The Klaus J. Jacobs Awards were established in 2009, in memory of the Jacobs Foundation founder, to honour his commitment to promote research, practice and scientific advancement in the field of child and youth development and learning.

The purpose of the Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize is to acknowledge exceptional researchers, whose scientific contributions can be considered as a cornerstone for the advancement in the field, in any scholarly discipline aiming at improving learning, development, and living conditions of children and youth. The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize is endowed with 1 million Swiss Francs to support the research endeavours of the prize recipient. The Jury consists of a selected group of internationally renowned scientists across a range of disciplines. Next call will open in January 2023.

The Klaus J. Jacobs Best Practice Prizes acknowledge the exceptional commitment from three institutions or individuals who implement innovative solutions for child and youth development and learning in practice, advancing quality education. Awarded every year until 2018, since then they are awarded every two years, on alternating years. Each of the three Best Practice Prizes laureates are endowed with CHF 200’000 unrestricted funding.  Additional funding for follow-up activities with the Jacobs Foundation is available for the ten prize finalists, to a maximum of CHF 300’000. In line with practice since 2009, the Jacobs Foundation Board of Trustees  serves as Jury for the Best Practice Prize. Next call will open in January 2024.