About the Program
The CIFAR Global Scholars Program supports outstanding early-career researchers from around the world and connects them with leading interdisciplinary research communities.
Global Scholars become members of a CIFAR research program, where they collaborate with researchers from different disciplines, participate in meetings and workshops, and develop international research networks.
The program is designed to help early-career researchers expand the impact of their research beyond their individual institutions and disciplines.
Applications for the 2027–2029 cohort opened on 2 September 2026.
What Does the Program Support?
The program is built around interdisciplinary research. Applicants must propose research that complements one of the CIFAR Research Programs participating in the current recruitment cycle.
CIFAR’s research areas span major questions in science and society, including areas connected to:
- Climate and environmental change
- Earth and planetary sciences
- Food and agriculture
- Human health and development
- Artificial intelligence and computing
- Brain, mind and consciousness
- Social and economic systems
- Child and brain development
- Population and global health
The exact programs participating in the 2027–2029 recruitment round should be checked on the current CIFAR call before applying.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet several important requirements.
They must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
- Hold a full-time position at a higher-education or research institution.
- Have responsibility for leading independent research as a principal investigator.
- Supervise or teach trainees working toward a degree.
- Have started their first eligible post-PhD position between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2025.
- Have a position that remains secure throughout the Global Scholar term.
- Conduct research that complements one of the participating CIFAR Research Programs.
- Demonstrate a strong record of research achievement and potential for future impact.
- Show an interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
- Be fluent in spoken and written English.
- Hold a valid passport and be able to obtain visas where necessary for international CIFAR meetings.
Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.
CIFAR welcomes applications from researchers in all countries and emphasises diversity and international participation.
What Do Global Scholars Receive?
Selected scholars become part of CIFAR’s international research community and gain opportunities to:
- Collaborate with leading researchers across disciplines.
- Participate in CIFAR Research Program meetings.
- Build international research networks.
- Develop interdisciplinary research collaborations.
- Access CIFAR’s intellectual and professional community.
- Attend CIFAR meetings and activities internationally.
The program is particularly valuable for researchers who want to expand their work beyond a single discipline and develop long-term international collaborations.
Research Fit Is Very Important
Applicants should not apply simply because they are interested in CIFAR.
Their research needs to align with one of the research programs participating in the 2027–2029 call.
The application should clearly demonstrate:
- The research question being addressed.
- The applicant’s research achievements.
- How the proposed research connects with the relevant CIFAR Research Program.
- What the applicant can contribute to the program.
- How interdisciplinary collaboration could strengthen the research.
Selection
CIFAR looks for researchers with an outstanding record of research achievement and strong potential for future impact.
Applications are considered through a competitive selection process involving research-program experts and CIFAR’s review process.
Research excellence is important, but applicants should also demonstrate their ability and willingness to engage with researchers from other disciplines.
Program Duration
The 2027–2029 Global Scholars cohort runs for approximately two years.
The previous program documentation specifies a two-year term, with Global Scholars participating in the CIFAR community and research activities throughout the appointment period.
Important Eligibility Warning
This is a high-level academic research opportunity.
It is not suitable for undergraduate students, recent bachelor’s or master’s graduates, general climate activists, NGO practitioners or applicants who do not yet hold a PhD and an independent research position.
A strong research background alone is not enough; applicants must already have an eligible post-PhD academic or research appointment.
Deadline
Application deadline: 04 November 2026
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the CIFAR application portal.
Applicants should first review the participating CIFAR Research Programs and identify the program that best matches their research before beginning the application.
Application portal: CIFAR Portal
Why Apply?
For eligible early-career researchers, the CIFAR Global Scholars Program offers more than conventional research funding. It provides access to an international network of leading researchers and creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
It is particularly valuable for researchers whose work connects multiple fields and who want to develop an international research profile.
