OMAHA, Neb.—University of Nebraska System doctoral students can earn up to $25,000 to support their innovative early childhood research through the Buffett Early Childhood Institute’s Graduate Scholars program.
The Buffett Institute is now accepting applications for this one-year fellowship through April 24.
Since 2016, the Buffett Institute has invested $750,000 through its Graduate Scholars program to support the early childhood research of 30 Ph.D. students from University of Nebraska campuses.
Graduate Scholars have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research that improves outcomes for young children, families, and educators.
“As a mentor in the Graduate Scholars program, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this experience can be for students and for the future of early childhood research,” said Ann Anderson Berry, M.D., Ph.D., chief, University of Nebraska Medical Center Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, and executive director, Child Health Research Institute. “When emerging scholars from across disciplines come together to explore the earliest years of life, it sparks discoveries that can directly improve the health and well-being of young children and families in Nebraska and beyond.”
The Buffett Institute welcomes applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including health, education, social work, psychology, art, music, neurosciences, and more.
The program has funded cutting-edge research on topics such as:
- Microplastics in baby food and products
- Nutrition and mealtimes in child care settings
- Pregnancy-related health outcomes
- The development of early math skills
- The association between agrichemical mixtures and pediatric health outcomes in Nebraska
- Prosthesis usage in young children
The program offers students the opportunity to network with and learn from Institute experts and university leaders across the early childhood field. This fosters the growth of ambitious researchers and provides opportunities to communicate, network, and collaborate across campuses, breaking down silos and promoting cross-disciplinary work.
"The next generation of researchers will shape what we know about young children and how we can best support them,” said Alexandra Daro, the director of applied research at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. “The Graduate Scholars program is how we invest in that future, by supporting scholars who are asking bold, cross-disciplinary questions that tackle the real challenges facing today’s children and the adults who care for them.”
Completed applications for the 2026-27 Graduate Scholars Program are due Friday, April 24. Applicants will receive decision notifications by the end of June.
For more information and to apply, visit here.