Senior researchers invited to take part in the Jacobs Foundation Conference can nominate early career scholars (<6 years since PhD), who conduct research relevant to the overarching conference theme, to attend. From the list of nominated early career scholars, Jacobs Foundation Management works with the conference organizers to select 10-15 participants, based on scientific excellence, the potential to become a leader in the field, the fit and proposed contribution to the theme of the conference, and with consideration to disciplinary balance and country representation. 

Invited early career scholars can apply for collaborative research grants following the conference. A limited number of outstanding projects will be selected to receive funding (up to CHF 60,000 per scholar) from the Jacobs Foundation. A submission of joint projects from up to three young scholars is possible and encouraged (funding up to CHF 180,000). Projects are judged based on their relevance, innovation potential, alignment with the foundation’s goals, and methodological outstanding quality (design, statistical analyses plan). 

Invited early career scholars have the opportunity to spend three days in discussions with leaders in their fields, to benefit from feedback on planned projects, and to get to know one another in an informal setting.

2023 Young Scholar Nomination process

Senior researchers invited to the conference can nominate Young Scholars to attend. They need to complete a short form outlining why they believe the nominated scholar is a good fit for the conference, and ask the nominated young scholar to submit to the Jacobs Foundation a 1-2 page motivation statement.

The motivation statement should address the following three questions:

• What, in your opinion, are the key research questions related to the theme “Preparing learners with the skills to thrive across contexts and time” for the next three years?

• What are the prospective methodological breakthroughs that will help us to foster and measure such skills?

• How does your research contribute to addressing these questions?