The Jacobs Foundation has opened the LEVANTE 2026 Call for Proposals. This program offers up to $1 million per project from a $6 million funding pool. It supports research on how children aged 3 to 12 learn and develop around the world.
What is LEVANTE?
LEVANTE stands for Learning Variability Network Exchange. It is a program by the Jacobs Foundation that links researchers from different countries. The goal is to study differences in how children learn and grow.
The program looks at three main areas. First, it examines individual differences in learning. Second, it studies variations across groups and communities. Third, it checks how environments, cultures, and systems affect learning. LEVANTE has built one of the first open datasets on child development from many cultures. This helps researchers find patterns to improve education.
Overview of the 2026 Call
The 2026 call expands the LEVANTE network. Researchers worldwide can apply from April 13 to June 10, 2026. The funding backs projects that use strong data to understand learning over time and in different places.
Projects must focus on children aged 3 to 12. They should explore how learning varies and what drives development.
Key Research Themes
LEVANTE wants proposals on specific topics.
Understanding Learning Variability
Researchers should study why children learn in different ways. They need to find the basic processes behind growth and skills.
Longitudinal Development Studies
These projects track children over time. They capture how learning changes in the short and long term.
Environmental and Contextual Influences
Work should cover effects from money and social conditions. It can include pollution, surroundings, schools, and government changes.
Preferred Research Methods
The program favors certain ways to do research.
Causal Research Designs
These studies find clear links between causes and effects in learning.
Dense Data Collection
Collect data often to see quick and lasting results.
Developmental Trajectory Analysis
Follow how children’s skills build and change over years.
Use of Rich Environmental Data
Add details about surroundings into the study models.
Focus on Underrepresented Regions
LEVANTE gives extra attention to areas with less research. Priority goes to projects from diverse cultures and economies. This helps make results useful for the whole world.
What Funding Covers
Winning projects get up to $1 million. Funds support the full research plan. Teams also join a global network of experts. They can add data to the open dataset. This boosts their work’s reach and helps shape education policies.
Network Expansion
LEVANTE added new sites in the 2025 group. They include Bern University of Teacher Education in Switzerland, GRADE in Peru, Harvard University in the USA, Kintampo Health Research Centre in Ghana, Monash University in Australia, Public Health Foundation of India, Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, and Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. This growth builds stronger worldwide teamwork.
Reasons to Apply
This call lets researchers secure big funding. They join top experts and build key datasets. Their findings can change schools and policies. It also helps careers in research grow.
How to Apply
Check the rules and guidelines first. Write a full proposal that matches LEVANTE goals and methods. Submit it on the official LEVANTE website.
The deadline is June 10, 2026. Late entries will not count. Visit the Jacobs Foundation site for details and to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LEVANTE program?
LEVANTE stands for Learning Variability Network Exchange. It connects researchers worldwide to study how children aged 3 to 12 learn and develop differently across cultures and environments.
What is the deadline for the 2026 call?
Applications open on April 13 and close on June 10, 2026. Submit on the official LEVANTE website.
How much funding is available?
The program offers up to $1 million per project from a $6 million pool. Funds cover the full research plan.
What research themes does LEVANTE prioritize?
Key themes include understanding learning variability, longitudinal development studies, and environmental influences like socioeconomic conditions and schools.