Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2026

If you are an early-career researcher eager to accelerate your academic career, expand your impact, and engage in transformative interdisciplinary collaborations, the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2026–2028 is now accepting applications. This prestigious program supports promising scholars worldwide, offering mentorship, funding, and leadership training to help shape tomorrow’s global research leaders. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Program Summary

• Location: Global (based in Canada, with international meetings and collaborations)

• Host Institution: Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR)

• Study Level: Early-career faculty / Principal Investigators

• Target Group: Researchers from around the world in natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences, and humanities

• Fields of Focus: Interdisciplinary research aligned with recruiting CIFAR research programs

• Value & Coverage:

  • CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research support

  • Mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities

  • Participation in international CIFAR research meetings

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

• Application Deadline: November 5, 2025 (12:00 PM EST)

• Start Date: April 1, 2026

• Eligible To: Scholars holding a PhD and a faculty-level position (Assistant Professor or equivalent), appointed between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025

🌐 Program Overview

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program is built around three pillars:

1. Fostering Novel Interdisciplinary Research

   
   

   Scholars become full members of one of CIFAR’s global research programs, collaborating with distinguished fellows and advisors. They attend two annual international meetings, where they share work-in-progress, spark interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop innovative research directions.

2. Developing and Broadening Networks

   
   

   The program creates a strong international research community. Global Scholars attend dedicated retreats, build networks with peers and mentors, and gain exposure to policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society actors. They also compete for seed funding to launch collaborative projects.

3. Strengthening Leadership Skills

   
   

   Scholars receive targeted leadership training in:

   • Team management and mentorship

   • Science communication and advocacy

   • Research leadership practices

     
     

     They also have opportunities to organize symposia, lead schools, deliver public talks, and publish thought leadership pieces.

🎁 Benefits

• CAD $100,000 in flexible research funding over two years

• Membership in a CIFAR research program with access to world-leading experts

• Participation in global research meetings and retreats

• Tailored leadership and professional development training

• Opportunities for seed funding and collaborative project development

• Networking with academia, government, industry, and civil society leaders

• Enhanced visibility and career acceleration in the global research landscape

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent).

• Have a full-time faculty or research position allowing independent research and supervision of trainees, valid through April 2026 – March 2028.

• Have started their first such position between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025.

• Conduct research aligned with one of CIFAR’s recruiting research programs.

• Be available for virtual interviews on March 24–26, 2026.

• Hold a valid passport and be able to obtain visas for travel to international meetings.

• Be fluent in English (spoken and written).

Note: Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.

📆 Key Dates

• September 3, 2025 – Applications open

• November 5, 2025 – Application deadline (12:00 PM EST)

• Mid-February 2026 – Interview invitations sent

• March 24–26, 2026 – Virtual interviews

• April 2026 – Results announced

• May/June 2026 – Cohort publicly announced

• June 9–11, 2026 – Annual Meeting (Alton, Ontario, Canada)

📝 Application Procedure

1. Prepare Application Documents

   • CV and publication record

   • Research proposal aligned with a CIFAR program

   • Statement of interest explaining fit with the program

   • Proof of academic position and eligibility

   • References from established researchers

2. Submit Online: Applications are accepted only via the official CIFAR Global Scholars application portal.

3. Selection Process

   • Initial screening

   • Virtual interviews (March 2026)

   • Final selection by CIFAR’s committee

🚀 Conclusion

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2026 is more than a fellowship – it is an accelerator for emerging research leaders. By combining funding, mentorship, international collaboration, and leadership training, CIFAR empowers scholars to explore bold new ideas and shape the future of science and society.

Application Deadline: November 5, 2025.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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