The Government of Canada has announced a historic $1.7 billion investment to attract top international research talent through the new Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, aiming to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem and advance breakthrough discoveries in critical fields.
As outlined in Budget 2025, this initiative will recruit more than 1,000 leading researchers, including Francophone talent, and provide comprehensive support through research chairs, emerging leader programs, infrastructure funding, and training awards. These measures will ensure Canada remains a global leader in scientific innovation while delivering economic, societal, and health benefits for Canadians.
Through this initiative, Canada will:
- Invest $1 billion over 12 years to support Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, enabling institutions to attract world-leading researchers and their teams. The funding covers salaries and research infrastructure to advance transformational, applied, and commercializable projects.
- Provide $120 million over 12 years for Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders, attracting early career researchers to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to Canada’s research ecosystem.
- Allocate $400 million over six years for the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund, ensuring recruited researchers have access to world-class facilities.
- Offer $133.6 million over three years in Research Training Awards to attract top international doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers.
“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,” said Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry.
Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, added, “Better health care begins with better research. These investments will attract the best and brightest in the world, including Francophone researchers, driving better health outcomes for Canadians and growing the Canadian economy.”
Recruitment will focus on research areas critical to Canada’s long-term prosperity and security, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, life sciences, clean technologies, climate resilience, food and water security, manufacturing, advanced materials, and defence technologies. Interdisciplinary research across multiple priority areas is also eligible.
This initiative complements Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and builds on recent measures to attract skilled talent across key sectors. By creating a supportive research environment with world-class funding and facilities, Canada aims to become a premier destination for global research talent.
Key Facts:
- Canada will attract more than 1,000 world-leading researchers and early career researchers over 12 years.
- Research chairs will receive $4–8 million over eight years, with potential extensions.
- Emerging Leaders program provides $100,000 per year for six years, with potential continuation.
- Research Training Awards will fund up to 600 doctoral and 400 postdoctoral researchers.
- Funding is administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat and Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Canada’s new initiative underscores its commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and global competitiveness, ensuring Canadians benefit from the breakthroughs and discoveries of the world’s leading researchers.