The Government of Canada announced the launch of the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program on December 9, 2026. This new $1 billion investment will provide Canadian institutions the opportunity to recruit top-tier international researchers with expertise in key areas that address emerging global and national challenges.
This funding will allow approximately 100 new chairs across Canada and their teams to advance transformational research projects that have strong potential to support the growth of the Canadian economy in the following priority areas:
- advanced digital technologies (including Artificial Intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity);
- clean technology and resource value chains;
- defence and dual-use technologies;
- democratic and community resilience;
- environment, climate resilience and the Arctic;
- food and water security;
- health and biotechnology; and
- manufacturing and advanced materials.
Canada Impact + Research Chairs will have maximum award values of either $1 million per year or $500,000 per year for eight years, with a possibility for a four-year funded extension, at 50% of the original award value.
An additional $120 million over 12 years is also being invested to help institutions attract internationally based early career researchers to Canada’s research ecosystem through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program. Impact+ Emerging Leaders will be awarded $100,000 per year for six years, with a possibility for a six-year funded extension, at the same yearly award value. More details about applications to this program will be shared soon.
The University of British Columbia is currently finalizing its application details and processes. If you are a researcher interested in pursuing an application for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair at UBC, please provide your contact details below and we will send you information regarding job postings and application processes as soon as they are available. You may also request these details via email.