The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), in partnership with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), offers the Research and Policy Grant for Early Career Researchers. The initiative supports emerging researchers conducting high-quality secondary analyses of international large-scale educational assessment data, with a particular emphasis on generating evidence that informs education policy across the European Education Area.
The grant provides financial assistance, methodological guidance, and opportunities for international collaboration. It aims to strengthen research capacity and promote evidence-based approaches to improving foundational skills, digital education, equity, and democratic citizenship.
Important deadline notice: The published application deadline was 31 March 2026. As of October 2026, this deadline has passed. Interested researchers should contact the organisers to enquire about future funding rounds or other opportunities.
Grant Overview
The Research and Policy Grant supports early career researchers investigating important educational challenges through existing IEA datasets, including Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS), and International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS).
Successful applicants receive financial and professional support to develop research projects with clear relevance to European education priorities.
The programme offers the following benefits:
- Funding: €20,000 per project, provided as a lump sum to the researcher or their institution.
- Research duration: A 12-month project period.
- Specialised training: Priority access to IEA training in Hamburg during summer 2026.
- Expert guidance: Methodological and thematic support from IEA and DG EAC specialists.
- Policy engagement: Opportunities to communicate findings and participate in policy dialogue at the European level.
These benefits are designed to help researchers produce rigorous findings and translate them into practical recommendations for education policymakers.
Priority Research Areas
Applicants are expected to develop proposals addressing one of four thematic areas aligned with European education policy priorities.
1. Foundational Skills in Primary Education
This area focuses on Grade 4 learners’ reading, mathematics, and science achievement. Researchers can investigate learning outcomes, factors influencing academic performance, and approaches to strengthening essential competencies during primary education.
2. Digital Well-being and Social Media
Projects may examine how technology use, social media engagement, and digital environments influence student well-being, learning experiences, and educational outcomes. Research on digital skills, ICT use, and student engagement is particularly relevant.
3. Equity and Social Inclusion
This theme explores disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes associated with socioeconomic background, migration, language, and geographical location. Research can identify barriers to achievement and generate evidence to support more inclusive education systems.
4. Democratic Values and Citizenship
This area examines civic knowledge, democratic attitudes, and student participation. Projects may investigate how educational experiences influence citizenship competencies and young people’s engagement with democratic institutions and society.
Eligibility Requirements
The grant targets emerging researchers who demonstrate the academic preparation and quantitative research skills needed to analyse international educational assessment data.
Eligible applicants generally include PhD candidates and researchers who obtained their first doctoral degree within the previous five years. Master’s degree holders with limited additional research experience may also qualify, subject to the detailed conditions of the official call.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Experience or capacity in quantitative secondary analysis of IEA datasets.
- A clearly defined research proposal with relevance to European Union education policy.
- Support from at least one senior researcher or policy expert acting as a supervisor.
- Proficiency in English.
The programme welcomes researchers of all nationalities. Applicants should consult the official call documentation to confirm the precise eligibility conditions applicable to their circumstances.
Application Requirements
Applications were submitted electronically through the IEA Grant Platform. The required documentation included:
- A research proposal prepared according to the official guidelines.
- The applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Proof of academic qualifications or doctoral enrolment.
- A letter of support from the supervisor.
- A letter of support from the host institution, where applicable.
A strong proposal would clearly define the research problem, explain the relevance of the selected IEA dataset, outline the quantitative analytical approach, and demonstrate how the findings could inform education policy.
How to Obtain Further Information
The official application platform is available at https://iea.grantplatform.com/.
For questions about eligibility, future calls, or the programme, prospective applicants can contact **rpgrant@iea.nl**.
The full call documentation should be consulted for detailed requirements, research expectations, and funding conditions.
Why the Grant Matters
The IEA Research and Policy Grant offers early career researchers an opportunity to develop independent research, strengthen quantitative analytical skills, and contribute to international education policy discussions. By supporting secondary analyses of established assessment datasets, the programme encourages research that can identify educational inequalities, improve foundational learning, and inform responses to emerging digital and civic challenges.
Although the 2026 application deadline has passed, eligible researchers can use the programme’s published priorities to prepare for potential future calls and explore related research funding opportunities.
