LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2027: $300,000 Fully Funded Global Research Fellowship
Global research fellowship supporting innovative studies on children's wellbeing, learning, inclusion, resilience, and thriving worldwide.
Introduction
Applications are now open for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2027, a prestigious global fellowship administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) in partnership with the LEGO Foundation.
The fellowship provides $300,000 in research funding over three years to outstanding early- and mid-career researchers conducting impactful studies focused on children's thriving and development.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Organization
LEGO Foundation & SSRC
Opportunity Type
Research Fellowship
Funding
USD 300,000
Fellowship Duration
3 Years
Number of Fellowships
Up to 10
Eligible Applicants
Early & Mid-Career Researchers
Degree Requirement
PhD or Equivalent Doctorate
Eligible Countries
Most Countries Worldwide
Application Opens
1 June 2026
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Fellowship Period
Feb 2027 – Dec 2029
Opportunity Overview
Particulars
Details
Host Organization
LEGO Foundation
Administered By
Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
Fellowship Type
Fully Funded Research Fellowship
Research Focus
Children's Thriving & Development
Funding Model
Flexible Research Grant
Fellowship Cohort
International
Research Areas
Education, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, AI, Child Development & More
Career Level
Early & Mid-Career Researchers
About the Organization
The LEGO Foundation supports initiatives that improve children's learning, development, wellbeing, creativity, and inclusion worldwide.
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) administers the fellowship and supports interdisciplinary research that addresses major global challenges.
Important Dates
Event
Date
Applications Open
1 June 2026
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Results Announcement
November 2026
Fellowship Start Date
1 February 2027
Fellowship End Date
31 December 2029
Fellowship Details
Fellowship Component
Details
Fellowship Value
USD 300,000
Funding Duration
3 Years
Cohort Size
Up to 10 Fellows
Research Format
Individual Research Project
Global Network Access
Included
Annual Meetings
Included
Mentorship
Included
International Visibility
Included
Dissemination Support
Included
Research Themes
Theme
Focus Area
Theme 1
Young Children in Crisis & Conflict Settings
Theme 2
Inclusion & Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Children
Theme 3
Children's Learning & Development in an AI-Enabled World
The LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2027 is among the most significant international research fellowships currently available for scholars focused on children's wellbeing, learning, resilience, inclusion, and development. Unlike traditional academic grants that often restrict spending categories, this fellowship provides highly flexible funding of USD 300,000 over three years, enabling researchers to conduct ambitious and impactful studies.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for early- and mid-career researchers working in education, psychology, public health, sociology, child development, neuroscience, economics, AI, disability studies, and related fields. Researchers already leading independent projects or seeking to expand existing work will benefit the most.
Career Impact
Being selected as a LEGO Foundation Fellow can significantly enhance an applicant's academic profile. Beyond funding, fellows gain international visibility, access to a prestigious research network, collaboration opportunities, and direct engagement with policymakers and practitioners. These benefits can accelerate publication records, future grant success, and leadership opportunities.
Competition Level
High
The fellowship offers substantial funding, global prestige, and only up to 10 awards worldwide. Applicants should expect strong competition from highly accomplished researchers across multiple disciplines and countries.
Selection Strategy
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed research addresses one of the fellowship themes, provides practical value, and can generate evidence that improves outcomes for children. Strong methodology, clear impact pathways, and interdisciplinary relevance will strengthen applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting overly theoretical proposals without practical relevance.
Weak alignment with fellowship themes.
Unclear methodology or timelines.
Insufficient justification for budget requests.
Failing to explain policy or practice implications.
CareerFlora Recommendation
Researchers with strong publication records, innovative research ideas, and a demonstrated commitment to improving children's lives should prioritize this opportunity. The funding level and international recognition make it one of the best research fellowships currently available globally.
Final Verdict
The LEGO Foundation Fellowship 2027 represents a rare opportunity to secure substantial funding while joining an influential global network dedicated to advancing children's thriving worldwide. For eligible researchers seeking long-
