Jacobs Foundation Conference and Young Scholars

The Jacobs Foundation Conference brings together researchers from around the world to present cutting-edge findings on child and youth development and learning in line with the Foundation’s Research Agenda.

Research conferences have been a key part of our strategy since the Foundation’s establishment in 1989. The invitation-only, three-day event brings together senior, mid- and early career researchers from around the world, often hosted at the Foundation’s Conference Center, Marbach Castle, in Germany. The prime criterion for invitation selection is scientific excellence, though due attention is paid to covering a range of disciplines and involving scholars from a variety of countries. The conference provides a unique opportunity for scientific exchange at the highest level, with a focus on an interdisciplinary approach. It is intended that findings presented at the conferences will culminate in the publication of a paper in a high-level scientific journal as well as collaborative follow-up research projects.

The JF Conference

Beginning in 2025, the Jacobs Foundation Conference will focus on LEVANTE, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to advancing research on learning variability. The conference will provide a platform for researchers involved in the initiative to exchange insights, methodologies, and emerging findings from cross-cultural data collection. By aligning the conference with LEVANTE, the Foundation aims to advance the global evidence base on learning variability and strengthen the interdisciplinary research community working to translate this knowledge into more inclusive educational systems.

Young Scholars

Every year, the invited senior scholars nominate approximately a dozen young scholars to participate in the Jacobs Foundation’s conference. Invitations are extended to outstanding postdoctoral researchers whose work is directly related to the focus of the conference. The Jacobs Young Scholars play an active and important role in conference discussions, and after the conference are eligible to apply for research grants related to the conference topic.