Childlight has announced applications for its 2027 Global Data Fellow (GDF) Programme, a 12-month international fellowship designed to strengthen research, collaboration, and evidence generation in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Hosted over the course of the calendar year, the programme combines virtual learning with an in-person residency and offers participants access to a global network of child protection experts.

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

About the Global Data Fellow Programme

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 is designed to deepen participants’ expertise while encouraging cross-sector collaboration to address complex challenges related to child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The programme aims to:

Strengthen research capacity in child protection
Promote evidence-based approaches to preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse
Foster collaboration among international researchers and practitioners
Translate research findings into practical actions that improve child safety
Build long-term professional networks across sectors and regions

Participants engage with leading experts while contributing to research that supports global child protection efforts.

About Childlight

Childlight is a global child safety institute hosted by University of Edinburgh, with its East Asia and Pacific Hub based at University of New South Wales.

The institute uses data-driven and evidence-based research to better understand the prevalence and nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse worldwide. Its research informs policies, programmes, and interventions aimed at protecting children and strengthening child safeguarding systems.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is intended for mid-level professionals and researchers actively working in child protection and related disciplines.

Essential eligibility requirements include:

Professionals working in child protection across diverse sectors and disciplines
Demonstrated interest in child protection and CSEA research
Research or professional work aligned with Childlight’s strategic priorities
Fluency in English

The programme welcomes applicants from academic institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, and research institutions.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Childlight particularly encourages applications from individuals with expertise in strategic areas that strengthen global child protection research.

Preferred experience includes:

Knowledge of Sub-Saharan African social, political, cultural, or institutional contexts
Public health expertise, including epidemiology, population health, and disease burden
Experience managing or analysing frontline datasets from sectors such as education, healthcare, policing, justice, social services, or helplines
Representation from youth-serving, grassroots, or survivor-led organizations
Additional language proficiency in French, Portuguese, Swahili, Arabic, or other relevant regional languages

These competencies support the programme’s goal of expanding diverse global perspectives in child protection research.

Fellowship Structure and Learning Opportunities

The year-long programme combines virtual engagement with in-person learning and collaborative research activities.

Selected fellows will have opportunities to:

Attend a residency at the University of Edinburgh during February or March
Participate in monthly online thematic workshops
Join regular Childlight research briefings and meetings
Present research during Childlight symposia
Contribute to internationally visible publications
Access exclusive research updates and emerging data
Build lasting connections through the Global Data Fellows alumni network

The estimated monthly commitment is approximately two to four hours, excluding the week-long residency.

Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship is structured as a collaborative programme rather than paid employment.

Key funding arrangements include:

The fellowship itself is unpaid
Participants require approval from their home organizations
Childlight funds a limited number of residency participants by covering:
- Round-trip travel to Edinburgh
- Accommodation during the residency
- Daily meals throughout the in-person programme

Additional financial assistance may be discussed with successful applicants where participation would otherwise be difficult.

Fellow Responsibilities

Successful fellows are expected to contribute actively throughout the programme.

Responsibilities include:

Collaborating on Childlight research and publications
Participating in knowledge-sharing events
Representing Childlight’s mission and values
Following research integrity and data-sharing policies
Reporting safeguarding concerns where appropriate
Attending regular virtual workshops and research meetings

The fellowship emphasizes ethical research practices and collaborative learning.

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete the online application before 31 July 2026.

Following submission:

Applications will be assessed against the published eligibility criteria
Shortlisted candidates will participate in an informal discussion with the Programme Manager
All applicants will receive notification of the outcome by September 2026

Successful applicants will also be required to:

Obtain approval from their home organization
Complete Childlight’s due diligence procedures
Agree to safeguarding and organizational policies
Sign the programme participation agreement

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Global Data Fellow Programme contributes to international efforts to strengthen evidence-based responses to child sexual exploitation and abuse by:

Building global research capacity
Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration
Expanding access to high-quality child protection data
Informing policy and prevention strategies
Developing a global community of child protection experts

By combining research, networking, and professional development, the fellowship equips participants to contribute to safer environments for children worldwide.

Conclusion

The 2027 Global Data Fellow Programme offered by Childlight provides mid-career professionals with an opportunity to deepen their expertise in child protection research while collaborating with an international network of specialists. Through virtual learning, an in-person residency, and collaborative research opportunities, the fellowship supports evidence-based approaches to addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse on a global scale.

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.