Canada Impact+ Research Chairs 2026
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW), University of Toronto, is participating in the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, a one-time national initiative designed to attract world-leading researchers who will address critical national and global challenges through transformative research. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build exceptional research teams, and collaborate across sectors and borders.
The program seeks candidates with a recognized research trajectory and a strong record of research excellence and impact. Appointments will be at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with an anticipated start date between September 2026 and July 2027.
Priority areas include:
- Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, 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
- Defence and dual-use technologies
Application deadlines & details
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials through the University of Toronto’s online system by January 19, 2026, to participate in the first intake round. Applications for the second intake round will continue to be accepted after this date.
Submit your application package to U of T
Candidates who submit to U of T’s general application call with the intention of joining the FIFSW are encouraged to notify the Faculty Research Services Office (fifswresearchoffice@utoronto.ca).
Complete application packages will include:
- Candidate’s CV
- A cover letter expressing the candidate’s interest in joining the University of Toronto -particularly FIFSW – and outlining their current and proposed research, as well as any links to the University’s Institutional Strategic Research Plan and FIFSW Academic Plan 2025-2030
- A brief statement of the candidate’s teaching philosophy
To assist with the nominations, candidates should also describe the following in their cover letter:
- Research/academic merit and leadership skills
- Quality of your research program
- Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem
- Potential for knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results
- An indication of the specific priority area(s)/ stream(s) to which your research relates
Why choose the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work?
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto has firmly established itself as a national and global leader in social work education, research and practice innovation, ranking as the #1 school of social work in Canada and the #2 school of social work internationally by the Center for World University Rankings.
Our faculty researchers are internationally recognized as some of the most impactful in the discipline, and our strength in teaching is evidenced by our graduates, who occupy leadership positions in social work practice and serve as faculty members in universities around the world.