative scholars who: Received their PhD within the past 10 years Are at the early or mid-career stage Demonstrate strong potential to bridge disciplines Seek to connect research findings to real-world practice and policy The programme welcomes applicants from across the globe and from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. Research Areas and Disciplinary Scope The fellowship supports research across multiple disciplines related to learning and development, including: Education sciences and pedagogy Psychology and behavioural science Economics and sociology Neuroscience and linguistics Computer science and the science of learning Particular encouragement is given to scholars pursuing interdisciplinary work, especially research that integrates multiple levels of analysis—from individual learners to systems and institutions. Strategic Research Priorities Aligned with the Jacobs Foundation’s Strategy 2030, the fellowship is especially interested in research that addresses: How individual and contextual variations influence learning and development outcomes How to design for learner variability at scale so all children can reach their full potential How to reduce inequalities in learning, including those amplified by digital technologies How to use data responsibly to inform teaching and learning decisions Which school-level approaches and environments most effectively improve learning outcomes across diverse student populations A central theme of the programme is understanding and embracing variability in learning, with the aim of generating evidence that can be transferred into scalable, effective education policies and practices. Funding and Fellowship Benefits Fellowships are awarded for a three-year period, with funding provided directly to the fellow’s host institution. The funding may be used flexibly to support: A portion of the fellow’s salary Research personnel and trainee support Equipment and research-related resources Professional and academic travel Beyond financial support, fellows benefit from being part of a dynamic international community. The programme offers: Access to a global network of peers and mentors Opportunities for collaboration through the Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR Engagement with CIFAR’s international research leadership programmes This combination of funding, mentorship, and collaboration is designed to amplify both individual research impact and broader system-level change. Celebrating the Current Fellowship Cohort Alongside the new call for applications, the programme has introduced the 2026–2028 cohort of Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellows. These scholars represent a wide range of disciplines, geographies, and learning contexts, reflecting the programme’s commitment to global perspectives and interdisciplinary excellence. Their work exemplifies the fellowship’s mission to bridge evidence, policy, and practice in order to improve learning outcomes for children worldwide. How to Apply Applications for the 2027–2029 Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship are now open to eligible researchers worldwide. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full application guidelines and submit their materials before the deadline. LEARN MORE This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers committed to advancing the science of learning and development—and to translating evidence into meaningful impact at scale. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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