Support for Early Career Scholars

ISSBD Biennial Meeting Travel Grants

ISSBD is committed to supporting the participation of Early Career Scholars from around the world in its Biennial Meetings. Travel Grants help reduce financial barriers to conference attendance, enabling emerging researchers to present their work, engage with leading developmental scientists, expand their international networks, and become active members of the ISSBD community. Early Career Scholars, participants who have received a graduate research degree (e.g., PhD) within the past seven years or who are currently in a graduate program leading to such a degree, may be eligible to apply for travel grants to join the pre-conference workshops and attend the conference. Details about the next round of applications will be announced prior to the 2028 Biennial Meeting.

ISSBD 2 × 2 Collaborative Research Grants

Two early career scholars collaborating

The 2 x 2 Grant for Early Career Scholars (i.e., doctoral students or postdoctoral fellows who have completed their doctoral degree within the past 7 years) reflects ISSBD’s commitment to supporting early-career developmental scholars of all backgrounds worldwide.

The “2 x 2” element means that two early-career scholars, located in two different countries or regions (ideally, different continents, with one applicant from a majority-world/under-represented country), must apply together. Preferably, the co-applicants should also study different topics/disciplines and show complementary research and/or methodological skills.

Award: Up to US$5,000 for 1 year (non-renewable). Recipients also receive travel stipends to attend the next ISSBD Biennial Meeting.

Number of awards: A maximum of 2 grants are awarded.

We are proud to celebrate the scholars awarded the ISSBD 2×2 Grant for Early Career Scholars since 2024. These researchers exemplify cross-regional collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to advance developmental science.

🔹 2026 Awardees
🔹 2025 Awardees
🔹 2024 Awardees

Developing Countries Fellowships (DCFs)

The aim of Developing Countries Fellowships (DCFs) is to encourage sustainable development of activities congruent with the aims of ISSBD in developing countries and assist the professional development of early career scholars. The aim is to encourage sustainable development of activities congruent with the aims of ISSBD in developing countries and assist the professional development of early career scholars in such countries. Each DCF provides free conference attendance at ISSBD (including economy airfare and a subsistence allowance), a support grant of $1,500 per annum for the duration of the Fellowship, starting in September immediately following the ISSBD conference and support from one or two Mentors.

Early Career Scholars Advisership Program

The Early Career Scholars Advisership Program is designed to connect emerging researchers with experienced advisors in the field of human development. Since its launch in 2025, ISSBD has offered personalized guidance, networking opportunities, and professional development support to scholars in the early stages of their academic careers.

Selected eligible scholars are matched with senior professionals from the ISSBD community for a one-on-one advisory relationship over a six-month period. Scholars bring specific short-term projects to the program, such as preparing a manuscript for publication, applying for a research grant, or developing a professional plan. The type of support scholars receive varies depending on their needs and the advisor’s area of expertise.

This program provides a unique opportunity for scholars to refine their skills and advance their academic careers within the ISSBD community, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange.