The LEGO Foundation has opened applications for a new global research fellowship aimed at early- and mid-career researchers whose work advances the understanding of how children thrive in diverse and challenging environments. Administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), the fellowship offers up to ten researchers USD 300,000 over three years to pursue rigorous, ambitious, and practically relevant research. Applications are open from 1 June to 31 July 2026.
About the LEGO Foundation Fellowship
Launched to mark the LEGO Foundation’s 40th anniversary, this fellowship reflects four decades of investment in the conditions that allow all children to learn, grow, and develop. The LEGO Foundation is an independent Danish corporate foundation that has worked since 1986 to improve childhood through education, creativity, and play. The fellowship is administered by the Social Science Research Council, which oversees the full application and selection process.
Funding Size
- Total funding per fellow: USD 300,000 over three years, inclusive of 15% indirect costs
- Funds are administered by the fellow’s host institution
Who Can Apply
- Early- and mid-career researchers employed by a university or research institute
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent research doctorate by 31 July 2026
- PhD must have been awarded no earlier than 1 January 2016, subject to approved career-break provisions
Geographic Eligibility
- Global, open to researchers from all countries not subject to EU or US sanctions
- No geographic restrictions on host institution location
Sector or Thematic Focus
- The youngest children from birth to age eight in crisis and conflict settings, including humanitarian emergencies and prolonged displacement
- Inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children and young people up to 18, with a particular focus on Autism and ADHD
- Children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world, including AI’s effects on social and emotional development, adult-child connection, and learning engagement
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through the SSRC’s online application portal by 31 July 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The selection process runs in two stages: an international, multidisciplinary committee of childhood development specialists first reviews all applications and nominates a shortlist of finalists, after which the LEGO Foundation’s own review committee selects the final grantees. Applicants will be notified of their status in November 2026. For enquiries, contact legofellowship@ssrc.org.
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Required Materials
- Completed standard online application form
- Resume or CV, maximum two pages
- Research abstract, maximum 250 words
- Personal statement of up to 500 words covering your inspiration for researching childhood development, the scholarly contribution of your proposed work, and how it supports your leadership in translating discovery into practice
Key Dates
- Application portal opens: 1 June 2026
- Application deadline: 31 July 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
- Applicants notified of status: November 2026
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Selection Notes
Applications are assessed against seven criteria: alignment with the fellowship themes, clarity and strength of the proposed work, applicant readiness relative to career stage, appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed approach, research quality and methodological rigour, contribution to the field, and fit with the fellowship cohort.