Apply for the 2027 Research and Policy Grant offering €20,000 to early-career researchers of all nationalities conducting quantitative education research using IEA international assessment data.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Research & Policy Grant 2027 |
| Organisers | IEA and European Commission |
| Funding | €20,000 per selected project |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Eligible applicants | Early-career researchers of all nationalities |
| Research location | European Education Area focus |
| First-stage deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Full proposal deadline | 28 February 2027, by invitation |
About the Research & Policy Grant 2027
The Research and Policy Grant 2027 is an international research funding opportunity established by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) in partnership with the European Commission.
The programme supports early-career researchers who can use existing international education assessment data to produce meaningful findings for education policy. Up to four researchers will receive €20,000 each to conduct original quantitative research over a 12-month period.
Researchers from all nationalities are welcome to apply. The initiative is particularly relevant to scholars interested in educational achievement, teaching quality, learning inequalities and evidence-based policymaking.
What Does the Grant Offer?
Successful applicants will receive financial and professional support throughout their research projects.
Key benefits include:
- €20,000 research funding: Financial support paid in three instalments to the researcher or their institution.
- 12-month research period: Time to complete an original research project.
- Expert guidance: Methodological and policy-related support from IEA and European Commission specialists.
- Research training: An opportunity to attend training at IEA’s academy in Hamburg, with enrolment fees waived.
- Professional development: Opportunities to engage with international education researchers and policy experts.
The grant is intended to support research activities rather than provide a personal salary or general living allowance.
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Research Areas
Applicants must develop their proposals around one of three themes:
- Excellence and the dimensionality of basic skills: Research examining reading, mathematics, science, digital and citizenship skills.
- Teacher preparedness and professional development: Studies exploring teachers’ readiness, training needs and classroom practices.
- Learning outcomes and inequalities over time: Research investigating educational achievement and differences between student groups across countries and assessment cycles.
Projects must use relevant IEA datasets and demonstrate clear relevance to education policy in the European Education Area.
Who Can Apply?
The Research & Policy Grant 2027 welcomes applicants of all nationalities who meet the academic and research requirements.
Applicants should:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme or have received their first doctoral degree within the five years before the deadline.
- Have an academic background related to education or social sciences.
- Demonstrate experience with international large-scale assessment data.
- Have strong quantitative research skills.
- Show experience in policy-relevant research and communication.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
A qualified supervisor is required for PhD candidates and applicants with limited experience using IEA data. Experienced PhD holders may apply independently if they demonstrate relevant research expertise.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official IEA Grants Platform in two stages.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
Submit your details, proof of PhD enrolment or certification, CV, research title and a research summary of no more than 500 words. Include supervisor information where required.
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Stage 2: Full Research Proposal
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed research proposal covering the background, research questions, data sources and methodology.
Applicants should carefully review the official call document before submitting. The programme also has specific rules on the use and disclosure of artificial intelligence tools in proposal preparation.
Application Deadline
The first-stage expression of interest must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 CET. Invited applicants must submit their full proposals by 28 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Final Thoughts
The Research & Policy Grant 2027 offers early-career researchers an opportunity to secure €20,000 in project funding while contributing to international education research. Candidates with strong quantitative research experience and knowledge of IEA assessment data should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications before the deadline.
