LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2026: Up to USD 300,000 for Researchers Advancing Children’s Thriving

Researchers working to improve the lives of children around the world have an exciting opportunity to secure substantial funding through the newly launched LEGO Foundation Fellowship. Administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), this prestigious global fellowship is designed to support early- and mid-career researchers whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of how children thrive across diverse contexts.

The fellowship provides up to USD 300,000 over three years, offering flexible funding for ambitious research projects that can generate meaningful evidence and inform policies, programs, and practices affecting children worldwide.

About the LEGO Foundation Fellowship

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship has been established to support researchers who are ready to advance an important line of inquiry related to children’s development, wellbeing, learning, and thriving. The program coincides with the LEGO Foundation’s 40th anniversary and reflects its long-standing commitment to improving childhood experiences globally.

The fellowship is open to researchers from a wide range of disciplines and welcomes innovative approaches to understanding the conditions that help children flourish.

Researchers from fields such as:

• Education
• Psychology
• Child Development
• Sociology
• Economics
• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Humanitarian Studies
• Data Science
• Disability Studies
• Implementation Science

are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Funding and Benefits

Selected fellows will receive significant support to advance their research agendas over a three-year period.

Fellowship Benefits Include:

• Flexible funding of USD 300,000
• Three-year fellowship support
• Funding administered through the fellow’s institution
• Support for research personnel and assistants
• Professional travel funding
• Equipment and research-related expenses
• Dissemination and publication support
• Opportunities to engage with global researchers
• Access to LEGO Foundation networks
• Participation in fellowship convenings and events
• Increased visibility through LEGO Foundation communication channels

The funding is designed to allow researchers the flexibility needed to pursue impactful and rigorous projects without being constrained by short-term funding cycles.

Research Themes

The fellowship focuses on three major areas related to children’s thriving.

1. The Youngest Children in Crisis and Conflict Settings

This theme seeks research that examines how children from birth to eight years old can continue learning and developing despite conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

Potential research topics include:

• Child resilience in conflict settings
• Early childhood development during emergencies
• Caregiving and family support systems
• Mental health and psychosocial support
• Refugee and displaced children’s wellbeing
• Scaling effective interventions in humanitarian contexts

Researchers exploring how evidence can improve outcomes for vulnerable children are strongly encouraged to apply.

2. Inclusion and Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Children

The LEGO Foundation aims to improve opportunities for neurodivergent children, particularly those with Autism and ADHD.

Relevant research areas include:

• Support before formal diagnosis
• Family wellbeing and caregiving practices
• Inclusive education systems
• School and classroom design
• Educational transitions
• Digital tools that enhance participation and belonging

The goal is to build evidence that helps neurodivergent children thrive across different environments and stages of development.

3. Children’s Learning and Development in an AI-Enabled World

Artificial intelligence is transforming education and childhood experiences at an unprecedented pace.

The fellowship seeks research examining:

• AI’s influence on adult-child relationships
• Social and emotional development in AI environments
• AI and student motivation
• Productive struggle and learning
• Educational engagement
• Differential impacts of AI on diverse groups of children

Researchers can investigate both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI’s growing role in children’s lives.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to early- and mid-career researchers from around the world.

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctorate by July 31, 2026
• Have earned their doctorate no earlier than January 1, 2016
• Be employed by a university or research institute
• Have institutional support for administering funds
• Submit an individual application
• Propose research aligned with one or more fellowship themes

Researchers from most countries are eligible, except those subject to specific US or EU sanctions.

What Reviewers Are Looking For

Applications will be assessed based on several criteria.

Key Evaluation Areas:

• Alignment with fellowship themes
• Originality and significance of the research
• Methodological rigor
• Feasibility of the proposed project
• Potential contribution to evidence and practice
• Applicant readiness and research track record
• Potential contribution to the fellowship community

Reviewers will also consider how effectively applicants demonstrate the practical relevance of their work and its potential impact on children’s lives.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several materials through the online application portal.

Required Documents:

• Online application form
• Two-page CV or résumé
• 250-word research abstract
• 500-word personal statement
• Five-page research proposal
• Budget and budget justification
• Two-page selected bibliography

The personal statement should explain the applicant’s motivation, research goals, and leadership aspirations.

Important Dates

Researchers interested in applying should note the following timeline:

• Applications Open: June 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
• Notification of Results: November 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: February 1, 2027
• Fellowship End Date: December 31, 2029

Final Thoughts

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship represents one of the most significant global funding opportunities currently available for researchers focused on childhood development and wellbeing. With up to USD 300,000 in flexible funding, access to an international research network, and support for impactful scholarship, the fellowship provides a unique platform for advancing evidence that can improve the lives of children worldwide.

For researchers committed to generating knowledge that informs action, policy, and practice, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting contribution to children’s thriving across diverse global contexts.

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, 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.