The Research & Policy (R&P) Grant for Early Career Researchers is a unique initiative supporting early career scholars working on secondary analyses of international large-scale assessment (ILSA) data from IEA studies in producing valuable insights for education policy use.
This award enables researchers from different fields working with IEA data to develop their own research projects, with a particular focus on using data from TIMSS, PIRLS, ICCS, and ICILS. The objective of the grant is to facilitate and support research that contributes to the development and strengthening of basic skills in the European Education Area.
The R&P Grant is a joint initiative of the European Commission (DG EAC) and IEA. Full details can be found in the official call document.
Applications are processed in a two-stage procedure. The deadline for the first stage is Tuesday, 01 December 2026 23:59 (CET), with only selected applicants being invited to the second stage. Further details of the application procedure can be found in the ‘how to apply’ section of this webpage.
Further information is available in the accompanying Frequently Asked Questions document.
- €20,000 grant per project (paid in three instalments to the researcher or their institution)
- 12-month research period
- Priority access to IEA training in Hamburg (summer 2027)
- Methodological and thematic expert support from IEA and DG EAC
- Opportunities to share research findings and inform education policy at the European level
Proposals must focus on one of the following thematic areas:
- Dimensionality of Basic Skills & Student Excellence
This topic invites research using IEA international assessment data to investigate how basic skills (i.e., reading, mathematics, science, digital, and citizenship skills) are measured and whether the content and cognitive domains defined in assessment frameworks are supported by the empirical structure of student achievement data. Research should explore the dimensionality of the assessed competencies, the relationships between different domains, and the extent to which domain-specific measures provide meaningful information beyond overall achievement scores. Attention may be given to identifying differentiated patterns of student strengths and excellence across European education systems. Projects must include data from multiple EU countries participating in any of the IEA studies. Additional countries may be included if relevant for methodological purposes or as a basis for comparison.
- Pedagogical Practices, Teacher Self-efficacy, and School Learning Contexts
This topic invites research using IEA international assessment data to investigate teachers' preparedness to teach different basic skills domains, including reading, mathematics, science, digital, and citizenship. Research should explore differences in teachers' perceived preparedness, professional development opportunities and needs across areas of competence, countries, and school contexts. Attention may be given to the relationships between teacher preparedness, initial teacher education, continuing professional development, and instructional practices, with a view to identify areas where additional support may be needed. Projects must include data from multiple EU countries participating in any of the IEA studies. Additional countries may be included if relevant for methodological purposes or as a basis for comparison.
- Cross-survey Analysis of Educational Trends and Inequality Over Time
By combining data across IEA studies and study cycles, potentially complemented by data from other international or national assessments and surveys, this topic seeks to investigate how student achievement and educational inequalities evolve over time across European education systems. Research should explore country-level trends and quasi-cohort patterns, examining changes in average achievement, performance distributions, and gaps between student groups. Attention may be given to the educational, social, and policy-related factors associated with these developments, identifying patterns of improvement or decline and their implications for educational equity. Projects must include data from multiple EU countries participating in any of the IEA studies. Additional countries may be included if relevant for methodological purposes or as a basis for comparison.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for their application to be considered. To be considered eligible, you must fit one of the following two categories:
- PhD holders from a relevant field who obtained their first doctoral degree within the last five years
• Note that these applicants should have at least one published paper which uses ILSA data and is relevant to the field of educational research. - Current PhD candidates
• Note that these applicants are requested to secure support from a senior researcher (supervisor).
• These applicants are not required to have authored a publication using ILSA data./span>
The remaining eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Demonstrated capacity to conduct quantitative secondary analyses of IEA data
• For example, through previous training, experience, and/or publication. - A clearly defined and feasible research idea with EU policy relevance
- Demonstrated proficiency in English
• For example, an English language certification, having authored a publication in English, or completed degree studies in an English-speaking course.
Researchers of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Awarded researchers will be required to attend at least one in-person event/meeting organized in Brussels.
The full details of the call can be found in the official call document.
The full details of the grant are detailed in the official call document. Applications are administered via IEA’s Grants Platform. Applications are administered in two stages: the expression of interest and the invitation for proposals. Applicants are encouraged to check the eligibility requirements listed above and the FAQs document on IEA’s website to ensure they provide all documents necessary for their application to be considered.
Please note that all applications must be submitted in English.
Stage one: Expression of interest (02 November – 01 December 2026)
The first stage of the application process will see applicants judged on eligibility and policy relevance. They will be asked to submit:
- Abstract outlining research idea, and its policy relevance (structured according to the call guidelines) (max. 500 words)
- Applicant CV (including publication record)
- Proof of degree or doctoral enrolment
- Letter of support from supervisor (if applicable)
- Evidence of English language proficiency
Deadline: Tuesday, 01 December 2026 23:59 (CET)
Stage two: Invitation for proposals (15 January – 28 February 2027)
Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal in January 2027. To accompany the research summary and documents provided in stage one, applicants will be asked to provide the following:
- Project summary (max. 200 words)
- Background and state of research (max. 600 words)
- Research questions and hypotheses (max. 400 words)
- Data and methodology (max. 900 words)
Deadline: Sunday, 28 February 2027 23:59 (CET)
Full details of the application procedure, and the requirements for each stage, are included in the official call document.
Full call details can be found in the PDF document here.
Apply via: https://iea.grantplatform.com/
For questions or clarifications, please refer to the FAQs document on IEA’s website.
For further assistance, please contact: rpgrant@iea.nl