On December 9, 2025, the government announced a CAD $1.7 billion investment to launch the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a suite of programs that aims to attract leading international researchers to Canada.
Through this initiative, the Government of Canada will invest up to CAD $1.7 billion over 12 years to attract and support more than 1,000 leading international and expatriate researchers, including Francophone researchers. Recruitment will target individuals who are advancing world-leading research in critical fields that will deliver direct economic, societal and health benefits for Canadians.
This initiative has four streams:
- The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program offers CAD $1 billion over 12 years to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers. New chairs and their teams will advance transformational research projects that can be applied and/or commercialized by connecting with receptors in industry, government and society, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel. Importantly, the program funds both researcher salaries and supporting infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive support for recruited researchers.
- CAD $120 million over 12 years is being provided for institutions to attract international early career researchers (ECRs) through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program. This program will add more global talent to the Canadian research ecosystem, bringing in fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and significant potential.
- Another CAD $400 million will be used to create the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund over six years to establish a complementary stream of research infrastructure support to ensure the recruited research chairs and ECRs have the world-class facilities they need to achieve their research goals.
- The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards will invest CAD $133.6 million over three years to enable top international doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers to relocate to Canada.
Recruitment will focus on research areas critical to Canada’s sovereignty, resilience and long-term prosperity, including advanced digital technologies (artificial intelligence, quantum, cybersecurity); health, including biotechnology and life sciences; clean technologies; environment and climate resilience; food and water security; democratic and community resilience; manufacturing and advanced materials; and defense and dual-use technologies. Research that cuts across multiple priority areas is also eligible.
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