The CIFAR Global Scholars Program from the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) supports early-career researchers developing and leading high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research, offering focused leadership training and expanded professional networks during their first years as independent principal investigators.
Candidates across the natural, biomedical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities, are welcome to apply to CIFAR research programs. Applications are open to candidates who hold a PhD (or equivalent) and a full-time position leading independent research as a principal investigator, including supervision or teaching of graduate-level trainees, at an institution of higher education or research. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.
Global Scholars receive 100,000 CAD in unrestricted research support over the two-year term, usable for research expenses, teaching release, student or postdoc support, and conference travel, alongside eligibility for CIFAR seed funding and targeted leadership training.
Applications close on November 4, 2026.