British Academy–CIFAR Global Scholars 2027–29: CAD 100K

British Academy–CIFAR Global Scholars 2027–29 at a Glance

How the British Academy–CIFAR Partnership Works

CIFAR’s Global Scholars programme is designed for newly independent researchers from around the world. The British Academy partnership creates a targeted route to encourage UK-based researchers in the social sciences and humanities to participate in selected CIFAR interdisciplinary research programmes.

Successful applicants become members of a CIFAR research programme for two years, where they work alongside international Fellows, Advisors and other Global Scholars. The programme is intended to accelerate the transition from newly independent investigator to influential research leader.

Eligibility for the 2027–29 Cohort

Applicants must already be operating at an independent research level. This is not a postdoctoral fellowship.

• Hold a PhD or equivalent.
• Hold a full-time position at a university or research institution.
• Have responsibility for leading independent research as a principal investigator.
• Supervise or teach graduate-level trainees toward completion of a degree.
• Hold a position that is secure for the full programme term from 1 April 2027 through 31 March 2029.
• Propose research that fits the themes and goals of a CIFAR programme recruiting Global Scholars in the current cycle.

Career-stage requirement

Current 2027–29 programme criteria indicate that the applicant’s first qualifying post-PhD independent position should have started between 1 July 2022 and 31 December 2026, subject to permitted exceptions or career-break provisions under CIFAR’s rules.

In tenure-track systems, an eligible applicant would typically hold a full-time tenure-track position. In other academic systems, an equivalent position may qualify if it provides comparable research independence and a pathway toward a permanent faculty appointment.

Are postdoctoral fellows eligible?

No. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible for the Global Scholars programme because applicants must already lead an independent research programme.

Funding and Programme Benefits

Each Global Scholar receives CAD 100,000 in unrestricted research support over the two-year term. The funding is intentionally flexible and is administered through the Scholar’s home institution.

According to the British Academy and CIFAR programme materials, the support may be used for purposes such as:

• research expenses;
• teaching release;
• student or postdoctoral researcher support;
• conference travel; and
• other eligible activities that strengthen the Scholar’s research programme.

Scholars may also become eligible to apply for CIFAR seed funding for high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary collaborations with CIFAR Fellows, Advisors or other Global Scholars.

Mentorship, network and leadership development

Funding is only one component of the programme. Global Scholars join a close interdisciplinary network, receive mentorship from established researchers and participate in targeted leadership development.

Training areas include:

• research-team leadership;
• trainee mentorship;
• science communication;
• science advocacy; and
• building international and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

British Academy-Supported CIFAR Research Programmes

For the current 2027–29 partnership call, the British Academy lists the following CIFAR research programmes:

The broader CIFAR Global Scholars call may recruit through additional research programmes. Applicants using the British Academy partnership should follow the programme list and eligibility language on the current British Academy page and the linked CIFAR application materials.

How to Apply

1. Confirm career-stage eligibility. Verify that you hold an independent full-time research position and meet the current Global Scholars career-window rules.
2. Check the British Academy route. UK-based social sciences and humanities researchers should review whether their work fits one of the partnership programmes named in the current call.
3. Select the best-fit CIFAR research programme. Your proposed research should complement the programme’s themes and contribute to its interdisciplinary agenda.
4. Review the current CIFAR programme handbook and portal instructions. Use the official application materials rather than relying on older cohort requirements.
5. Prepare the application around research independence and fit. Explain your research direction, why the CIFAR network is relevant, and what you would contribute to the programme.
6. Demonstrate leadership potential. The programme is intended to develop research leaders, not only fund a discrete project.
7. Submit through CIFAR before the deadline. The British Academy lists the deadline as 4 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.

How to Position a Strong Application

A competitive application should make three things clear: that you are already an independent investigator, that your research fits a recruiting CIFAR programme, and that you will actively contribute to an interdisciplinary research community.

Avoid presenting the application as a conventional project grant. The CAD 100,000 is unrestricted support, while the programme itself is structured around network participation, collaboration, mentorship and leadership development.

Applicants should also explain why CIFAR’s cross-disciplinary model can expand the scope or direction of their research rather than simply provide additional funding.

Pre-Submission Checklist

• PhD or equivalent confirmed
• Independent full-time PI-level position confirmed
• Position secure through 31 March 2029
• First qualifying independent position date checked against current CIFAR criteria
• Postdoctoral status ruled out
• Relevant CIFAR research programme identified
• British Academy partnership relevance confirmed where applicable
• Application materials prepared using the current CIFAR handbook
• Research fit and interdisciplinary contribution clearly explained
• Leadership-development motivation addressed
• Final submission completed before 4 November 2026