CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Award

Eligibility

• Applicants may be based anywhere in the world and:
• must hold a PhD (or equivalent),
• must hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research, with responsibilities that include leading independent research as a principal investigator and supervising/teaching trainees toward the attainment of a degree,
  • typically, applicants are a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the North American system.
  • the position must be secure for the duration of the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar active term from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027.
• must have started their first such position (post-PhD) no earlier than July 1, 2020 and no later than July 1, 2024. Special consideration may be given to those who have taken parental leave or have exceptional circumstances,
• their research interests should complement the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program (see page 10 of program guidelines),
• be available to attend a virtual Zoom interview on March 19 and 20, 2025 if shortlisted. Interviews are generally scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Have a valid passport, and if required, be able to obtain travel visas to attend CIFAR meetings around the world, approximately two to three times per year.
• be fluent in spoken and written English.

NOTE: Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply,

See the detailed program overview for full eligibility requirements.

Summary

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program is one of the most prestigious early-career research opportunities in the world. Scholars are selected for their research excellence and receive mentoring from the world's leading academics. They join the CIFAR community of international researchers to collaborate across disciplines and explore the most important questions facing science and humanity.

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars have an active term of two years. The next cohort’s term will begin on April 1, 2025 and end on March 31, 2027. At the end of the term, Scholars retain the title ‘CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar’ and are encouraged to remain connected to CIFAR through CIFAR’s Next Generation Initiatives and Research Programs. 

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars receive:

• A two-year term of interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship in a CIFAR research program, among a global network of leading researchers
• $100,000 CAD in unrestricted research support
  •  Eligible uses include, but are not limited to: research projects, teaching release, trainee support, conference travel, etc. CIFAR separately covers travel expenses associated with attending CIFAR meetings.
• Opportunities to apply for time-limited seed funding to support new interdisciplinary collaborations
• Membership in the extended community of CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars across research programs — creative and like-minded peers from diverse disciplines
• Training in focused areas of research leadership, and opportunities to put leadership into action

In 2024/2025, the CIFAR research programs accepting applications are:

• Boundaries, Membership & Belonging
• Earth 4D: Subsurface Science & Exploration
• Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities
• Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity

As an applicant, your research is expected to complement or contribute to the themes and goals of an eligible CIFAR research program, listed above. If you wish to apply to more than one program, you must complete a separate application for each program.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Applications must be submitted online, using the Apply Now button on the following page: https://cifar.ca/next-generation/global-scholars/

Application Components:

1. Summary Section:https://cifar.ca/next-generation/global-scholars/
   1. A summary of the value you anticipate from the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar experience,  aside from the unrestricted research support. (400 words maximum) 
   2. A brief statement about three areas of leadership and/or communications skills that you would like to strengthen through your participation in the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program. (100 words maximum)
   3. A brief statement about how your skills and knowledge will contribute to advancing CIFAR’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. (250 words maximum) 
   4. A short description of your research interests using lay terms for a general audience and public use. (100 words maximum)
2. Detailed Section;
   1. A detailed discussion of your research background and proposed future directions, how this agenda would contribute to the themes and goals of the CIFAR Research Program to which you are applying, and how participating in the program would advance your research. Describe areas of potential research that you might wish to pursue in collaboration with Fellows and Advisors from different disciplines within the program. (1000 words maximum) 
   2. A discussion of how you have engaged with non-academic communities to extend the impact of your research. If you have not been active outside of academia, discuss the type of activities you would like to pursue. In your response, please identify expert communities (e.g., policy makers, industry, educators, social workers, etc.) who are most relevant to your academic work. (1000 words maximum) 
   3. An up-to-date CV, including publication list, uploaded as a .pdf document. Files must include the .pdf extension as part of the file name.
3. Two reference letters from non-members of a CIFAR program (note three are required if the following applies):
   1. One letter from a CIFAR Fellow, Associate Fellow, Co-Director or Advisor is permissible only if they were your supervisor, a member of your committee, a collaborator, or another role through which you have had a direct relationship. If a Fellow, Associate Fellow, Co-Director or Advisor provides a letter, your application must include a total of three letters, of which two must be from non-members of a CIFAR program. CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars within five years since their appointment as Scholars are not eligible to provide a letter.
   2. Note: Your application MUST include the required recommendation letters, directly submitted by your referees, before it can be submitted as final. You will not be able to edit your application after submitting it