The Jacobs Foundation is pleased to announce its 2025 Call for Proposals under the LEVANTE framework, an ambitious initiative designed to deepen our understanding of how variability within individuals, groups, and contexts influences children’s learning and development. With a funding commitment of up to USD 5 million, the Foundation is inviting research teams to submit project proposals that will become part of the international LEVANTE network.
This opportunity is open to researchers with a strong commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and a passion for contributing to evidence that can shape the future of education worldwide.
About LEVANTE
LEVANTE is a multi-year research initiative aligned with the Jacobs Foundation Research Agenda, focusing on three core dimensions of variability:
1. Within-subject variability – how learning and development vary within a child over time.
2. Within-group heterogeneity – differences among children within classrooms, schools, and communities.
3.Contextual variability – how different environments, including cultural and geographical contexts, shape learning.
Projects will use common longitudinal measures to allow for cross-site comparisons and foster a global evidence base that can inform both educational policy and classroom practices.
Key Focus Areas for 2025
- Target age group: Children aged 5–12 (measures for ages 2–5 are under development and not yet available for this round).
- Geographical emphasis: Proposals from or focused on underrepresented regions, particularly the Global South, are highly encouraged.
- Languages: LEVANTE measures are currently available in English, Spanish, and German, with ongoing adaptation into French and Dutch.
Funding Categories
Proposals will be funded under two categories:
Small Projects – New Data
- Max funding: USD 600,000
- Duration: Minimum 4 years
- Focus: Incorporate LEVANTE measures into ongoing or new studies, possibly with additional relevant measures.
2. Large Projects – New Data
- Max funding: USD 1,000,000
- Duration: Minimum 4 years
- Focus: Collect data on large or specialized samples, extend LEVANTE tools (e.g., to new languages), or implement high-density data strategies.
All projects may be renewed competitively for continuation beyond the initial four years.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent degree earned at least 5 years before the application deadline.
- Be employed by an accredited higher education or research institution.
- Lead or be part of a research lab with capacity to manage the proposed work.
- Demonstrate a track record in learning variability, child development, or closely related fields.
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of:
- Scientific rigor and methodological quality
- Feasibility and resource availability
- Innovativeness and relevance of research questions
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and inclusion of young researchers
- Geographic and demographic representation
- Alignment with the LEVANTE framework
- Integration of additional measures, especially without additional funding requests
Application Timeline
Stage 1: Initial Application
Open: June 27 – August 19, 2025
Includes general applicant information, a short project proposal, and CV submission.
Stage 2: Extended Proposal
Open: September 19 – November 19, 2025
For shortlisted applicants only. Requires detailed study design, timeline, and budget.
Stage 3: Interview
Scheduled: January 7–16, 2026
Finalists will be interviewed by the selection panel. Recommendations will be submitted to the Jacobs Foundation Board.
How to Apply
Application Portal: Click here to apply
Questions? Contact the LEVANTE team at: levante@jacobsfoundation.org
Shape the Future of Learning
By joining the LEVANTE network, research teams will contribute to a shared global database that can unlock new insights into how children learn across diverse environments. The Jacobs Foundation is committed to fostering scientific collaboration, regional inclusion, and policy impact through long-term partnerships.
Deadline for submissions: August 19, 2025
Take this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking international research initiative. Let your work shape the future of education from the classroom to global policy.
