2026 Canada Impact+ Research Programs – $1.12 billion research investments

Job Description

The Government of Canada has launched two major research funding initiatives—the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs and Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs, designed to attract world-class international researchers and strengthen Canada’s position as a global research leader. Together, these initiatives represent more than $1.12 billion in new research investments.

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program

The Impact+ Research Chairs is a one-time program supporting Canadian universities in recruiting globally recognized researchers whose work addresses pressing national and global challenges. With a budget of approximately $1 billion, the program will fund around 100 new chairs and their research teams.

Impact+ Chairholders receive long-term support to lead transformative research in areas critical to Canada’s economic resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Priority Research Areas

Applicants must focus on one or more of the following strategic domains:

• Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
• Health and biotechnology
• Clean technology and resource value chains
• Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
• Food and water security
• Democratic and community resilience
• Manufacturing and advanced materials
• Defence and dual-use technologies

Funding and Benefits

• $1 million/year or $500,000/year for 8 years
• Optional 4-year extension at 50% of the initial award
• Covers compensation, research costs, and up to 25% indirect costs
• Eligible for up to $6 million in research infrastructure through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
• Distinguished Chair level: additional $500,000/year for exceptional scholars (e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal recipients)

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program

A complementary $120 million initiative targeting internationally based early career researchers (ECRs):

• $100,000/year for 6 years with a potential 6-year extension
• Research must align with an Impact+ Chair’s strategic priorities
• Eligible for CFI infrastructure funding

Program Objectives

Both programs aim to:

• Attract world-leading researchers to strengthen Canada’s innovation leadership
• Translate research discoveries into practical applications, commercialization, and policy
• Build high-impact, multidisciplinary research teams
• Promote knowledge mobilization and partnerships with industry, government, and communities
• Support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and early career researchers
• Enhance Canada’s long-term research capacity and global competitiveness

Eligibility Criteria

Institutions:

• Canadian degree-granting universities with at least $100,000/year in tri-agency funding (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC)

Nominees:

• Must be internationally based at the time of application
• Full or associate professor level (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated international excellence and leadership
• Expected to relocate to Canada full-time within 12 months of award

Key Dates

Registration Deadlines:

• Intake 1: March 10, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET)
• Intake 2: June 15, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET)

Application Deadlines:

• Intake 1: March 24, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET)
• Intake 2: June 29, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET)

Results Announced:

• Intake 1: June 2026
• Intake 2: September 2026

Award Start Dates:

• Intake 1: September 2026
• Intake 2: November 2026

How to Apply

• Researchers cannot apply directly
• Only eligible Canadian universities may submit applications via the Convergence Portal using open and transparent recruitment processes
• International researchers interested in being nominated should contact Canadian institutions directly

More information, including detailed eligibility and program guidance, is available on the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs website.