Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship
The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship program is a partnership between CIFAR and the Jacobs Foundation, offering fellowships to early- and mid-career researchers whose work focuses on enhancing the learning and development of children and youth worldwide.
The relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neurosciences, and science of learning.
Particularly encouraged to apply are scholars who seek to combine multiple levels of analysis and engage in interdisciplinary work. There is a special focus on work to understand and embrace variability in learning, promote the practical application of evidence on human learning and development and scale up effective education policies and practices.
We are especially interested in the following questions:
- How do variations in individuals and contextual factors influence learning and development and learning outcomes?
- How can we design for learner variability at scale to enable all children to reach their potential as learners and in life?
- How can we produce interventions that reduce growing inequalities in children’s learning?
- How can we address the role of data to help learners and teachers make informed decisions about their learning and teaching?
- What school-level learning approaches, environments, and experiences are effective in improving learning outcomes in heterogeneous student groups?
Program Details
Fellowships are awarded to talented researchers who have received their PhDs within the past 10 years. Funding from Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowships is awarded directly to the fellow’s institution and may be used by the fellow over three years to cover a portion of the fellow’s salary and for any purpose in support of the fellow’s research, such as assistants’ salaries, equipment, technical assistance, professional travel, or trainee support.
The ideal fellow has not only a great research idea but a significant potential as a researcher to contribute as part of interdisciplinary teams within and beyond the network of the Jacobs Foundation. In addition to providing fellows with independent and competitive funding, the program offers a wide range of non-financial benefits.
Creating Impact Science Program (CRISP)
CRISP is an initiative designed exclusively for alumni of the Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship program. It serves as a platform to nurture enduring relationships with exceptional alumni, facilitating their continued impact. Each year, the Jacobs Foundation selects 2-3 fellows based on their contributions and commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission. This program offers selected alumni additional funding over 5 years, providing vital support for their ongoing research endeavors.
For more information on Alumni fellows, please click here.
2026 Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellows
Key Dates
- November 24, 2025: Call for applications opens.
- February 2, 2026: Application deadline, 12 PM Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5).
- April 23, 2026: Shortlisted candidates receive an invitation to submit an extended application. All other applicants will be notified whether their application has progressed to the next stage.
- July 6 to 10, 2026: Shortlisted candidates will receive an interview invitation. All other applicants will be notified whether their application has progressed to the stage.
- September 2026: Shortlisted candidates are informed of the final results.
- November 2026: Public announcement of the 2027 cohort of Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellows.