IEA Research and Policy Grant for Early Career Researchers 2026

Overview

The Research and Policy Grant for Early Career Researchers is provided by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement in partnership with the European Commission Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The initiative supports emerging researchers conducting secondary analyses of international large-scale educational assessment data to inform education policy across the European Education Area.

Who can apply

The grant targets emerging researchers including doctoral candidates, researchers who earned their first doctoral degree within the previous five years, and master degree holders with limited additional research experience. Applicants must demonstrate quantitative research skills for analysing IEA datasets, proficiency in English, and support from a senior researcher or policy expert. Researchers of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

What you get

Successful applicants receive funding of €20,000 per project provided as a lump sum over a 12-month project duration. Additional benefits include priority access to specialised training in Hamburg, methodological and thematic support from specialists, and opportunities to participate in policy dialogue at the European level.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a research proposal addressing foundational skills in primary education, digital well-being and social media, equity and social inclusion, or democratic values and citizenship using datasets such as TIMSS, PIRLS, ICCS, or ICILS. Required documentation includes a research proposal, a curriculum vitae, proof of academic qualifications or doctoral enrolment, a supervisor letter of support, and a host institution support letter where applicable.

Key dates

The application deadline for this round was 31 March 2026.