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CIFAR Global Scholars Program

Sponsor/agency: CIFAR

Program: Global Scholars Program

Description 

The CIFAR Global Scholars Program offers early-career researchers the opportunity to develop and lead high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research, expand their professional networks and receive focused leadership training in their pivotal first years as independent investigators. These experiences accelerate the rise of research leaders who are positioned to drive new discoveries and open new fields of inquiry.

CIFAR welcomes applications from candidates across the natural, biomedical and social sciences, as well as the humanities. Successful applicants join one of CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs, collaborating with global research leaders to advance transformative knowledge and address some of the most important questions facing science and humanity.

Program Summary 

Deadlines:

  • October 27- ORS administrative review deadline and RGA form
  • November 5 by noon EST- Final submission deadline 

Value: $100,000 in unrestricted research support

Indirect Costs: N/A

Duration: 2 years (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028)

How to Apply:

  1. Notify your Amber Zapletal of your intent to apply
  2. Review the program guidelines and application instructions.
  3. Create and complete an application in the CIFAR application portal
  4. Solicit letters of reference (instructions in program guidelines)

Contact:

Program information:

Eligibility 

Subject Matter

Your research should complement the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program (see below). If you would like to apply to more than one program, you must complete a separate application for each. 

CIFAR programs are interdisciplinary, with an objective to spark new ideas, collaborations and knowledge advances. We welcome applications that offer new perspectives or approaches that could enrich and diversify a program’s scope. 

To learn more about each program’s focus areas and participating researchers, please review the descriptions provided on the program web pages linked below. In 2025/2026, the following CIFAR research programs are accepting applications: 

Applicant 

To be considered for the CIFAR Global Scholars Program, you must:

  • Hold a PhD (or equivalent)
  • Hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research. Your role must include responsibility for leading independent research as a principal investigator and supervising  or teaching trainees toward their attainment of a degree.
    • Typically, an eligible applicant is a tenure-track Assistant Professor (in the North American context), or holds an equivalent position designed to lead to a permanent faculty appointment  (in academic systems outside of North America).
  • You must have started your first position, as described above, post-PhD, no earlier than July 1, 2021 and no later than December 31, 2025.
    • Note: Special consideration may be given to applicants who have taken parental leave or faced exceptional circumstances.
    • Your position must be secure throughout the full CIFAR Global Scholar term, from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028.
    • Note: Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply
  • Engage in research that complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR Research Program
    • Demonstrate an outstanding record of research achievement  and promise of future impact, as shown through reference letters, publications, awards and other research contributions.
    • Show a strong interest in interdisciplinary engagement to extend and enrich the impact of your research.
  • Be available for a virtual interview on March 24-26, 2026.
  • Hold a valid passport and if applicable, be able to obtain travel visas to attend CIFAR meetings globally, approximately two to three times per year.
  • Be fluent in spoken and written English.

Additional Information 

Terms

CIFAR Global Scholars hold an active term of two years.  The next cohort’s term begins on April 1, 2026 and concludes on March 31, 2028. At the end of their term, Scholars retain the title ‘CIFAR Global Scholar’ and are encouraged to stay connected through CIFAR’s Next Generation Initiatives and research programs.

Eligible Use of Funds

Each Scholar receives CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research support, administered through their home institution. These funds may be used for a range of activities, including but not limited to:

  • Advancing research projects
  • Buying out teaching time
  • Supporting trainees
  • Traveling to academic conferences

CIFAR separately covers all travel costs associated with attending CIFAR meetings.

Expectations

During their two-year term, CIFAR Global Scholars are expected to:

  • Participate in CIFAR Research Program meetings, typically held twice per year in various locations around the world.
  • Attend the CIFAR Global Scholars Annual Meeting, usually held in May or June. The next meeting will take place from June 9-11, 2026 (arrival on June 8) in Alton, Ontario, near Toronto.
  • Join at least two virtual leadership development workshops per year, arranged specifically for CIFAR Global Scholars.
  • Submit a brief annual report on program-related research and activities.
  • Engage with CIFAR stakeholders and funders to share the impact of their work, where appropriate and possible
  • Acknowledge CIFAR affiliation by using the title CIFAR Global Scholar in professional signatures and citing CIFAR  as a funder in research publications, presentations and media interviews supported by the program

Resources