Canada Excellence Research Chairs 2026 Competition

Overview

About the CERC program

The is Canada’s most prestigious Research Chair initiative. The program is designed to attract the top tier of world-class researchers and their teams to launch ambitious research programs at Canadian universities, with the goal to advance the .

The CERC recruitment process consists of two stages. Initially, candidates apply to an open job posting at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�. The successful candidate will then work with the 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� to co-develop an application for the federal funding program. Appointment to a CERC university position is contingent upon receiving a CERC award. CERC awardees must begin their appointment within 12 months of accepting the award. The term is for eight years, with funding of either $8 million or $4 million over the duration.

Candidates not successful in the CERC competition may be considered for a Canada Research Chair (Tier I) or other recruitment opportunities in the thematic areas.

Please visit the for complete details on the initiative, the program’s selection criteria and its single-phase peer review process.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s thematic areas of focus

The thematic areas of focus in which 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is strategically seeking candidates for this competition are:

The recent pandemic as well as pressing global health challenges underscore the urgency of concerted efforts to advance health research that bridges basic biomedical discovery, mechanistic understanding, innovation, technology development, knowledge mobilization and system transformation. As a national and international leader, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� and its six affiliated hospital-based research institutes are deeply committed to strengthening Canada’s health, well-being and healthcare system. Our stellar foundational biomedical research together with clinical and implementation science research excellence drives innovation, informs education, enhances community well-being, and fuels cross-sector collaboration to address current and future health challenges. We rank #3 in Canada for medical and science grants and #3 for faculty awards in 2025 for Medical Doctoral Universities (Maclean’s University Rankings).

Our largest-ever investment, the Advanced Medical Research Center (AMRC), is set to open by 2026. Located at our Faculty of Medicine and adjacent to affiliated hospitals, this 350,000-square-foot facility will house cutting-edge scientific platforms and research spaces, foster collaboration between leading scientists and clinicians, and host the Ottawa Health Innovation Hub, a key initiative in the National Capital Region’s biotechnology ecosystem that drives discovery toward company creation partnerships, and commercialization.

Additional investments in health research include flagship initiatives such as the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI), which aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of interconnected brain-heart-mind conditions through integrated cross-sectoral collaboration. In 2023, BHI was awarded $109 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). Ottawa is also home to the Brain and Mind Research Institute, the LIFE Research Institute, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and the Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is the host of BioCanRx, a pan-Canadian Network of Excellence, that has played a leading role in the discovery and development of innovative viral, vesicle, and cellular therapeutics, biomanufacturing, and clinical translation. This leadership in biological therapeutics and manufacturing, together with the Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (),has positioned 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� to lead a $115 million federal investment in the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H), which brings together research expertise from across Canada to translate biotherapeutic discoveries into clinical testing and commercialization. As part of this investment, $78 million was dedicated to establishing the Canadian Biomanufacturing Cooperative, significantly expanding the Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is a leader in knowledge translation and implementation science, with research centers including the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) , Ottawa Methods Centre, the , the , and the at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

We are seeking applications from world-class researchers to advance research into Enabling Better Lives: Transforming Health and Well-Being, including:

Cardiovascular, Brain and Mental Health, including expertise to study the connections between the brain, heart, and mind at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�: This includes basic biomedical research to understand mechanistically, early intervention strategies, multi-omics and precision medicine approaches, and community-based models of care.
Infectious disease, immune-pathologies and chronic inflammatory conditions: This includes mechanisms of infection, immune system dysregulation, pathways driving chronic inflammation, emerging pathogens, vaccine and antimicrobial therapeutics.
Cancer, pediatric cancer, and rare diseases: Driving advancements in basic mechanisms of disease, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
Healthy Aging: Enhancing the well-being and mental health of aging populations through interdisciplinary and innovative research.
Health System Transformation and Implementation Science: Offering evidence-based insights for healthcare transformation and promoting scalable research approaches, with a focus on social determinants of health and Indigenous representation.
Global Health Technology Policy: Innovating at the intersection of public health, technology and policy.

Next Generation Communication Technologies are driving digital transformation, enabling faster data transmission, reduced data loss and enhanced scalability. These innovations are essential for global connectivity and advancing 6G networking and beyond. At 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�, this field is supported by a dynamic research community that leverages expertise in quantum technologies, photonics, advanced microelectronics and hybrid semiconductor systems, including multiple CRC-funded programs and a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Attosecond X-ray Photonics.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�'s expertise in quantum research is exemplified by the establishment of the Nexus for Quantum Technologies (NEXQT) Institute, which builds on over two decades of leadership in materials science and photonics. The institute advances quantum sensing and imaging, materials and communication, nanofabrication and devices, and explores ethical and legal considerations in quantum technologies.

In microelectronics, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is driving global advancements, notably through the Center for Hybrid Interfaces and Intelligent Thin-Films. Research in this field supports smart sensors, electronic textiles, AI-driven industrial automation and quantum-enabling hardware, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, sustainability, food security, smart technology manufacturing and beyond.

The Kanata North Campus fosters collaboration between 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� and industry leaders in Canada’s largest technology park, supporting research, innovation and commercialization. The Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Centre exemplifies our commitment to technological progress. With over 60 partnerships in cybersecurity, AI, 5G and autonomous systems, the campus is a hub for industry-academic collaboration.

We are actively seeking applications from world-class researchers to advance research in Connected People: Next Generation Communication, including:

Mathematics of Quantum Technologies: Enabling secure communications and computational advancements.
Silicon and Hybrid Electronics – Heterogenous Integration and Thin-Film Technologies: Transforming microelectronics and organic semiconductor technologies.
Next Generation Communication Systems: Pioneering advanced optical and satellite communication technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping science, medicine, industry, and society at large. Foundational AI research not only advances technological innovation but also ensures responsible applications and real-world impact.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� boasts a dynamic and interdisciplinary AI research ecosystem, spanning multiple faculties and disciplines. Through programs like (IMA), a collaboration with MILA and the Vector Institute, we focus on mathematical AI research while also exploring its ethical and societal implications.

Our distinguished Canada Research Chairs drive AI advancements in reliability, safety, security and regulatory compliance. Our experts in AI law focus on mitigating societal risks, advising policymakers and shaping regulations that prioritize public welfare. These efforts ensure AI innovations align with societal needs and ethical standards. For example, the AI + Society Initiative explores the ethical, legal and societal implications of AI technologies. This transdisciplinary initiative ensures that AI developments benefit all parts of society. Additionally, the AI for Healthy Humans and Environments project, supported by the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, aims to shape policies in health, food and the environment by examining AI’s role in these areas.

In health sciences, interdisciplinary teams involved in the CFREF-funded Brain-Heart Interconnectome program utilize machine learning to investigate complexbiological systems. This initiative aims to uncover the connections between the brain and the heart, including mechanistic understanding, advancing medical diagnostics and treatment strategies.

Through these initiatives, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is advancing AI research with a strong commitment to ethical considerations and societal impact. 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is actively seeking world-class researchers to further explore From Code to Community: Advancing AI for humanity, including:

Mathematical Foundations of AI: Advancing AI research and applications, including the study of model collapse.
AI in Society: Investigating and addressing AI’s role in education, environmental management, law, democracy, governance, disinformation and public policy.
AI/Digital Law: Examining the ethical and legal implications of AI and other digital innovations.
Health AI: Innovating precision medicine and digital health solutions.

Building resilience and developing sustainable approaches in response to current environmental, geopolitical and other challenges are crucial for a prosperous and strong Canada and the world. At 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�, together with our “Gold" rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), which recognizes our integration of sustainability across campus life, we are leading interdisciplinary research to address urgent needs in sustainable development and challenges such as climate change, which have a direct impact on both Canadian and global citizens. 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� prioritizes sustainable solutions through effective legal frameworks and evidence-based policy making.

Building on our founding leadership on the Network of Centres of Excellence and , our Arctic Research Hub advances oceanography, biology and ecology research. Our effort in this area expands Arctic research beyond the natural sciences. At 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�, we lead in interdisciplinary inquiries into climate change, socio-economic development and governance while supporting Indigenous rights in research and data sovereignty.

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� hosts Canada Research Chairs and many cutting-edge programs in , , including how toxic chemicals affect healthy functioning of humans, wild-life and ecosystems and funding effective tools and programs for the management and promotion of environmental health.

In addition to developing sustainable approaches, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s research focuses on creating legal frameworks to support sustainable initiatives and applying evidence-based policies for the benefit of society. Researchers at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� have received several prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Innovation Award, in support of pioneering research in fields like Science and Society, Digital Humanities, Information Law and the Human and Policy Dimensions of Climate Change. 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is seeking applications from world-class researchers in this thematic area of Sustainability in Action: Climate and Societal Solutions, including:

Arctic and Northern Studies: Advancing solutions-oriented research that benefits Arctic communities and strengthens Canada’s leadership in Arctic research.
Environmental Health and Toxicology: Studying the impact of environmental toxins on human, animal and ecosystem health, including toxicology, environmental genomics, and the development of tools to inform policy and promote sustainable health outcomes.
Disaster Communication: Conducting critical studies on disaster communication and strategies for countering disinformation.
Law, Democracy and Climate Action: Strengthening governance and legal frameworks to address climate-related societal challenges in northern communities, environmental protection and climate change resilience.

Why 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�?

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is amongst Canada's top research-intensive institutions of higher learning. In 2023, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� ranked seventh in Canada for sponsored research income, securing nearly $495M and placed fourth in research intensity, with $376,000 per faculty member (). Renowned for pioneering discoveries across multiple disciplines, several of our research centres and institutes rank among the top 100 globally, including the top six in Canada. This success is reflected in our 94 Canada Research Chairs, one Canada Excellence Research Chair, and a research income that has nearly doubled over the past decade.

Located in Canada’s vibrant capital, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�, proud to be the world’s largest bilingual (English and French) university, is minutes away from federal and other government institutions, several national agencies, embassies, international organizations, and connected to the thriving high-tech sector. We are committed to advancing research locally, building partnerships across Canada and internationally, and fostering innovation and knowledge mobilization in areas of significant social and economic impact.

Cutting-edge research is a core aspiration of Transformation 2030, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�'s strategic plan. To fulfill these commitments, 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� is seeking the top-tier of world class scholars for the 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs competition. These positions will fit with 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s four : 1) Enabling lifelong health and wellness; 2) Shaping the digital world; 3) Advancing just societies; and 4) Creating a sustainable environment.

Application Deadline: July 6, 2025.