Canada Impact+ Research Chair

The University of Winnipeg invites world-leading researchers to apply for one of several prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair opportunities.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is a one-time Tri-Agency initiative designed to support institutions in attracting international, world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada's strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel. The awards provide an opportunity for international researchers, including Canadian expatriates wishing to return to Canada, to lead a prestigious research program at The University of Winnipeg and to contribute to Canada's excellence in research and innovation.

The nomination is a two-stage process: applicants first apply for this opportunity. Applicants shortlisted at this stage will then work with our institution to submit a nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition. The university will support these shortlisted nominees throughout the development of their applications. Following a highly competitive selection process, the program awards successful applicants and their teams either $8 million or $4 million over 8 years to establish ambitious research programs at the nominating university, with a potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial per annum award value. There are two award values to recognize the varying costs of research across different disciplines and to strive to be inclusive of all areas of research.

RESEARCH ALIGNMENT
Applications for Canada Impact+ Research Chair positions from outstanding established scholars are welcomed in the following strategic priority areas:

1. Advanced Digital Technologies (including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum and Cybersecurity)
2. Health, including Biotechnology
3. Clean Technology and Resource Value Chains
4. Environment, Climate Resilience and the Arctic
5. Food and Water Security
6. Democratic and Community Resilience
7. Defence and Dual-Use Technologies

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to initiating the application process outlined below. Please ensure your EOI is submitted by the deadline of March 2, 2026. EOIs can be accessed and completed here. Upon receipt of the EOI, a Program Officer will work with you to provide further guidance on completing your application.

Completed applications will be due by March 18, 2026 and must include the following:

1. A cover letter that also identifies which strategic priority areas align with your research.
2. Detailed curriculum vitae.
3. A plan identifying the proposed research program, including how you embed equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in your research, and how your research will contribute to knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results. (Maximum five pages)
4. Highlights of your most significant contributions to your field, including how they have led to societal benefits, and how they connect with your research plan. (Maximum two pages)
5. A statement of your teaching and mentoring philosophies. (Maximum two pages)
6. The names and email addresses of three references.

If you have any questions, please contact Dylan Jones, Research Awards, Chairs, and Special Initiatives, at [email protected].

ASSESSMENT
A multi-disciplinary committee will review and shortlist the candidates to be nominated to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program. Assessment of shortlisted candidates will be based primarily on the candidate's capacity for fostering strategic partnerships across sectors (including industry, government, health systems, and not-for-profit organizations), and research excellence and leadership, as reflected in the quality of peer-reviewed publications, success at securing research support, evidence of knowledge mobilization and impact, and demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing research teams. The assessment will also consider how the candidate embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in their research and team composition and the candidate’s teaching and mentoring record and philosophy. The value of the Chair will be determined by the selection committee, commensurate with the overall merit and distinction of the candidate(s).

ELIGIBILTY
In accordance with the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, candidates must be toptier researchers whose accomplishments have a major societal impact and who are recognized internationally as leaders. Societal impact may include translation and mobilization of the candidate's research to knowledge users, including evidence of commercialization and job creation, publications for non-academic audiences or policy consultations that lead to advancements in best practices, and collaborative partnerships that advance partner mandates. Candidates must be full professors (or equivalent) or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of starting the Chair appointment. If they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels.

Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the application deadline are eligible to apply.

In accordance with The University of Winnipeg faculty hiring requirements, successful candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent (e.g., JSD, MD, DDS, with relevant professional designation or licensure) in a discipline appropriate to the field of research, be engaged in a program of research, and have a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarly research and teaching.

Successful candidates will be appointed as a full-time tenured faculty member to an appropriate department, School, or Faculty. Duties will include research, teaching and service. Successful nominees will be expected to start their positions at The University of Winnipeg on a full-time basis within 12 months of accepting the award.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION CONSIDERATIONS
The University of Winnipeg recognizes that researchers have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are strongly encouraged to explain the impact of any such career interruptions in order to allow for a fair assessment of their outstanding research achievements. This personal statement can be appended to the application package as a separate document (maximum one page, single-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font and ¾" margins).

The University of Winnipeg is committed to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially candidates from equity-deserving groups, including women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any point in the recruitment process. Please contact Erin McCarthy in the Human Resources Office at 204-786-9132 to request this posting in an alternate format, or to confidentially discuss accommodation needs.