"The Social Science Research Council is pleased to announce the LEGO Foundation Fellowship, a new global research fellowship developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation. The LEGO Foundation invites applications for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship, a global research fellowship for early- and mid-career researchers whose work can strengthen understanding of how children thrive across diverse contexts.

"The fellowship provides flexible support of up to $300,000 over a three-year period for researchers pursuing ambitious, rigorous, and practically relevant work. We are looking for fellows with strong research potential, clear ideas for the next phase of their work, and a commitment to building evidence that can inform action for children.

"We welcome applications from researchers across disciplines, methods, and geographies. Relevant fields may include, but are not limited to, education, psychology, child development, public health, economics, sociology, neuroscience, data science, humanitarian studies, disability studies, human-computer interaction, and implementation science.

"Eligibility: Researchers who have received their PhD within the past 10 years and are employed by a university or research institute. Open to applicants across disciplines and geographies."

Research themes

• The youngest children in crisis and conflict settings
• Inclusion and wellbeing for neurodivergent children
• Children's thriving in an AI-enabled world

Applications open June 1, 2026. Deadline: July 31, 2026.