Child Development - RESEARCH

Physical Activity: 2025/26 Research Call

Highlighted Area of Interest: Physical Activity in Preschool-Aged Children

The influence of parents on the physical activity levels of children is significant, particularly during their formative years. Establishing the importance of regular physical activity at a young age not only contributes to current physical health and fitness but also lays the foundation for sustained activity into adolescence and adulthood — supporting lifelong good health.

This year, we are particularly interested in research proposals focused on preschool-aged children (typically ages 0–5). We welcome studies exploring how early life physical activity habits are formed, the role of caregivers and environments in supporting movement behaviours, and the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural impacts of physical activity in the early years. Proposals in this area will be prioritised for funding consideration.

That said, we continue to welcome high-quality applications across the broader field of child and adolescent physical activity, as outlined below.

Areas of Interest

We remain eager to support projects that contribute valuable insights in the following domains:

1. Childhood Physical Activity and Psychological Outcomes
Investigating the impact of physical activity — or the lack thereof — on children's psychological outcomes, including behavioural, emotional, and cognitive aspects. We are interested in studies involving both typically developing children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as ADHD, autism, or developmental coordination disorder.

2. Mechanisms of Physical Activity Benefits
Exploring the biological, neurological, and psychosocial mechanisms by which physical activity influences cognition, mood, and behaviour. This includes work in both general child populations and those with neurodevelopmental conditions.

3. Type of Physical Activity
Understanding the significance of different forms of physical activity (structured, unstructured, individual, group-based, etc.) for various age groups and developmental stages. We are especially interested in identifying what types of activities are most effective, for whom, and at what stage of development.

4. Interventions to Increase Physical Activity
Designing, evaluating, or scaling interventions aimed at increasing physical activity levels in children and adolescents. Interventions may be delivered in homes, early years settings, schools, or community environments, and may include digital, behavioural, or environmental components.

Across all of these themes, projects should focus on children in general or those with neurodevelopmental disorders. While we recognise the value of broader child health research, it is unlikely we would fund projects focused on physical activity within other childhood conditions outside of this scope.

We welcome proposals aligned with these research avenues and particularly encourage innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding how physical activity supports psychological outcomes. Projects addressing preschool physical activity are especially encouraged in this funding round.