CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029 ($100,000 CAD in unrestricted funding)

Overview

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program is for early-career researchers who are developing and leading high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research in their first years as independent principal investigators. It offers a chance to expand professional networks and receive focused leadership training. CIFAR welcomes candidates from the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities. Successful applicants join one of CIFAR's interdisciplinary research programs and collaborate with global research leaders on important questions facing science and humanity. The programme rests on three pillars: fostering novel interdisciplinary research, developing and broadening networks, and strengthening leadership skills.

What you get

Scholars receive a two-year opportunity to collaborate and be mentored within a close-knit, interdisciplinary network of leading global researchers, and $100,000 CAD in unrestricted research support. These flexible funds can pay for research expenses, teaching release, student or postdoc support, conference travel and more, and are not tied to a specific project. Scholars can also apply for CIFAR seed funds for high-risk interdisciplinary collaborations with Fellows, Advisors and other Global Scholars. Other benefits include membership of the wider Global Scholars community and targeted training in team leadership, trainee mentorship, science communication and science advocacy.

Who can apply

Applicants from all countries are welcome. They must hold a PhD or equivalent and a full-time position at a higher education or research institution that includes leading independent research as a principal investigator and supervising or teaching graduate-level trainees. The position must be secure from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029, and in systems with tenure tracks applicants are expected to hold a full-time tenure-track post. The first such post must have begun between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026, with special consideration for parental leave or exceptional circumstances. Research should complement the themes of a recruiting CIFAR program, the applicant must be fluent in English, hold a valid passport and be able to obtain visas to attend CIFAR meetings two to three times a year. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.

In 2026/2027, the programs accepting applications are Boundaries, Membership and Belonging; Brain, Mind and Consciousness; Fungal Kingdom: Threats and Opportunities; Healthy Microbiomes in a Changing World; and Innovation, Equity and the Future of Prosperity.

Key dates

The application deadline is November 4, 2026. Applicants must be available for a virtual interview on March 23-25, 2027.