Canada Impact+ Research Chairs

Program Details

The Government of Canada announced a new $1 billion investment that will provide Canadian institutions the opportunity to recruit top-tier international researchers with expertise in key areas that address emerging global and national challenges. The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program will establish approximately 100 new chairs to advance transformational research projects that have strong potential to support the growth of the Canadian economy in the following priority areas:  

  • advanced digital technologies (including Artificial Intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity);  
  • clean technology and resource value chains;  
  • defence and dual-use technologies;  
  • democratic and community resilience;  
  • environment, climate resilience and the Arctic;  
  • food and water security;  
  • health and biotechnology; and  
  • manufacturing and advanced materials.  

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs have maximum institutional award values of $500,000 or $1 million per year for eight years. Each award carries the possibility of a four-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year. Successful nominees will also have the opportunity to submit infrastructure requests through the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund. 

In addition, $120 million is being invested to help institutions attract early career researchers to Canada’s research ecosystem through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program. These awards are valued at $100,000 per year for six years with a possibility for a six-year funded extension at the same yearly award value.  

Canada Impact+ Research Chair Opportunities at Brock

As part of Brock University’s commitment to research excellence, we are participating in the 2026 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition. We are currently engaging in an internal process to identify outstanding proposals aligned with Brock’s strategic research distinctions, as well as the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program’s Strategic Priorities. 

Current Opportunities

There are no active postings at this time.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Brock University is committed to upholding the values of Indigenous engagement and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) in all aspects of the Chair nomination, recruitment, and onboarding processes. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals in equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

To learn more about Brock’s institutional EDIA commitments, please visit our EDI in research page and our Canada Research Chair (CRC) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Public Accountability webpage. 

To learn about these foundational principles in the Canada Impact+ Research Chair objectives, outcomes, and reporting requirements, please visit  the EDI overview of the Tri-Agency 2026 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition webpage. 

Eligibility for Nomination

Brock University welcomes expressions of interest from outstanding researchers based outside Canada. For full eligibility requirements, visit the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs eligibility guidelines. 

Research Security

Brock University is committed to safeguarding research and innovation from risks such as theft, interference, and the unauthorized transfer of knowledge. 

As part of the 2026 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition, institutions must comply with the Government of Canada’s Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern and the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. All applications will be assessed for potential security risks as part of the national review process. 

For details on how Brock supports research security, please visit Safeguarding Your Research at Brock. 

To review federal research security requirements related to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, visit the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs 2026 competition page. 

Why Brock? Why Niagara?

Brock University offers a dynamic and supportive environment for leading-edge research, creative activity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a comprehensive university located in a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem, we are deeply committed to fostering excellence across a broad range of disciplines, while advancing research that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time. 

Why Brock? 

As outlined in our Strategic Plan (2025–2030), Brock brings together research, scholarship, and innovation to generate breakthroughs and deliver impact – locally, nationally, and globally. We are committed to shaping tomorrow through research, discovery, and knowledge by: 

  • Identifying, celebrating, and becoming known for our key areas of research and academic distinction
  • Focusing on areas of research and hands-on learning that will prepare Brock community members for the future 
  • Growing global awareness of our research breakthroughs through purposeful knowledge translation, commercialization, and mobilization 
  • Fostering a vibrant research culture that welcomes and values diverse perspectives, identities, and lived experiences 
  • Deepening connectivity and transdisciplinarity within and across our research enterprise and teaching and learning initiatives 
  • Promoting diverse perspectives and deepening understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories through the building of trusted and reciprocal relationships, research, scholarship, and creative activity 

Researchers at Brock benefit from strong mentorship, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and access to dedicated research infrastructure. Our institutional culture supports intellectual curiosity, innovation, and the pursuit of research that creates meaningful change. 

Why Niagara? 

Situated in one of Canada’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant regions, Brock’s location in the Niagara Region offers both quality of life and research opportunity. Niagara provides: 

  • One of the few Canadian universities located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, enabling unique opportunities in environmental, agricultural, and sustainability research 
  • A growing innovation ecosystem with strong regional partnerships across health, education, culture, and technology sectors 
  • Proximity to major research and policy hubs, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo 
  • A welcoming, affordable, and connected community that supports balance, accessibility, and long-term impact

Together, Brock and Niagara offer the institutional foundation, regional opportunity, and academic environment to support world-class research and the success of a Canada Impact+ Research Chair. 

Questions?

Please direct any inquiries related to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program or recruitment process at Brock to: [email protected]. We encourage Brock researchers to address questions regarding internal processes to their Associate Dean, Research.