Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+), York University

Université York

Date Posted: March 19, 2026
Deadline to Apply: April 17 @ 11:59pm EST, 2026

York University invites expressions of interest from exceptional, internationally based researchers for nomination as Canada Impact+ Research Chairs under the Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs/program-details/competition/2026/apply.html. This initiative emphasizes both research excellence and impact, and is designed to attract world-leading talent whose research addresses critical global and national challenges and delivers measurable economic, societal and health benefits for Canada and the world.

About the Program
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program supports institutions in recruiting and retaining researchers of the highest international caliber whose work will:
• Advance bold, transformative research with clear pathways to impact and application;
• Build and sustain exceptional research teams;
• Collaborate across academic, government, industry and community sectors;
• Translate discoveries into tangible innovations, policy, commercialization, and societal benefits; and
• Train and mentor the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

Successful nominees will be awarded either $8 million ($1 million/year) or $4 million ($500 K/year) over eight years, with potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial value, based on demonstrated research impact and sustained partnerships. The two values of the award recognize the varying costs of research across disciplines. Successful awardees may also apply for up to $6 million for infrastructure support through the Canada Impact + Research Infrastructure Fund https://www.innovation.ca/apply-manage-awards/funding-opportunities/canada-impact-plus-research-infrastructure-fund.

Chairholders are expected to advance one or more of the Government of Canada’s strategic priority areas:
• Advanced digital technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity);
• Health, including biotechnology;
• Clean technology and resource value chains;
• Environment, climate resilience and the Arctic;
• Food and water security;
• Democratic and community resilience;
• Manufacturing and advanced materials; and
• Defence and dual-use technologies.

Full program details can be found on the program’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs/program-details/competition/2026/apply.html

Eligibility and Qualifications
York University encourages applications from researchers who:
• Are leaders with an outstanding record of research excellence and impact;
• Are currently working and residing outside of Canada at the time of nomination submission, including expatriate Canadians;
• Hold qualifications commensurate with appointment at the rank of Full Professor, or Associate with promotion to Full Professor within two years of appointment; and
• Have research programs with exceptional potential to advance one or more federal strategic priority areas.

Application Process
The selection process will occur in two stages:
1. Internal adjudication: Applicants will be reviewed by a University-internal committee, which will assess submissions and select candidates to be put forward for nomination.
2. External competition: Selected candidates will work closely with York University to develop and submit a full nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition.

Application Materials
Applicants are asked to submit a single PDF containing the following materials:
1. Cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining:
• The proposed research theme;
• Alignment with the applicable federal strategic priority area(s);
• Indication of preferred Faculty/Department; and
• Estimated infrastructure and space requirements.
2. Proposed research plan (maximum 5 pages), including:
• The research vision and objectives;
• How principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded in the research program and team; and
• How the research is expected to be mobilized, translated, and/or commercialized for the benefit of Canada and the world.
3. Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophies (maximum 2 pages);
4. Detailed curriculum vitae; and
5. The names and contact information for three references.

Applications and inquiries should be sent to: impactplus@yorku.ca

All academic appointments are conditional upon the successful award of a Canada Impact+ Research Chair.

York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Commitment to Equity
York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

York University welcomes and encourages applications from diverse and equity-seeking groups, including racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment for research excellence.

York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).

York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities https://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/policies/accommodation-in-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities/ and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Prof. Maurice Poon at mklpoon@yorku.ca.

Learn More About York
York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan https://www.yorku.ca/research/strategic-research-plan-2023-2028/ showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.

York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy https://www.yorku.ca/dedi-strategy/, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion https://www.yorku.ca/abr/ and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://www.yorku.ca/indigenous-landing/wp-content/uploads/sites/817/2025/08/Indigenous-Framework-for-York-University-A-Guide-to-Action.pdf.

Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/.

More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Today, York University campuses are located on the Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the lands of the Anishinabek of the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our campuses are also situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.