CIFAR Global Scholars Programme 2027–2029

The CIFAR Global Scholars Programme 2027–2029 is a two-year international research fellowship organised by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), a Canada-based global research organisation.

The programme supports promising early-career researchers who have started leading independent research at universities or recognised research institutions. It encourages ambitious interdisciplinary research and collaboration with established researchers from different academic backgrounds.

Selected scholars join a CIFAR research programme, contribute to research discussions, explore new collaborations and receive guidance from experienced researchers. They also participate in leadership development activities designed to strengthen their research management, mentoring and communication skills.

The programme welcomes applicants from natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences and the humanities. However, applicants must demonstrate that their research aligns with a CIFAR programme currently recruiting scholars.

For the 2027–2029 cohort, five programmes are recruiting:

• Boundaries, Membership & Belonging

• Brain, Mind & Consciousness

• Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities

• Healthy Microbiomes in a Changing World

• Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be from any country; CIFAR does not impose nationality or geographical restrictions.

• Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification recognised by CIFAR.

• Hold a full-time position at a higher education institution or research organisation.

• Have responsibility for conducting independent research as a principal investigator.

• Supervise or teach graduate-level researchers working towards their degrees.

• Have started their first qualifying post-PhD independent research position between 1 July 2022 and 31 December 2026.

• Hold a qualifying position secured throughout the fellowship, from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029.

• Conduct research aligned with at least one recruiting CIFAR research programme.

• Demonstrate research achievements, future research potential and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Be fluent in spoken and written English.

• Hold a valid passport and be able to obtain relevant travel visas, where required.

• Be available for virtual interviews scheduled for 23–25 March 2027.

Selected CIFAR Global Scholars receive:

• CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research support over two years.

• Funding that can support research projects, teaching release, research trainees and conference travel.

• CIFAR-funded or reimbursed travel for approved CIFAR programme meetings.

• Two-year membership in a participating CIFAR interdisciplinary research programme.

• Mentorship from established CIFAR Fellows and other programme members.

• Opportunities to apply for additional collaborative seed funding.

• Leadership training in team management, mentoring, science communication and advocacy.

• Participation in international research meetings and the annual Global Scholars gathering.

• Access to a global community of interdisciplinary researchers and additional professional development opportunities.

Applicants must prepare the following materials for the online application:

• Summary of expected benefits from participating in CIFAR, excluding research funding — maximum 400 words.

• Description of three leadership or communication skills they wish to develop — maximum 100 words.

• Research interests explained in language accessible to a general audience — maximum 100 words.

• Detailed statement explaining research background, future research directions, programme alignment and potential collaborations — maximum 1,000 words.

• Statement describing engagement with non-academic communities or planned outreach activities — maximum 1,000 words.

• Updated academic CV, including a publication list, uploaded as a PDF.

• Narrative CV describing research contributions, mentoring, academic service and broader impact — maximum 1,000 words.

• Two confidential recommendation letters, submitted directly by referees.

The application also includes an optional contextual statement of up to 250 words for relevant career circumstances.

At least one referee should be appropriately placed to evaluate the applicant's scholarly achievements. Applicants must enter their referees' contact details into the portal, which sends upload instructions directly to the referees.

CIFAR evaluates applicants through eligibility screening, programme-level assessment and interviews.

The principal selection criteria include:

• Inclusive research excellence and evidence of academic contributions.

• Research impact across publications, datasets, policy work, outreach and other recognised outputs.

• Potential to bring new interdisciplinary perspectives to the selected CIFAR programme.

• Demonstrated leadership and potential for future leadership.

• Ability and motivation to collaborate across disciplines.

• Communication skills and capacity to explain complex research ideas.

• Potential for broader academic and societal impact.

• Develop ambitious interdisciplinary research with an international community of established scholars.

• Strengthen independent research leadership at an important stage of an academic career.

• Build long-term professional relationships with researchers across institutions and disciplines.

• Receive mentorship and access to research collaborations that extend beyond a single project.

• Improve communication, mentoring and research management skills.

• Expand the potential academic and societal impact of existing research.