LEVANTE 2026 Call for Proposals: Up to $1 Million Funding for Global Research on Children’s Learning and Development

The Jacobs Foundation has officially launched the LEVANTE 2026 Call for Proposals, offering a major funding opportunity for researchers worldwide. With a total funding pool of USD 6 million and up to USD 1 million available per project, this initiative aims to support cutting-edge research that explores how children grow, learn, and develop across diverse contexts globally.

This call is part of the Learning Variability Network Exchange (LEVANTE), a groundbreaking global research initiative designed to deepen understanding of learning variability and its impact on children’s educational outcomes.

What is LEVANTE?

LEVANTE (Learning Variability Network Exchange) is a flagship initiative of the Jacobs Foundation that connects researchers across the globe to collaboratively study how children learn and develop.

The initiative focuses on:

• Individual variability: Differences in how children learn and develop
• Group heterogeneity: Variations across different populations and communities
• Contextual variability: Influence of environment, culture, and systems on learning

LEVANTE has already created one of the first cross-cultural, multidisciplinary open datasets on child development, helping researchers uncover patterns and insights that can transform education systems globally.

Overview of the 2026 Call for Proposals

The 2026 call represents a significant expansion of LEVANTE’s global research network.

Key Highlights:

• Total funding pool: USD 6 million
• Maximum funding per project: Up to USD 1 million
• Application period: April 13 – June 10, 2026

This funding is designed to support innovative, high-impact research projects that contribute to a deeper understanding of how learning unfolds across time and contexts.

Research Focus Areas

LEVANTE is specifically seeking research proposals that investigate children’s learning and development through rigorous, data-driven approaches.

Target Population:

• Children aged 3 to 12 years

Core Research Themes:

1. Understanding Learning Variability
   • Investigating differences in how children learn
   • Identifying underlying mechanisms of development
2. Longitudinal Development Studies
   • Tracking children’s development over time
   • Capturing dynamic learning processes
3. Environmental and Contextual Influences
   • Effects of socio-economic conditions
   • Impact of pollution and environmental factors
   • Role of institutional and policy reforms

Priority Research Approaches

LEVANTE strongly encourages proposals that adopt advanced and rigorous methodologies.

Preferred Approaches Include:

• Causal Research Designs
  • Studies that identify cause-and-effect relationships in learning and development
• Dense Data Collection
  • High-frequency data tracking to understand short-term and long-term outcomes
• Developmental Trajectory Analysis
  • Research focusing on how children evolve over time
• Use of Rich Environmental Data
  • Integrating contextual variables into learning models

Special Focus: Underrepresented Regions

The 2026 call places strong emphasis on expanding global representation.

Priority Consideration:

• Projects from underrepresented regions
• Research that captures diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts

This ensures that findings reflect global realities and contribute to inclusive educational advancements.

Funding Benefits

Selected projects will receive substantial support to implement their research.

What the Funding Covers:

1. Financial Support
   • Up to USD 1 million per project
2. Global Research Collaboration
   • Access to an international network of researchers
3. Data Integration Opportunities
   • Contribution to a global open dataset
4. Visibility and Impact
   • Opportunity to influence global education policy and research

Expansion of the LEVANTE Network

The initiative continues to grow rapidly, strengthening its global reach.

New Research Sites (2025 Cohort):

• Switzerland – Bern University of Teacher Education
• Peru – GRADE
• USA – Harvard University
• Ghana – Kintampo Health Research Centre
• Australia – Monash University
• India – Public Health Foundation of India
• Italy – Sapienza University of Rome
• Colombia – Universidad de los Andes

This expansion highlights LEVANTE’s commitment to global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Why You Should Apply

The LEVANTE 2026 Call for Proposals offers a rare opportunity to contribute to global knowledge on child development.

Key Reasons to Apply:

• Access up to $1 million in research funding
• Join a global network of leading researchers
• Contribute to groundbreaking datasets
• Influence education systems and policies worldwide
• Advance your academic and research career

Application Process

Researchers interested in applying must follow the official submission process outlined on the LEVANTE platform.

Steps to Apply:

1. Review eligibility and funding guidelines
2. Prepare a detailed research proposal
3. Submit through the official LEVANTE website

Applicants are encouraged to carefully align their proposals with LEVANTE’s research priorities and methodological expectations.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by:

June 10, 2026

Late submissions will not be considered.

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the LEVANTE 2026 Call for Proposals.

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