Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
CIFAR Global Scholars Program
Supports early-career interdisciplinary researchers
Latest source updateLast Update: July 23, 2026Latest change: The Global Scholars page now shows the 2027-2029 cohort opening on September 2, 2026, with participating research programs to be listed in early August.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 23, 2026
Latest change: The Global Scholars page now shows the 2027-2029 cohort opening on September 2, 2026, with participating research programs to be listed in early August.
Global Scholars 2027-2029 call date added
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program now shows the 2027-2029 cohort opening on September 2, 2026. It also adds that the research programs participating in the call for applications will be listed in early August.
Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program supports early-career researchers from all countries in the natural, biomedical, social sciences, or the humanities for a two-year placement in a CIFAR research program. Scholars receive CAD 100,000 in unrestricted research support to advance interdisciplinary research, collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- High-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research
- Research that complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program
- Collaborative research projects supported by CIFAR seed funds
- Organizing a Winter or Summer School
- Co-planning CIFAR symposia or delivering public talks and op-eds
Documents Needed
- An up-to-date academic CV including a publication list
- A narrative CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- A brief explanation if requesting an eligibility extension
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Early-career researchers from all countries.
- Candidates from the natural, biomedical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities.
- Applicants with a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research that includes responsibility for independent research and supervising or teaching trainees toward a degree.
- Typically, tenure-track Assistant Professors or equivalent positions designed to lead to a permanent faculty appointment.
Who is not eligible
- Postdoctoral fellows
Eligible expenses
- Research expenses
- Teaching release
- Student or postdoc support
- Conference travel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Fringe benefits
- Overhead or administrative fees
- Indirect costs
Selection criteria
- Potential to contribute new and diverse perspectives that complement the existing program membership
- Inclusive research excellence based on the full application file
- Leadership potential within and outside academia
- Capacity and motivation to engage across disciplines
- Communication skills
How to apply
- Submit the application online using the form at cifar.ca/global-scholars.
- If applying to more than one recruiting CIFAR research program, complete a separate application for each.
- Complete the required summary section, detailed section, academic CV in PDF format, narrative CV, and reference letters submitted directly by referees through the online form.
- Ensure the application is complete and submitted by November 5, 2025 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5); applications received by any other method or after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Processing and Agreement
- CIFAR screens applications for basic eligibility.
- Participating programs review applications and recommend up to five shortlisted candidates.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview.
- The Selection Committee conducts virtual interviews from March 24-26, 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates are informed of the competition results by early April 2026.
Additional information
- The program accepts applications once per year.
- Applicants may apply to more than one recruiting CIFAR research program, but must submit a separate application for each.
- The process is conducted in English.
- There is no limit to the number of times an eligible candidate may apply during the eligibility period.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CIFAR Global Scholars Program Program
What is the CIFAR Global Scholars Program?
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program supports early-career researchers from all countries in the natural, biomedical, social sciences, or the humanities for a two-year placement in a CIFAR research program. Scholars receive CAD 100,000 in unrestricted research support to advance interdisciplinary research, collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development.
How much funding can be received?
CIFAR Global Scholars Program Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CIFAR Global Scholars Program program?
To be eligible for the CIFAR Global Scholars Program program, you must:
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent and a full-time research or higher-education position.
Their first post-PhD position must have started between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025.
Their research must complement a recruiting CIFAR research program.
What expenses are eligible under CIFAR Global Scholars Program?
High-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research
Research that complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program
Collaborative research projects supported by CIFAR seed funds
Organizing a Winter or Summer School
Co-planning CIFAR symposia or delivering public talks and op-eds
Who can I contact for more information about the CIFAR Global Scholars Program?
You can contact Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) by email at global.scholars@cifar.ca.
Where is the CIFAR Global Scholars Program available?
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program program is available across Canada.
Is the CIFAR Global Scholars Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CIFAR Global Scholars Program is a Grant and Funding