12-Month International Fellowship on Child Protection Research
Introduction
The Childlight 2027 Global Data Fellow (GDF) Programme is now accepting applications for a 12-month international fellowship designed to strengthen research, collaboration, and evidence generation in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
Hosted throughout the calendar year, the programme combines virtual learning with an in-person residency and provides participants access to a global network of child protection experts.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Fellowship Name
Childlight 2027 Global Data Fellow Programme
Organization
Childlight
Fellowship Type
International Research Fellowship
Duration
12 Months
Programme Mode
Virtual Learning + In-Person Residency
Application Mode
Online
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Category
Fellowships
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
Childlight
Host Institution
University of Edinburgh
East Asia & Pacific Hub
University of New South Wales
Fellowship Duration
12 Months
Programme Format
Virtual + In-Person
Residency Location
University of Edinburgh
Language
English
Monthly Commitment
Approximately 2–4 Hours (excluding residency)
About Organization
Childlight is a global child safety institute hosted by the University of Edinburgh, with its East Asia and Pacific Hub based at the University of New South Wales.
The institute uses data-driven and evidence-based research to understand child sexual exploitation and abuse worldwide while informing policies, programmes, and interventions that strengthen child safeguarding systems.
About Fellowship
The Global Data Fellow Programme brings together mid-career researchers and practitioners working to improve child protection through data, research, and evidence-based practice.
The fellowship strengthens research capacity, promotes evidence-based approaches, encourages international collaboration, and builds long-term professional networks across sectors and regions.
Fellowship Benefits
Benefit
Details
Fellowship Duration
12 Months
Virtual Learning
Yes
In-Person Residency
University of Edinburgh
Monthly Workshops
Yes
Research Briefings
Yes
Research Publications
Opportunity to Contribute
Research Symposia
Opportunity to Present
Alumni Network
Global Data Fellows Network
Travel Support
Limited Round-Trip Travel to Edinburgh
Accommodation
Covered for Selected Residency Participants
Meals
Covered During Residency
Additional Financial Assistance
May Be Discussed
Fellowship Status
Unpaid
Eligible Fields of Work
Child Protection
Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) Research
Public Health
Epidemiology
Population Health
Education
Healthcare
Policing
Justice
Social Services
Helplines
Research
Government
Civil Society
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Applicant Type
Mid-Career Professionals and Researchers
Field
Child Protection and Related Disciplines
Research Interest
Child Protection & CSEA
Professional Alignment
Childlight Strategic Priorities
Language
English
Eligible Organizations
Academic Institutions, Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations & Research Institutions
Preferred Candidate Profile
Preference
Details
Regional Knowledge
Sub-Saharan African Contexts
Public Health Expertise
Epidemiology, Population Health & Disease Burden
Dataset Experience
Education, Healthcare, Policing, Justice, Social Services or Helplines
Organization Type
Youth-Serving, Grassroots or Survivor-Led Organizations
Additional Languages
French, Portuguese, Swahili, Arabic or Other Relevant Regional Languages
Not Eligible
Applicant
Status
Not Mentioned
Not Mentioned
Selection Criteria
Criteria
Considered
Published Eligibility Criteria
Yes
Informal Discussion with Programme Manager
Yes
Required Documents
Document
Required
Online Application
Yes
Home Organization Approval
For Successful Applicants
Due Diligence Requirements
For Successful Applicants
Agreement to Safeguarding & Organizational Policies
For Successful Applicants
Programme Participation Agreement
For Successful Applicants
Fellowship Timeline
Event
Date
Applications Open
Currently Open
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Shortlisted Applicants
Informal Discussion with Programme Manager
Result Notification
September 2026
Residency
February or March
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Visit the official Childlight application page
Step 2
Complete the online application
Step 3
Submit the application before 31 July 2026
Step 4
Wait for eligibility assessment
Step 5
Shortlisted candidates will participate in an informal discussion with the Programme Manager
Step 6
Successful applicants must complete all programme requirements
Limited funding for travel, accommodation and meals during residency.
What is the application deadline?
31 July 2026.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Childlight 2027 Global Data Fellow Programme provides an excellent international opportunity for professionals working in child protection research to collaborate with leading experts while contributing to evidence-based global initiatives.
Since applications close on 31 July 2026, interested and eligible professionals should complete their online application before the deadline.
