CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029: CDN $100,000 for Early-Career Researchers

 

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029

 Apply for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program 2027-2029, offering CDN $100,000 in unrestricted research funding for early-career researchers worldwide. This prestigious two-year program supports scholars across the natural, biomedical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities, in developing high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research. Successful applicants join one of CIFAR's interdisciplinary research programs, collaborate with global research leaders, receive focused leadership training, and expand their professional networks during their pivotal first years as independent principal investigators. Candidates must hold a PhD, occupy a full-time research position started between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026, and be fluent in English. Open to applicants from all countries, the program accelerates the rise of research leaders positioned to drive new discoveries. Benefits include seed funding opportunities, mentorship, and membership in a global scholars community. 

Overview

Criteria	Details
Program	CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program
Funding	CDN $100,000 (unrestricted)
Duration	2 years (April 2027 – March 2029)
Eligibility	Early-career researchers worldwide
Fields	Natural, biomedical, social sciences, humanities
Language	English fluency required
Application Deadline	November 4, 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Cohort Announcement	May 2027

About the CIFAR Global Scholars Program

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program offers early-career researchers a unique opportunity to develop and lead high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research during their pivotal first years as independent principal investigators. The program is designed to accelerate the rise of research leaders positioned to drive new discoveries and open new fields of inquiry.

Beyond funding, scholars expand their professional networks and receive focused leadership training that shapes them into influential voices in their fields. 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 researchers and professionals seeking additional international opportunities, explore the HISA Future Diplomats Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, which offers valuable global networking experiences.

Program Benefits

Benefit	Details
Research Funding	CDN $100,000 in unrestricted research support
Mentorship	Two-year collaboration within a close-knit interdisciplinary network
Seed Funds	Opportunity to apply for CIFAR seed funds for high-risk collaborations
Global Community	Membership in the extended CIFAR Global Scholars network
Leadership Training	Team leadership, trainee mentorship, science communication and advocacy

Eligibility Requirements

CIFAR welcomes applicants from all countries and is committed to building a diverse, international community of scholars. To be considered, you must:

Requirement	Details
PhD	Hold a PhD (or equivalent)
Position	Full-time position at a higher education/research institution as principal investigator
Responsibilities	Lead independent research + supervise/teach graduate-level trainees
Position Security	Secure throughout April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2029
Career Stage	First post-PhD position started between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026
Research Fit	Research complementing themes of a recruiting CIFAR program
Availability	Available for virtual interview March 23-25, 2027
Passport	Valid passport + ability to obtain travel visas
Language	Fluent in spoken and written English

⚠️ Important Eligibility Notes:

• Tenure-track positions: In applicable systems, applicants should hold a full-time tenure-track position. In other contexts, equivalent positions with comparable independence and a pathway to permanent faculty appointment are considered.
• Special consideration: May be given to applicants who have taken parental leave or faced exceptional circumstances.
• Postdoctoral fellows are NOT eligible to apply.
• Travel commitment: Scholars attend CIFAR meetings globally, approximately two to three times per year.

Application Timeline

Date	Milestone
September 2, 2026	Call for applications opens
November 4, 2026	Application deadline (12:00 PM EST, UTC -5)
By mid-February 2027	Shortlisted candidates receive interview invitations
March 23-25, 2027	Virtual interviews with Selection Committee
By early April 2027	Shortlisted candidates informed of results
May 2027	Public announcement of 2027-2029 cohort
June 8-10, 2027	Global Scholars annual meeting (St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada)

How to Apply

To apply for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, follow these key steps:

Step 1: Review Program Fit

Identify the CIFAR research program that complements your research themes. Review the "Programs Accepting Applications" section on the official website.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, particularly the career-stage window (first position started between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2026).

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Gather all required documentation, including proof of your PhD, current position details, and research plans aligning with CIFAR's interdisciplinary goals.

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

Complete your application before November 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Step 5: Prepare for Interview

If shortlisted, prepare for a virtual interview scheduled for March 23-25, 2027.

For African students and researchers exploring funded international education pathways, check out our guide on fully funded scholarships for African students.

Official Link

Resource	URL
Official Program Page	CIFAR Global Scholars
CIFAR Research Programs	cifar.ca/research-programs