Child Development Research Physical Activity: 2026/27 Research Call
Highlighted Area of Interest: Physical Activity in Digital World
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.
While all areas of physical activity and child development remain eligible, we particularly welcome applications examining physical activity in the digital age. This may include research on sedentary behaviour, screen use, active and passive digital engagement, the displacement of physical activity by screen-based activities, and interventions designed to promote movement and reduce sedentary time. We are especially interested in studies that explore impacts on cognitive, emotional, social and behavioural development.
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.
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 physical activity in a digital world are especially encouraged in this funding round.
Please see our active funding calls page for information on the timelines for these.
Please ensure you have read all the information related to our Child Development Research calls available on our website to get a good feel for our fund before putting together an application. Then, please read through our application guidelines and FAQs to learn more about the application process.