Canada unveils $1.7B plan to recruit top global researchers

The funding launches the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, one of the largest research recruitment programmes worldwide.

The initiative, outlined in Budget 2025, is designed to help Canadian institutions secure top researchers quickly and flexibly in fields expected to deliver economic, social and health benefits.

Officials said the investment aims to strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity amid rising global competition.

The initiative includes four funding streams — the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program will receive $1 billion over 12 years to help institutions recruit world-leading researchers and support their salaries and infrastructure.

The Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program will provide $120 million over 12 years to attract international early-career researchers.

The Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund will receive $400 million over six years to provide facilities for recruited chairs and early career researchers.

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards will invest $133.6 million over three years to bring top international doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to Canada.

Officials said the investment will help Canada build research capacity in critical areas while expanding collaboration between international researchers and Canadian experts.

“As other countries constrain academic freedoms and undermine cutting-edge research, Canada is investing in—and doubling down on—science,” said Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry, in a statement.

“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.”