The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029 is an international research opportunity offered by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), with support from the Azrieli Foundation and the Love Family Leadership Development Fund.
The programme supports outstanding early-career researchers as they develop independent research careers, strengthen their leadership skills and collaborate with leading scholars across disciplines. Selected scholars receive CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research funding over two years, alongside mentorship, professional development and access to an international research network. Applications are open to eligible researchers worldwide.
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program Overview
- Programme Name: CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program
- Host Organisation: Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR)
- Host Country: Canada
- Programme Duration: Two years
- Cohort: 2027-2029
- Funding Amount: CAD $100,000 per scholar over two years
- Eligible Applicants: Early-career independent researchers from around the world
- Eligible Disciplines: Natural sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences and humanities, depending on the participating research programme
- Application Opening Date: September 2, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST
- Programme Period: April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2029
The programme is designed for researchers who are beginning to establish themselves as independent principal investigators. Scholars join one of CIFAR’s participating interdisciplinary research programmes and contribute perspectives that can advance research beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
For the 2027-2029 competition, the participating research programmes are:
- Boundaries, Membership & Belonging
- Brain, Mind & Consciousness
- Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities
- Healthy Microbiomes in a Changing World
- Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity
Applicants should review these programmes carefully and select the one that best matches their research interests.
Benefits of the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program
Successful applicants receive the following benefits:
- CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research funding over two years, administered through their home institution.
- Membership in CIFAR’s international network of researchers.
- Mentorship from experienced researchers and research leaders.
- Leadership development and professional skills training.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines and countries.
- Training in research leadership, team management, and trainee mentorship.
- Opportunities to strengthen science communication and research advocacy skills.
- Participation in CIFAR meetings and scholar development activities.
- Opportunities to develop ambitious, interdisciplinary research ideas.
- Increased professional visibility and opportunities to build international research partnerships.
The CAD $100,000 award is research funding, not a personal salary or unrestricted living stipend, and applicants should confirm their institution’s procedures for administering the funds.
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029, applicants must meet the programme’s academic and professional requirements.
- Hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral qualification.
- Hold a full-time position at a university or research institution.
- Have responsibilities for leading an independent research programme as a principal investigator.
- Have responsibilities for supervising or teaching graduate-level trainees working towards a degree.
- Have started their first qualifying full-time academic or research position between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2026, subject to the programme’s detailed eligibility rules.
- Have a position that remains secure throughout the programme term, from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2029.
- Conduct research that aligns with one of the participating CIFAR research programmes.
- Demonstrate a strong record of research achievement and potential for future impact.
- Show an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and research leadership.
- Be fluent in spoken and written English.
- Be available for the virtual interview scheduled for March 23-25, 2027, if shortlisted.
- Be able to participate in the programme’s required meetings and development activities.
Applicants from all countries may apply. However, postdoctoral researchers who do not hold the required independent academic or research appointment are not eligible simply because they have completed a PhD.
Also, candidates who have taken parental leave or experienced exceptional circumstances should review the official eligibility guidance for possible special consideration.
How to Apply for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program
Follow these steps to apply for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029.
- Visit the official programme website: Read the current programme overview and eligibility requirements on CIFAR’s website.
- Review the participating research programmes: Examine the five programmes recruiting scholars for the 2027-2029 term and identify the one that best fits your research interests.
- Confirm your eligibility: Ensure that you hold a PhD, have the required independent research appointment, and meet the career-stage requirements.
- Prepare your research information: Develop a clear explanation of your research background, future research directions, and how joining CIFAR would strengthen your work.
- Prepare the required statements: The application includes a summary of the value you expect from the programme, leadership or communication skills you wish to develop, a plain-language description of your research, and a statement addressing your contribution to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Complete the online application: Access the official CIFAR Global Scholars application portal and fill in the application for your chosen research programme.
- Submit your application: Review your responses and supporting information carefully before submitting.
- Prepare for the selection process: If shortlisted, be ready to attend the virtual interview scheduled for March 23-25, 2027.
Applicants interested in more than one participating research programme should check CIFAR’s application instructions to determine whether separate applications are required.
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program Application Deadline
The application deadline for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027–2029 is November 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Also, key dates include:
- Applications open: September 2, 2026
- Application deadline: November 4, 2026
- Virtual interviews: March 23-25, 2027
- Programme begins: April 1, 2027
- Programme ends: March 31, 2029
Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline and confirm the deadline time in their own time zone.
Official Website
For the latest eligibility rules, application instructions, and participating research programmes, visit the official sources:
- CIFAR Global Scholars application portal: https://cifarportal.smapply.io/prog/cifar_global_scholars_program/
- CIFAR programme information: https://cifar.ca/next-generation/global-scholars/
Moreover, applicants should rely on CIFAR’s current programme guidelines for the final interpretation of eligibility, application requirements, and funding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program open to international applicants?
Yes, researchers from all countries are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic, professional, and research requirements.
How much funding does the programme provide?
Each selected scholar receives CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research funding over two years. The funding is intended to support research and is administered through the scholar’s home institution.
Can PhD students or postdoctoral researchers apply?
The programme is intended for researchers who already hold a qualifying independent academic or research appointment. A PhD alone is not sufficient, and postdoctoral researchers without the required independent position are generally ineligible.
Which research fields are eligible?
Applicants may work in a range of disciplines, but their research must align with one of the five programmes recruiting for the 2027-2029 cohort.
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