Nigeria

The LEGO Foundation — in partnership with the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) — is offering early- and mid-career researchers up to USD 300,000 in flexible funding over three years to pursue rigorous research on how children thrive, in its first-ever global research fellowship marking the Foundation's 40th anniversary.

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Up to 10 fellows will be selected globally across three themes: children in crisis and conflict (ages 0–8); neurodivergent children, with a focus on Autism and ADHD (ages 0–18); and children's learning in an AI-enabled world (ages 0–18). Applicants may address one or more themes.

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Applications close **31 July 2026**, with the fellowship running from 1 February 2027 to 31 December 2029.

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👉 **Apply:** Click "Go to Opportunity" to learn more and submit your application.

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### What You'll Gain

* USD 300,000 in flexible research funding over three years
* Membership in a global interdisciplinary cohort of up to 10 fellows
* Invitations to annual convenings and virtual cohort sessions
* Access to LEGO Foundation media channels for broader research dissemination
* Recognition within the LEGO Foundation's global network of researchers and partners
* Opportunity to shape real-world policy and practice for children globally

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### What They're Looking For

* Strong research track record relative to career stage
* Clear, original research agenda aligned with one or more fellowship themes
* Sound methodology and a realistic plan for the fellowship period
* Demonstrated potential to translate evidence into action for children
* Must hold a PhD or equivalent research doctorate by 31 July 2026
* PhD received no earlier than 1 January 2016 — career breaks accommodated
* Employed by a university or research institute at fellowship start
* Individual applications only — team applications not accepted

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**⚠️ Important Application Information**

* Apply through the SSRC online portal at ssrc.secure-platform.com by **31 July 2026 at 11:59 PM EST** — late applications will not be considered
* Required materials: CV (2 pages), research abstract (250 words), personal statement (500 words), research proposal (5 pages), budget with justification, and selected bibliography (2 pages)
* Budget templates are available on the SSRC website
* Selection is two-stage — an international multidisciplinary committee nominates finalists; the LEGO Foundation makes final selections
* Individual feedback is only available to finalists
* Contact: [legofellowship@ssrc.org](mailto\:legofellowship@ssrc.org)

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Fully funded 3-year research fellowship from the LEGO Foundation for PhD researchers studying how children thrive. Up to $300,000 awarded.

$300,000 Global Research Fellowship for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers

By UNICEF Nigeria