CIFAR Global Scholars Program
Event details
| Date | 04.11.2026 |
| Category | Call for proposal |
Aim: 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.
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
For the 2027-2029 cohort, the following CIFAR research programs are accepting applications:
Funding: CAD $100,000
(+ opportunity to apply for additional seed funds)
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Applicants may be based anywhere in the world, must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and must hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research as a principal investigator. At institutions with a tenure-track system (like EPFL), applicants are expected to hold a tenure-track position. Applicants must have started their first PI position no earlier than July 1, 2022 and no later than December 31, 2026.
How to Apply: Applications are made through an online application portal, and include a Summary section, a Detailed section, academic and narrative CV, and two Letters of recommendation. Further instructions are available here.
Deadline: 4 November 2026 (12 noon EST)
Further information
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
For the 2027-2029 cohort, the following CIFAR research programs are accepting applications:
- Boundaries, Membership & Belonging
- Brain, Mind & Consciousness
- Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities
- Healthy Microbiomes in a Changing World
- Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity
Funding: CAD $100,000
(+ opportunity to apply for additional seed funds)
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Applicants may be based anywhere in the world, must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and must hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research as a principal investigator. At institutions with a tenure-track system (like EPFL), applicants are expected to hold a tenure-track position. Applicants must have started their first PI position no earlier than July 1, 2022 and no later than December 31, 2026.
How to Apply: Applications are made through an online application portal, and include a Summary section, a Detailed section, academic and narrative CV, and two Letters of recommendation. Further instructions are available here.
Deadline: 4 November 2026 (12 noon EST)
Further information
- More information about the program is available here
- The application portal can be found here
- For any other questions, please contact the Research Office
Practical information
- General public
- Free