Closed
Source verified June 22, 2026
CIFAR Global Scholars Program
Supports early-career interdisciplinary researchers
Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Eligible candidates are early-career researchers from anywhere in the world whose work fits one of the CIFAR research programs recruiting Global Scholars. They may come from the natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences, humanities, or interdisciplinary fields. The applicant must already hold a PhD or equivalent and a secure full-time role at a higher education or research institution, with responsibility for independent research and trainee supervision or teaching. Junior faculty, including tenure-track Assistant Professors or equivalent positions leading to permanent faculty appointments, are eligible when they meet the career-stage window and can participate fully in the two-year CIFAR term.
See full eligibility
Overview
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program supports outstanding early-career researchers who are ready to contribute to CIFAR's international, interdisciplinary research programs. Selected scholars join a CIFAR program for two years and receive CAD 100,000 in unrestricted research support. The funding can help cover research expenses, trainee or postdoctoral support, teaching release, and conference travel, while CIFAR separately supports participation in approved CIFAR meetings. The program is aimed at researchers whose work complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program and who can benefit from mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration across disciplines. The 2026-2028 application cycle is closed; applicants should monitor CIFAR for the next annual call.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
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?
- Eligible candidates are early-career researchers from anywhere in the world whose work fits one of the CIFAR research programs recruiting Global Scholars. They may come from the natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences, humanities, or interdisciplinary fields. The applicant must already hold a PhD or equivalent and a secure full-time role at a higher education or research institution, with responsibility for independent research and trainee supervision or teaching. Junior faculty, including tenure-track Assistant Professors or equivalent positions leading to permanent faculty appointments, are eligible when they meet the career-stage window and can participate fully in the two-year CIFAR term.
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
Eligible geographic areas
- All countries
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
- Applications are submitted online through CIFAR's application system. Candidates should first confirm which CIFAR research programs are recruiting and choose the program or programs that best match their work. A separate application is required for each program. The package includes summary and detailed application sections, an academic CV with publications, a narrative CV, and recommendation letters submitted directly by referees. Applicants must follow the stated word limits and address research fit, leadership, communication, interdisciplinary contribution, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. For the 2026-2028 cycle, applications opened September 3, 2025 and closed November 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Late applications or applications not submitted through the online system are not 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 outstanding early-career researchers who are ready to contribute to CIFAR's international, interdisciplinary research programs. Selected scholars join a CIFAR program for two years and receive CAD 100,000 in unrestricted research support. The funding can help cover research expenses, trainee or postdoctoral support, teaching release, and conference travel, while CIFAR separately supports participation in approved CIFAR meetings. The program is aimed at researchers whose work complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program and who can benefit from mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration across disciplines. The 2026-2028 application cycle is closed; applicants should monitor CIFAR for the next annual call.
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