If you're a researcher, global innovator, or developmental psychologist aiming to change how kids learn worldwide, check this out. The LEGO Foundation Fellowship for 2027 is now accepting applications. They’re offering $300,000 for each selected project to push the boundaries of what we know about childhood development and education.

The fellowship wants people committed to fair education and big changes in how we teach. With the LEGO Foundation’s support, chosen fellows can develop and launch projects based on "learning through play," especially where resources are scarce or after crises. So, if you have an amazing idea to transform children's learning globally, this could be your shot.

Who is the LEGO Foundation?

The LEGO Foundation is a Danish organization set up way back in 1986. They hold 25% of the LEGO Group, funnily enough. This means they take toy profits and funnel them into education, helping kids around the world, and backing some cool research projects.

Their main goal?

Learning through play. The foundation thinks that playing is the number one method for kids to pick up new skills. Rather than boring old studying, they prefer playful activities to shape the whole child, covering creative thinking, problem-solving, working well with others, being resilient, and even developing their physical abilities.

What do they actually do?

For starters, Global Grants. These support schools and other groups that assist kids in tough spots—think refugee camps or war-torn areas. They also pour money into studies that show just how crucial play is for developing those young minds. Plus, they try to influence policy by partnering with bigwigs from governments and UN organizations to push for more playful, creative teaching methods in classrooms worldwide.

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Key Program Summary LEGO Foundation Fellowship

• Host Organization: The LEGO Foundation

• Fellowship Tier: Global Research Fellowship (2027 Cycle)

• Total Funding Value: Up to $300,000 USD per fellow / research project

• Current Status: OPEN. Application acceptances launch annually on June 1.

• Core Research Theme: "Learning through Play" (investigating how play builds cognitive, emotional, social, and creative skills in children).

Eligibility Criteria

Professional/Academic Background: The selection committee is looking for pros with a real passion for child-focused development. They usually go for postdocs, university teachers, ed-policy experts, and leaders of top education nonprofits.

Research Focus: To be considered, your research proposal needs to zero in on early childhood growth, primary school changes, or how play boosts kids' mental health.

Global Scope: Applicants from anywhere in the world can apply. The committee especially hopes to help those wanting to affect kids in low and middle-income countries.

Fellows have to lay out a workable plan that lets them finish long-term projects using the grant cash over several years.

What Does the $300,000 Funding Cover?

The $300,000 is an institutional research grant that offers a lot of flexibility.

Personnel & Stipends: It fully covers living stipends for the main researcher and pays the salaries of any assistance or field workers.

Field Research Costs: The grant also funds all field research costs, including data collection, trips to international sites, and necessary materials and software.

Publishing & Open Access: Researchers can rely on this money to publish their work openly in top global scientific journals.

Global Networking Events: Fully funded travel to LEGO Foundation summits and international education forums to present your findings.

Required Documents

To stand out for this competitive $300,000 award, prepare the following documents in English:

• Research Proposal: A clear, rigorous blueprint outlining your research questions, methodology, target child demographic, and scaling plan.

• Academic & Professional CV: A detailed resume highlighting your research background, publications, or leadership in social innovation.

• Budget Justification: A transparent breakdown of how the $300,000 will be allocated across research phases, materials, travel, and staff.

• Letter of Institutional Support: An official letter from your host university or NGO confirming they can manage the grant's administrative framework.

Elite Paid Internship: The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP)

Who Can Apply for the LEGO Foundation Fellowship

This fellowship is for early- and mid-career researchers around the globe, but you have to fit certain requirements.

First off, you need a PhD or something similar, granted somewhere between January 1, 2016, and July 31, 2026. Also, you have to start the fellowship while employed by a university or research institute. Plus, your school needs to handle the fellowship funding properly.

Individuals only, no group applications here. And don’t forget, your proposal must fit one of the fellowship’s main topics. Lastly, though it's global, folks from places under EU or US sanctions aren't eligible.

Application Process & Materials

Applications must be submitted online and include the following components:

• Standard Online Form: The baseline application profile. Applications must be submitted through the online application portal by July 31, 2026.

• Academic CV: Maximum of 2 pages highlighting your research background.

• Research Abstract: A concise summary of your project (maximum 250 words).

• Personal Statement: Maximum of 500 words explaining your inspiration, your scholarly contribution, and how this fuels your leadership in moving discovery into practice.

• Research Proposal: Maximum of 5 pages covering:

  1. Relevance: Your core research question.

  2. Original Contribution: Practical implications for scholars, practitioners, or policymakers.

  3. Methods: Data collection, analysis, reliability, and IRB approval plans for human subjects.

  4. Feasibility: Anticipated challenges and your strategy to solve them.

  5. Work to Date: A brief summary of your related research and preliminary findings.

• Budget & Justification: Completed templates detailing project costs.

• Selected Bibliography: Relevant references and literature (maximum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is playing a part in your research proposal a must?

No, though the LEGO Foundation backs play-based education, adding it isn't required. As long as your project fits the fellowship's main themes, you're good to go.

Can a group submit a joint application or extend an existing project?

No teams allowed here. This fellowship is made for individuals only. That said, you could totally use this grant to boost an ongoing impactful research project.

How does the $300,000 cash flow work?

It gets sent out over three years directly to your uni or non-profit org. You can cover your research costs, personnel pay, kit and caboodle, plus pro travel with it.

Apply on the official website. The link is provided below

For questions about the fellowship or application process, contact legofellowship@ssrc.org