2025-2026 BER News and Events

A Note to all Researchers:

• As we come to the close of a productive but turbulent 2025, be aware that the federal research landscape continues to fluctuate. We anticipate that, going forward, there will be more frequent calls for proposals with short response times. Private funders are also reporting large increases in proposal submission traffic; some foundations and other private entities could also choose to limit submission numbers. Some of these calls (federal or private) may limit the number of submissions per institution, in which case our campus will be obliged to stage a brief internal review (called a limited submission selection). If and when you see such calls, and believe they might be relevant to your work, please reach out to us (ber@education.illinois.edu). We are here to help you to navigate the process!

 Winter Break logistics

• Grant Proposals: Use the SPA Proposal Deadlines Calculator to understand submission cutoffs around the holidays! The BER Proposal team (Kim Darnell and Laura Cooky) will be away 12/24-1/4, returning on Monday, 1/5. Limited availability on Monday, 12/22 and Tuesday, 12/23.  Please reach out as soon as possible with any deadlines in December and soon after the return from break in January to ensure we are meeting the SPA proposal submission window.

• School Research: The Office of School-University Research Relations will be closed 12/20 - 1/4. Research opportunities for the Spring semester will be sent to school districts at the end of January. Please submit any new request as soon as possible to ensure it gets included.

• GenAI Dialogues Episode 13 showcased College of Education research. Recording is now available.  Featured lightning talks by Nicholas Tanchuk, EPOL, and student presenters Michele Galla, EPOL (Advisor: Bill Cope); Natalie Bidnick Andreas, EPOL (Advisor: Liam Magee); and Lan Jiang, iSchool (Advisor: Nigel Bosch).

• National Science Foundation TIP Directorate seeks input on workforce development roadmap. The Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate requests community input on recently published Roadmap for Workforce Development: Building Pathways and Innovations for the Critical and Emerging Technology Workforce, which aims to offer an actionable agenda to invigorate and empower the ambition of all Americans to join the workforce in critical and emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum technology, or related jobs. Response deadline: 1/15/26.

• WT Grant Foundation: Updated application guidelines now provide an expanded overview of research grant programs, including specifics about the Foundation’s interests, eligibility criteria, review processes, required materials, and more. These competitions will accept LOIs twice annually.
  • Research Grants on Reducing Inequality funds research studies that examine programs, policies, or practices to reduce inequality in the academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes of young people ages 5–25 in the United States, along dimensions of race, ethnicity, economic standing, sexual or gender minority status (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth), language minority status, or immigrant origins. 2026 LOI due dates: 1/7/26 (3:00pm ET); 7/26.
  • Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program includes a NEW priority this year: applications that investigate strategies to improve the use of research evidence around controversial issues and in polarized contexts. This program funds research studies that examine strategies to improve the use of research evidence in ways that benefit young people ages 5-25 in the United States. We seek proposals for studies that advance theory and build empirical knowledge on ways to improve the use of research evidence by policymakers, public agency leaders, organizational managers, intermediaries, community organizers, and other decision-makers who generally shape youth-serving systems in the United States. 2026 LOI due dates: 1/7/26 (3:00 pm ET) and July 26.
• Jacobs Foundation: CIFAR Research Fellowship. For early- and mid-career researchers whose work is dedicated to improving the learning and development of children and youth worldwide. Particularly encouraged: scholars who seek to combine multiple levels of analysis and engage in interdisciplinary work. There is a special focus on work to understand and embrace variability in learning, promote the practical application of evidence on human learning and development, and increase the scale-up of effective education policies and practices. Due 2/2/26.