The Research Foundations programme offers five-week online study of impactful research with a minimum five-hour weekly commitment. The 2027 FAQ confirms two alternative sessions: January 25–February 28 or March 1–April 4, 2027. Applicants express a session preference. Approximately 600 Finalists are planned across both options, subject to change. The curriculum includes guided activities, group events, Discord discussions and interdisciplinary concepts. All applicants receive free access to the Independent Researcher Track curriculum, including those not selected for the full programme.
Applications checked November 4, 2026: The official 2027 FAQ confirms one initial application: early-bird November 15, 2026, priority December 15, 2026 and final January 4, 2027. All deadlines are the end of the day in the applicant’s home time zone. These dates concern entry to the Foundations-to-Fellows-to-Scholars pathway; progression to later stages is selective. Foundations results are planned for mid-January and Fellowship acceptance by the first week of May, without exact result days. A later cycle is unannounced.
Eligibility is assessed at the June 2027 Fellowship start: ages 14–20 and not yet in university. The application and programmes are free and fully online; applicants can participate regardless of location. Scholarship payments have separate provider-stated restrictions for those currently in China, Iran, Russia and additional unspecified locations. These do not exclude applicants from programme participation. Project grants and later-stage awards have their own selection and funding terms.