The SurveyMonkey Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program supports early and mid-career researchers advancing learning and development for children and youth worldwide. Fellows receive CHF 150,000 over three years, access to interdisciplinary networks, and opportunities for research expansion, professional growth, and collaboration. Applications are open to candidates with a PhD obtained within the past ten years.

Overview

The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program, managed by SurveyMonkey in partnership with the Jacobs Foundation, funds researchers enhancing the understanding, application, and scalability of learning and development interventions for children and youth. The program prioritizes interdisciplinary research, innovative approaches, and evidence-based contributions that inform policy and practice. Fellows receive financial support, networking opportunities, and professional development within the Jacobs Foundation’s global research network.

Key Research Areas

Eligible research spans disciplines including education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neurosciences, and science of learning. The program encourages interdisciplinary work and research that explores variability in learning, promotes evidence generation and practical application, and builds capacity to scale effective education policies and practices.

Funding and Benefits

Financial Support: CHF 150,000 over three years, with up to 10% for overhead costs. Funding covers up to 50% of the fellow’s salary and supports hiring research assistants, acquiring equipment, technical assistance, professional travel, and trainee support. Supplementary funding may be available at the end of the fellowship for evidence-to-action and capacity-building initiatives.
Non-Financial Benefits: Networking opportunities, participation in alumni events, platforms for disseminating research, and opportunities for scientific and personal development. Funding is awarded to the fellow’s institution and must follow program guidelines.

Who is Eligible?

Researchers with a PhD obtained within the past 10 years, employed at a higher education or research institution, conducting high-quality research aligned with early education and learning variability, and willing to engage with the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Network. Applicants should demonstrate potential to contribute effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

How to Apply / Selection Process

Step 1: Initial Application – assesses alignment with the Foundation’s goals and network fit.
Step 2: Extended Proposal – detailed research plans, expected contributions, methodology, and potential impact.
Step 3: Interview – clarifies questions, motivations, and alignment with the Jacobs CIFAR network.
Evaluation Criteria: Past research achievements, creativity, methodological rigor, international relevance, potential impact on human development, alignment with Jacobs Foundation Strategy 2030, and collaborative ability. All stages are reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel, and applicants reaching the interview stage receive feedback.

Expectations for Fellows

Active participation in Jacobs Foundation events, contribution to communication initiatives and knowledge dissemination, collaboration with peers across the network, and annual progress updates on research outputs and activities.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Submitting proposals that are not interdisciplinary or network-oriented, overlooking alignment with learning variability or early education priorities, ignoring institutional affiliation requirements, failing to demonstrate methodological rigor or potential impact. Tip: Clearly show how research contributes to global learning outcomes, evidence application, and collaboration opportunities, highlighting innovation and scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the fellowship? Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the past 10 years and be employed at a higher education or research institution.

2. What disciplines are eligible? Education sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, behavioral science, computer science, pedagogy, linguistics, neurosciences, and science of learning.

3. How much funding is provided? CHF 150,000 over three years, with up to 10% for overhead costs and funding for up to half of the fellow’s salary.

4. Can additional funding be requested? Yes, fellows can apply for supplementary funding at the end of the fellowship for evidence-to-action and capacity-building projects.

5. What are the key evaluation criteria? Past achievements, creativity, methodological rigor, international relevance, potential impact on learning, alignment with Strategy 2030, and collaborative potential.

6. Are interdisciplinary projects encouraged? Yes, combining multiple levels of analysis and cross-disciplinary collaboration is highly encouraged.

7. What are the fellow’s obligations? Active participation in events, knowledge dissemination, collaboration with the network, and annual research progress updates.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship Program strengthens global research on learning variability, child development, and scalable education practices. By funding interdisciplinary, evidence-driven projects, it empowers researchers to influence policy, improve educational outcomes, and build a collaborative international research network.