New Impact Plus programs aim to attract over 1,000 top researchers through funded pathways and academic partnerships.
Canada has launched an ambitious Research Talent Initiative designed to recruit leading international researchers and strengthen national capacity in fast growing scientific fields. The government will introduce three new streams that support the arrival of researchers, early career faculty and graduate level scholars through existing study and work permit routes.
The new programs, called Canada Impact Plus Research Chairs, Canada Impact Plus Emerging Leaders and Canada Impact Plus Research Training Awards, together represent more than 1.7 billion CAD in federal investment over the next decade. They will support talent working in areas such as advanced digital technologies, health innovation, clean tech, climate resilience, food and water security and defense related research.
Through these pathways, Canada plans to welcome more than 1,000 researchers, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. Award amounts are significant, with chairholders eligible for multi-year funding packages of up to 8 million CAD and doctoral and postdoc scholars receiving structured stipends.
All streams require nominees to be working outside Canada at the time of application, with hiring facilitated by Canadian universities through LMIA exempt categories under the International Mobility Program. Spouses and eligible dependents will generally continue to have access to open work permits.
Canada has also created a dedicated research infrastructure fund of 400 million CAD to help institutions equip labs and support incoming talent, signaling a long-term strategy to expand the country’s research capabilities.
[Source: CIC News]
