The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship 2026, offered by the Jacobs Foundation in collaboration with CIFAR, is one of the most prestigious global fellowships for early- and mid-career researchers working on child and youth learning and development. Designed to empower researchers with independent funding, international exposure, and strong interdisciplinary networks, this fellowship supports impactful research that can influence education systems, learning sciences, and evidence-based policy worldwide.

This fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers who aim to bridge theory and practice, address learning inequalities, and design scalable solutions for diverse learners. With generous funding, a three-year duration, and access to a powerful global research network, the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship 2026 stands out as a life-changing opportunity for researchers committed to human development and education innovation.

About Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR

The Jacobs Foundation is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to improving the learning and development of children and youth across the globe. Its Strategy 2030 focuses on evidence-based solutions, equity in learning, and large-scale educational impact.

CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) is a globally respected research organization that brings together leading scholars to address complex challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. CIFAR programs span education, neuroscience, social sciences, artificial intelligence, and public policy.

Together, Jacobs Foundation and CIFAR provide fellows with not only funding, but also global visibility, intellectual exchange, and policy engagement opportunities.

Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship 2026 – Overview 

Item	Details
Fellowship Name	Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship
Year	2026
Host Organization	Jacobs Foundation & CIFAR
Funding Amount	CHF 150,000
Total Possible Funding	Up to CHF 165,000 (including overheads)
Duration	3 Years
Fellowships per Year	Up to 12
Eligible Fields	Education, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Neuroscience, AI, Learning Sciences, and more
Target Group	Early to mid-career researchers
Deadline	February 2, 2026 (12 noon EST)

Fellowship Benefits and Funding Details

The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship provides both financial independence and professional development support.

• Total research grant of CHF 150,000 over three years
• Up to 50% of the grant may be used to cover the fellow’s salary
• Up to 10% additional funding for indirect or overhead costs
• Total possible funding up to CHF 165,000
• Opportunity to apply for additional funding after completion for evidence-to-action projects
• Access to global networking events and annual meetings
• Media and communication support to disseminate research findings
• Integration into the Jacobs CIFAR global fellowship and alumni network

Eligible Research Areas and Focus

The fellowship supports innovative research on learning and development of children and youth, including but not limited to:

• Learning variability and individual differences
• Scalable educational interventions
• Equity, inclusion, and reducing learning inequalities
• Digital technologies and learning outcomes
• Data-informed decision-making in education
• Interdisciplinary approaches combining multiple levels of analysis

Projects that connect research evidence with real-world application are particularly encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• PhD or equivalent degree obtained within the past 10 years
• Employed at a university or recognized research institute
• Research aligned with child and youth learning and development
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration
• Willingness to actively engage with the Jacobs CIFAR Fellowship Network

Researchers from all countries are eligible, making this a truly global opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed holistically, with equal weight given to the following factors:

• Quality and impact of past research and publications
• Scientific rigor of proposed methods and data
• Creativity and leadership potential
• International relevance of the proposed research
• Potential contribution to human development and learning
• Alignment with Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030
• Commitment to collaboration within the fellowship network

Fellow Responsibilities and Expectations

Selected fellows are expected to actively contribute to the fellowship ecosystem:

• Participate in annual meetings and fellowship events
• Collaborate with other fellows and alumni
• Share research progress through reports and publications
• Acknowledge Jacobs CIFAR support in academic outputs
• Engage in communication and outreach activities
• Support evidence-based dialogue with policymakers and practitioners

Application Process 

• Prepare a strong research proposal aligned with fellowship priorities
• Ensure eligibility criteria are fully met
• Submit the online application through the official portal
• Complete all required sections before the deadline
• Submit by February 2, 2026, 12 noon EST

You should submit earlier to avoid technical issues.

Comparison with Similar Global Research Fellowships

Fellowship	Funding	Duration	Focus
Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship	CHF 150,000	3 Years	Child & Youth Learning
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship	Salary-based	2–3 Years	Multidisciplinary Research
Humboldt Research Fellowship	€2,670/month	6–24 Months	Global Research
Wellcome Early-Career Award	Variable	Up to 5 Years	Health & Development

More Information About Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship 2026

1. Who should apply for the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship? Early to mid-career researchers working on child and youth learning, education, or development-related topics.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded? Yes, it provides CHF 150,000 in core funding, with additional overhead support.
3. Can I use the funds for my salary? Yes, you may get up to 50% of the grant allocated to salary support.
4. Are researchers from developing countries eligible?
5. Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome.
6. Do I need interdisciplinary research?
7. It is not mandatory, but the fellowship encourages interdisciplinary approaches.
8. How competitive is the fellowship?
9. Highly competitive, with only up to 12 fellowships awarded annually.
10. Can I apply if I received my PhD 9 years ago?
11. Yes, as long as your PhD was awarded within the past 10 years.
12. Does the fellowship support policy engagement?
13. Yes, evidence-to-action and policy engagement are key priorities.
14. Do I require relocation?
15. No, fellows remain based at their home institutions.
16. When will I get the results?
17. Exact dates vary, but you’ll get the announcement of selection several months after the deadline.

If your research has the potential to transform learning outcomes for children and youth globally, the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss. Start preparing early, align your proposal with real-world impact, and submit a compelling application before the deadline. APPLY NOW. Follow the official fellowship page for more information.

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