The Jacobs Foundation

Each child is unique. Providing effective support for children and adolescents requires an understanding of how they develop and learn. That’s why we are focusing on the science of learning. Researchers may soon be able to tell us how to tailor education to children’s individual needs, taking into account biological, social and economic differences as well as differences in their upbringing. This would be a historic breakthrough, and would help to overcome disadvantages that can affect children for a lifetime. A wide variety of disciplines – psychology, neurobiology, evolutionary biology, pediatrics, education, behavioral genetics, computer science and human-computer interaction – need to be involved in research focusing on this area. Research funding has always been a fundamental component of the Jacobs Foundation’s strategy. We believe that research plays a critical role in the development, evaluation, improvement and dissemination of interventions and programs to benefit children and young people. To drive scientific progress, we provide funding for some of the world’s leading and most innovative scientists in the field of child and youth development.