The LEGO Foundation has launched applications for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship, a prestigious global research fellowship designed to support early- and mid-career researchers whose work advances understanding of how children thrive in diverse contexts. Administered through the Social Science Research Council, the fellowship provides substantial funding and international collaboration opportunities for researchers committed to generating evidence that can improve outcomes for children worldwide. The programme coincides with the LEGO Foundation’s 40th anniversary and reflects its continued commitment to supporting research that informs policies and practices affecting children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. About the LEGO Foundation Fellowship The fellowship provides flexible research funding of USD 300,000 over three years to support ambitious and impactful research projects. Funding is awarded through the fellow’s host institution and can be used to support research personnel, equipment, travel, dissemination activities, trainee support, and other eligible project costs. The programme is designed for researchers who have demonstrated strong potential in their fields and are ready to advance a significant line of inquiry related to children’s thriving. In addition to financial support, fellows will join a global cohort of researchers and gain access to networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing opportunities with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and partners connected to the LEGO Foundation. Fellowship Themes The fellowship welcomes research proposals aligned with one of three priority themes focused on children’s thriving. The Youngest Children in Crisis and Conflict Settings Researchers are invited to explore issues affecting children from birth to eight years of age who are living in humanitarian emergencies, conflict zones, displacement settings, and recovery contexts. Potential research areas include: Resilience and pathways to thriving in adversity Caregiving and family support systems Scaling mental health and psychosocial support interventions Integration of health, education, nutrition, and protection systems Evidence translation into humanitarian practice This theme seeks solutions that help young children continue learning and developing despite challenging circumstances. Inclusion and Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Children This theme focuses particularly on children with Autism and ADHD and aims to strengthen understanding of how neurodivergent children can thrive in different environments. Research areas may include: Support mechanisms before formal diagnosis Family wellbeing and caregiving practices Inclusive education systems and classroom design Transitions across developmental stages Digital tools that improve participation, communication, and belonging Applications may focus on neurodivergent children and young people up to 18 years of age. Children’s Learning and Development in an AI-Enabled World As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education and childhood experiences, the fellowship seeks research examining how AI affects children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. Key topics include: AI’s influence on adult-child relationships Social and emotional development in AI-supported environments Motivation, engagement, and productive learning struggles Equity and differential impacts of AI technologies Opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption Researchers are encouraged to explore how emerging technologies can support positive developmental outcomes while addressing potential challenges. Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package that includes: USD 300,000 in flexible funding over three years Institutional administration of research funds Support for personnel, travel, equipment, and dissemination Access to an international interdisciplinary cohort Participation in annual convenings and virtual sessions Opportunities to engage with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers Visibility through LEGO Foundation communication platforms Recognition within the LEGO Foundation network The programme aims to create a vibrant community of researchers working to improve children’s lives through evidence-based approaches. Eligibility Requirements The fellowship is open to researchers from around the world who meet the following requirements: Hold a PhD or equivalent research doctorate by 31 July 2026 Have received their doctorate no earlier than 1 January 2016 Be employed by a university or research institute at the start of the fellowship Have institutional capacity to administer fellowship funds Submit an individual application Propose research aligned with one or more fellowship themes Researchers from most countries are eligible to apply, except those located in countries subject to relevant EU or US sanctions. What the Selection Committee Is Looking For Applications will be assessed based on several criteria: Alignment with fellowship themes Originality and significance of the proposed research Research quality and methodological rigor Feasibility of the project plan Applicant readiness and career-stage achievements Potential contribution to policy, practice, and scholarship Ability to contribute to the interdisciplinary fellowship cohort The review process places strong emphasis on research that can generate meaningful evidence and practical impact for children. Application Requirements Applicants must submit: Online application form Two-page curriculum vitae (CV) 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: Motivation for researching childhood development Contribution to scholarly knowledge How the research will strengthen leadership in translating evidence into practice Selection Timeline The fellowship will be awarded through a two-stage review process involving an international panel of childhood development experts and a final review by the LEGO Foundation. Key Dates Applications Open: 1 June 2026 Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 Results Notification: November 2026 Fellowship Period: 1 February 2027 – 31 December 2029 Number of Fellowships: Up to 10 Why This Fellowship Matters As global challenges continue to affect children’s wellbeing, education, and development, the need for rigorous evidence has become increasingly important. The LEGO Foundation Fellowship provides researchers with the resources needed to investigate critical questions, generate actionable knowledge, and contribute to solutions that improve children’s lives. By supporting interdisciplinary research across crisis settings, neurodiversity, and emerging technologies, the programme aims to strengthen global understanding of what helps children thrive in a rapidly changing world. Conclusion The LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2027 offers a unique opportunity for early- and mid-career researchers to advance impactful research while joining a global network of experts committed to improving outcomes for children. With substantial funding, international collaboration opportunities, and strong institutional support, the fellowship is positioned to drive innovative research that informs policy and practice worldwide. Researchers working on issues related to childhood development, inclusion, learning, wellbeing, and resilience are encouraged to prepare their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, 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.