Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

We’re looking for bold ideas to help make the economic case for investing in babies.

The 1,001 days critical days, from pregnancy to age two, shape lifelong health, wellbeing and opportunity. While the long-term benefits of investing early are well evidenced, we urgently need stronger evidence of the short-term economic benefits too, particularly within the timescales of political decision-making.

That’s why the 1001 Critical Days Foundation is inviting Expressions of Interest from researchers around the world for economic research focused on the earliest years.

We’re particularly interested in proposals that can demonstrate:

• Measurable economic impact within 3–4 years

• Clear relevance to policy and public spending decisions

• Tangible improvements for babies and families

We’re open to a range of approaches including evaluation, modelling, cohort analysis and innovative new methodologies.

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Find out more:

Apply here:

Please do share with anyone working in early years, economics, public policy or research. Together, we can help build a stronger evidence base for giving every baby the best start in life.