Government of Canada: Fully Funded Research Recruitment Program Good news for PhD holders and doctoral researchers worldwide! The Government of Canada has officially launched one of the largest global research recruitment initiatives in recent history—the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative—aimed at attracting world-leading researchers currently based outside Canada. Announced on 9 December 2025 in Montréal by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), this ambitious initiative represents a $1.7 billion investment to recruit and support more than 1,000 international and expatriate researchers, including up to 600 doctoral scholars, over the coming years. For highly qualified PhD candidates and researchers seeking world-class funding, infrastructure, and long-term career pathways, this is a rare and time-sensitive opportunity. About the Canada Impact+ Initiative The Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative was introduced under Budget 2025 to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of scientific innovation, economic resilience, health research, and technological leadership. The program is uniquely designed for speed, flexibility, and scale, allowing Canadian institutions to rapidly recruit top global talent during a period of intense international competition for researchers. The initiative prioritizes international applicants, particularly those currently outside Canada, and aligns closely with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which seeks to attract highly skilled researchers and innovators to strengthen national capacity. Four Funding Streams Under Impact+ 1. Canada Impact+ Research Chairs This flagship stream allocates $1 billion over 12 years to support universities and research institutions in recruiting world-leading senior researchers. Each chair is awarded either $8 million or $4 million over eight years, with the possibility of a four-year extension. Funding covers researcher salaries, research teams, and infrastructure, enabling immediate high-impact work. 2. Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program Designed for early-career researchers, this stream provides $120 million over 12 years, offering $100,000 per year for six years, with potential renewal. It targets rising global scholars with strong leadership potential and innovative research agendas. 3. Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund With $400 million over six years, this fund ensures recruited researchers have access to world-class laboratories, equipment, and facilities. Individual infrastructure awards may reach up to $6 million per chair, administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. 4. Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards This stream directly benefits PhD and postdoctoral researchers. It will fund: Up to 600 doctoral scholarships valued at $40,000 per year for three years Up to 400 postdoctoral fellowships valued at $70,000 per year for two years These awards support international scholars relocating to Canada to pursue advanced research training. Canada Impact+ Priority Research Areas Recruitment focuses on fields critical to Canada’s long-term prosperity and security, including: Artificial intelligence, quantum science, cybersecurity Health, biotechnology, and life sciences Clean energy and climate resilience Food and water security Democratic resilience and community development Advanced manufacturing and materials Defence and dual-use technologies Interdisciplinary research spanning multiple priority areas is strongly encouraged. Why Apply? Successful applicants gain access to: Generous, long-term research funding World-class research infrastructure Strong immigration and relocation pathways Opportunities to collaborate with leading Canadian and global researchers A supportive, diverse, and innovation-driven academic ecosystem Canada is positioning itself as a global safe haven for scientific excellence, academic freedom, and transformative research. How to Apply & Learn More Applications are submitted through Canadian host institutions, with timelines varying by program stream. Official News Release (Government of Canada):https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/12/canada-launches-global-impact-plus-research-talent-initiative.html Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (SSHRC):https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/index-eng.aspx Canada Foundation for Innovation:https://www.innovation.ca Final Note With funding, immigration support, and institutional backing aligned at an unprecedented scale, the Canada Impact+ Initiative represents a historic opening for PhD holders and researchers ready to shape global science and innovation. Competition will be strong—early engagement with potential host institutions is strongly advised. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.