Request for Applications: CIFAR Global Scholars Program

Deadline: 04-Nov-2026

The CIFAR Global Scholars Program supports early-career researchers from around the world with interdisciplinary research opportunities, leadership development, mentorship, professional networking and unrestricted research support. The program is designed to help promising junior faculty accelerate their development as independent principal investigators and contribute to transformative research across disciplines. Selected scholars join one of CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs, where they collaborate with internationally recognized research leaders and researchers from different fields. The program covers research areas across the natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences and humanities. Each CIFAR Global Scholar receives CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research support over two years, providing flexibility to use the funding for research-related expenses, teaching release, student or postdoctoral support, conference travel and other eligible research needs.

About the CIFAR Global Scholars Program

The CIFAR Global Scholars Program brings together exceptional early-career researchers and connects them with CIFAR’s international research community. The program is intended to help scholars: - Develop as independent principal investigators. - Participate in interdisciplinary research. - Collaborate with global research leaders. - Build international professional networks. - Receive mentorship from experienced researchers. - Develop leadership and communication skills. - Engage with leaders from government, industry, business and civil society. - Develop high-risk, interdisciplinary research collaborations. - Contribute to transformative knowledge across multiple academic disciplines. The program combines research support with professional and leadership development, making it more than a conventional research funding opportunity. CIFAR Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities Selected scholars become members of one of CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs. This provides opportunities to work with researchers from different academic backgrounds and disciplines. The interdisciplinary environment is intended to encourage new approaches to complex research questions and support the development of transformative knowledge. CIFAR’s research community spans areas including: - Natural sciences. - Biomedical sciences. - Social sciences. - Humanities. Applicants should ensure that their research complements the themes of a recruiting CIFAR research program. CAD $100,000 Unrestricted Research Support Every CIFAR Global Scholar receives CAD $100,000 over two years in unrestricted research support. The flexible nature of this support allows scholars to direct funding toward needs that can help advance their research and career development.

Potential uses include:

- Research expenses. - Teaching release. - Student support. - Postdoctoral support. - Conference travel. - Other research-related activities. Because the funding is unrestricted research support, scholars have greater flexibility to determine how it can best support their research programme and development as independent investigators. Additional Seed Funding Opportunities In addition to the core research support, CIFAR Global Scholars can access opportunities for seed funding. Seed funding can help support high-risk and interdisciplinary collaborations within the CIFAR community. This provides scholars with an opportunity to explore new research directions, develop collaborative ideas and potentially build larger interdisciplinary research initiatives. Leadership Development Program Leadership development is a central component of the CIFAR Global Scholars Program. Scholars participate in targeted leadership training through the Azrieli Foundation Leadership Development Program.

Training areas include:

These skills are designed to help early-career researchers become stronger research leaders and develop the capabilities required to lead research teams and mentor the next generation of researchers. Professional Development and Global Networking The program provides scholars with opportunities to expand their professional networks internationally. Through CIFAR’s research community, scholars can engage with: - Global research leaders. - Academic researchers. - Government leaders. - Industry representatives. - Business leaders. - Civil society representatives. These interactions can create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, knowledge exchange and broader engagement beyond traditional academic networks. Opportunities to Organize and Present Research CIFAR Global Scholars are encouraged to actively contribute to the wider research community.

Scholars may have opportunities to:

- Organize events. - Deliver public talks. - Participate in symposia. - Contribute to publications. - Engage in interdisciplinary discussions. - Share research with broader audiences. These activities can strengthen scholars’ visibility, communication abilities and leadership experience. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet several academic and career-stage requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification. - Hold a full-time independent research position at an institution of higher education or research. - Have responsibility for leading research. - Have responsibility for supervising graduate trainees. - Hold a position that is secure for the entire programme term. - Have started their first eligible post-PhD position between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026. - Conduct research that complements the themes of a recruiting CIFAR program. - Be fluent in English. - Hold a valid passport. - Be able to travel internationally. - Be available for a virtual interview in March 2027. Academic and Employment Requirement The program is specifically designed for early-career independent researchers rather than postdoctoral researchers. Applicants must already hold a full-time independent research p