CHF 5,000 for Child Development & Education Researchers – BOLD Science Communication Fellowship 2026

The Jacobs Foundation is offering a CHF 5,000 stipend through its BOLD Science Communication Fellowship, supporting early-career researchers who want to improve how scientific knowledge about children's learning and development is communicated.

The six-month programme provides expert training, mentoring and opportunities to create accessible research-based content for educators, parents and caregivers.

Up to three researchers will be selected.

Here's what you can expect:

• CHF 5,000 stipend per selected fellow

• Six months of professional development

• Expert mentoring in science communication

• Specialist training in science writing and editing

• Workshops on communicating complex research

• Training in creating educational videos for social media

• Monthly writing sessions with the BOLD editorial team

• Opportunities to publish content for an international audience

What areas of research are supported?

The fellowship focuses on communicating scientific research relating to children's learning and development.

Relevant topics may include:

1. Child Development

• Cognitive development

• Children's behaviour and learning

• Social and emotional development

• Individual differences in development

2. Education & Learning

• Evidence-based teaching practices

• Learning environments

• Educational psychology

• Supporting children's individual learning needs

3. Technology & Education

• Digital learning

• Educational technology

• Technology's influence on children's development

• Communicating research about modern learning environments

4. Supporting Educators & Caregivers

• Translating scientific findings into practical advice

• Helping parents understand child development

• Making academic research accessible to wider audiences

Who can apply?

The fellowship welcomes early-career researchers working in child learning and development.

Researchers from around the world are invited to apply.

Applicants should be interested in developing their ability to communicate scientific research to non-specialist audiences.

Important: This opportunity is designed for individual researchers, rather than charities or businesses seeking general project funding.

What does the funding cover?

Selected fellows receive a CHF 5,000 stipend to support the time and resources needed to participate in the fellowship.

The programme also provides specialist professional development opportunities.

How does the programme work?

Successful applicants participate in a six-month programme combining training, mentoring and practical content creation.

Activities include:

• Attending specialist writing workshops

• Participating in monthly writing sessions

• Developing science communication skills

• Learning to edit research-based content

• Producing accessible educational materials

• Exploring video production for digital audiences

Key information

Funding: CHF 5,000 per fellow

Number of Places: Up to 3

Programme Duration: 6 months

Geographic Eligibility: International

Applications Opened: 1 September 2026

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026