Are you passionate about conducting original research that fills critical knowledge gaps in early childhood development (ECD) in the Global South? The Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) 2025-2026 Research Fellowship Program offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of young children and their caregivers in emergency contexts.

This prestigious fellowship supports researchers from the Global South in addressing challenges faced by children aged 0-8 years and their families in climate emergency settings. Fellows will become part of a global research community, collaborate with the MMA Research Forum team, and share their findings through the MMA Network and the Research Forum on Young Children in Emergencies.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 cohort, which offers five fellowship positions focused on the theme “Early Childhood Development in Climate Emergencies.” This 12-month fellowship provides financial and professional support, including a $5,000 research stipend, mentorship, and opportunities to disseminate findings globally through webinars and learning events.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: February 16, 2025
• Result Announcement: Mid-March 2025
• Funding Type: Research stipend
• Host Institution: Moving Minds Alliance (MMA)
• Eligible Countries: Nations within the Global South
• Eligible Gender: Open to all genders
• Target Group: Early-career researchers, grassroots practitioners, NGO members, and civil society professionals
• Focus Area: Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Climate Emergencies
• Number of Positions: Five
• Duration: 12 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Research based in Global South countries

Benefits of the Fellowship

The Moving Minds Alliance Research Fellowship offers a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

1. Research Stipend: A one-time $5,000 stipend to support research-related activities.
2. Global Research Community: Access to a network of researchers focusing on ECD in emergency contexts.
3. Mentorship: Guidance from leading experts in early childhood development.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Platforms to present findings through webinars, learning events, and the MMA Research Forum.
5. Global Dissemination: Opportunities to share research findings through MMA’s network to influence global practices and policies.
6. Support for Translation: Funding for official translation of research reports, if necessary.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

• Individuals from the Global South with personal or professional experience in climate-crisis contexts.
• Early-career researchers, students, or practitioners, including those with grassroots or non-traditional research experience.
• Candidates with strong connections to local organizations providing ECD support or early learning services.
• Applicants of diverse nationalities, with a preference for those deeply embedded within affected communities.

Fellowship Expectations

• Produce a piece of original research within 12 months.
• Share research findings with the MMA Research Forum and broader public audiences.
• Engage in mentorship activities and participate in learning events and webinars.
• Partial funding for larger projects is permitted, provided alignment with the fellowship’s focus areas.

Research Focus: Early Childhood Development in Climate Emergencies

Fellows will address critical gaps in understanding and response to ECD in climate emergencies, such as:

• Links between climate emergencies and the mental health of young children and caregivers.
• Effective ECD interventions for families and communities impacted by climate disasters.
• Post-disaster reconstruction efforts supporting ECD.
• Development and implementation of child-friendly policies for climate emergencies.
• Policy-oriented research aimed at systems change for ECD in climate emergencies.

Research Requirements

• Research must be original, creative, and based in the Global South.
• It can be part of an ongoing project but must align with the fellowship’s thematic focus.
• Research should involve rigorous methodologies, supported by expert mentors.
• It may include primary research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) or novel analysis of existing data to address gaps in the Nurturing Care Framework: responsive caregiving, safety, early learning, health, nutrition, and mental well-being in climate emergencies.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following:

1. Research Proposal:
   • Topic and title.
   • Location of the study.
   • Target population and sample size.
   • 1-3 key research questions.
   • Methodological approach.
   • Plan to incorporate voices of affected children, caregivers, or communities.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum of two pages.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Originality: Does the research address gaps in understanding the needs of young children, caregivers, and communities in climate emergencies?
2. Relevance: Can the findings inform ECD programs and policies across diverse contexts?
3. Alignment: Does the research focus on climate emergencies, disasters, or displacement affecting children aged 0-8 years and their caregivers?
4. Feasibility: Can the research be completed within 12 months, with a final report ready by mid-April 2026?

How to Apply

1. Visit the 2025-2026 MMA Research Fellowship Application & Proposal Form through the official link.
2. Complete the online application form by February 16, 2025.
3. Ensure all required documents are uploaded during the application process.

Why Join the MMA Research Fellowship?

This fellowship offers a unique platform to contribute to transformative research addressing urgent ECD challenges in climate emergency contexts. By joining this program, fellows gain:

• Financial support to conduct impactful research.
• Mentorship and collaboration with global experts.
• Opportunities to shape policy and practice for the well-being of young children and their caregivers.

Apply Now

Note: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted. The fellowship activities will be conducted in English, though research may be completed in the language of choice.

The official MMA website provides further details and information about the MMA Research Fellowship. For inquiries, contact Sarah Ulhaq at movingmindsalliance.org.