Attracting academic excellence and leadership is core to the university’s mission to advance teaching and research. To help achieve these goals, Queen’s is participating in a federal program being labelled one of the most ambitious global talent initiatives in Canadian history. The Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative was announced in late 2025 as a suite of programs funded with $1.7 billion to attract leading international researchers to Canada. The focus is to recruit world-leading researchers in critical fields that will deliver direct economic, societal, and health benefits for Canadians. Recently, as part of this initiative, Queen’s has launched an institutional campaign to invite outstanding established scholars to express their interest in joining the Queen’s community.

"As other countries constrain academic freedoms and undermine cutting-edge research, Canada is investing in—and doubling down on—science," says The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. "By attracting the top minds from around the world to work alongside exceptional Canadian researchers, the Government of Canada is building the kind of scientific and academic powerhouse that drives the strongest economy in the G7. Today’s investment is about securing Canada’s place at the forefront of discovery and innovation and leveraging our strength in science to support our future well-being and prosperity for generations to come."

The federal Talent program has four major streams that will see support over 12 years. The first, the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program will provide established researchers with either $8 million or $4 million in funding over eight years, with the opportunity for a four-year extension. Chairs will lead mission driven, high-impact research programs and are expected to build strong Canadian and international partnerships, while translating research into practice, policy, and commercialization. Queen’s has begun a multi-stage recruitment for this stream in fields aligned to government priority areas, including advanced digital technologies, climate resilience, advanced materials, and health. The institutional recruitment campaign will run until positions are filled.

"Queen’s is delighted to be recruiting through the Canada lmpact+ Research Chairs program," says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research). "We are looking for outstanding international research leaders to participate in what is the most ambitious global talent initiative in Canada’s history."

Additional streams include the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program for international early career researchers. Support will be provided at $100,000 per year for six years with an opportunity for another six-year extension. To support the recruited researchers, the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund will provide an additional $400 million pool over six years to ensure the world-class facilities they need to achieve their research goals are ready and available. Further details about Queen’s recruitment campaign for these two funds will be forthcoming.

The final stream is the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards. This is a one-time national funding program designed to attract outstanding global doctoral and postdoctoral talent and strengthen Canada’s research ecosystem. Doctoral awards are valued at $40,000 per year for up to three years and postdoctoral awards provide $70,000 per year for up to two years. A total of 15 awards is allocated to Queen’s. Applications are due February 9, with more information available on the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.

For more information on Queen’s recruitment campaigns, including eligibility and deadlines, visit the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio.