LEGO Foundation Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Researchers

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is seeking researchers worldwide to deepen the understanding of how children thrive. This global initiative supports early- and mid-career scholars whose work spans fields like education, psychology, public health, data science, and humanitarian studies. The fellowship offers a significant opportunity for researchers to conduct rigorous, practically relevant studies and join a community dedicated to improving children’s lives.

This fellowship is a partnership between the LEGO Foundation and the Social Science Research Council (SSRC). It aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, providing researchers with the resources and network to make a difference. The program is designed for those who are passionate about child development and have a clear vision for how their research can contribute to actionable insights.

Fellowship Benefits and Support

Selected fellows will receive substantial support over three years. This includes flexible research funding of up to $300,000, which covers indirect costs at 15%. The funding is administered through the fellow’s host institution and can support a range of eligible research expenses. These costs may include research personnel, professional travel, necessary equipment, dissemination activities, trainee support, and other related project expenses.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship fosters a strong sense of community. Fellows gain access to a cohort of peers working on similar themes across various disciplines and geographical contexts. This network provides opportunities for meaningful exchange, collaboration, and learning. The LEGO Foundation also hosts convenings, offering further chances for fellows to connect with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Fellows also benefit from media channels to share their work with a wider audience, gaining recognition within the LEGO Foundation’s network.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is open to early- and mid-career researchers globally. A key requirement is that applicants must be employed by a university or research institute. They must also hold a PhD or an equivalent research doctorate. The PhD must have been awarded no earlier than January 1, 2016, though some flexibility may be provided for approved career breaks.

Applicants must be able to have the fellowship funds managed by their host institution. The application process is individual, meaning each researcher submits their own proposal. Crucially, the proposed research must align with one or more of the fellowship’s core themes, focusing on children’s thriving. Applicants from all countries are welcome, with the exception of those in countries subject to EU or US sanctions.

Demonstrating Research Potential and Fit

Beyond the basic qualifications, applicants are expected to demonstrate several key attributes. A strong record of research accomplishment, relative to their career stage, is essential. They should present a clear and original research agenda that directly relates to the fellowship themes. Strong methodological grounding and a feasible plan for the fellowship period are also critical.

The fellowship seeks individuals who have the potential to contribute evidence that can inform practical actions for children. An interest in engaging with an interdisciplinary cohort is also valued, as collaboration and diverse perspectives are central to the program’s success. Applicants should articulate how their work will advance the understanding of children’s well-being and how they plan to share their findings.

Selection Criteria for a Strong Application

Applications for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship are carefully reviewed against several criteria. The primary consideration is the alignment of the proposed work with the fellowship themes, demonstrating how it will advance the understanding of children’s thriving. The clarity and strength of the proposed work are also evaluated, looking for a clear research question, a statement of why the work matters, and the specific gap it aims to address.

Applicant readiness is assessed by considering their experience, judgment, and capacity to carry out the proposed research. Reviewers will look at the applicant’s achievements and potential in light of their career stage, context, and opportunities. The approach and feasibility of the research plan are also important; the proposed methods must be appropriate to the question, context, and population, with a realistic understanding of challenges and how to overcome them.

Research quality is judged on rigor and methodological soundness, ensuring the work can be meaningfully advanced during the fellowship. The application must present a realistic plan, including methods, partnerships, timelines, ethical considerations, and risk management. The field context and contribution are assessed by how well the application situates the work within relevant research and practice, and what it could contribute to others. Finally, fellowship fit and cohort contribution are evaluated by the applicant’s explanation of why the fellowship is timely for their work and how they will contribute to exchanges with other fellows.

The Application Process and Required Materials

The application for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship involves submitting several key documents. Applicants must complete a standard online application form. A resume or CV, limited to two pages, is required. A research abstract of no more than 250 words must be provided, summarizing the proposed work.

A personal statement, limited to 500 words, should explain the inspiration for pursuing research into childhood development, how the proposed research will contribute to scholarly knowledge, and how it will support leadership capacity in moving discovery into practice. The core of the application is a research proposal, which has a 5-page limit. This proposal must clearly articulate the research question, describe the original contribution and practical implications, detail the methods and data analysis plans, and explain the feasibility of the work. It should also include a brief description of related work done to date.

Additionally, applicants must submit completed budget and budget justification templates. A selected bibliography, relevant to the proposed research and limited to two pages, is also required. The application deadline is July 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions