Montréal, Canada, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 - Polytechnique Montréal invites world-leading researchers to apply for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, a national initiative designed to support ambitious, high-impact research projects in the following eight fields identified as strategic priorities for the country:

• Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and cybersecurity)
• Health (including biotechnology)
• Clean technologies 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 

Successful Canada Impact+ Research Chairholders will receive long-term funding and strong institutional support to advance transformative research programs in Canada’s priority domains, build and sustain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and from around the world.

Selected candidates will be invited to submit a grant application for funding of up to CAD $1 million per year for eight years, with the possibility of a four-year extension at 50% of the initial annual grant value. 

A pivotal research chairs program 

Established by the Government of Canada, the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program aims to help universities attract outstanding scientists whose work addresses major national and global challenges. Through this call, Polytechnique Montréal seeks to recruit world-renowned scientists whose expertise aligns with its critical innovation initiatives. The competition is open exclusively to scientists currently working and residing outside Canada (including Canadians currently abroad). Applications submitted under this program may also be considered for other chair positions (e.g., Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs) or for the recruitment of Impact+ Canada Emerging Leaders.

At the heart of Montreal’s research ecosystem

Montréal is home to one of the most dynamic academic and scientific ecosystems in the world. A truly international city, distinguished by its bilingual character (French and English), Montréal benefits from an exceptional concentration of universities, research centres and innovation institutes of global standing, spanning all major scientific and technological fields.

Recognized as a leading North American hub in artificial intelligence, engineering, clean technologies and health sciences, Montréal offers a unique environment that fosters inter-university collaboration, strong industry partnerships and the rapid translation of research into real-world applications.

Combining an outstanding quality of life, affordable cost of living, a vibrant cultural scene and a strong commitment to sustainable development, the city of Montréal offers researchers and their families an inclusive, stimulating and supportive environment conducive to long-term academic excellence.

Located on the slopes of Mount Royal, in the heart of the city, Polytechnique Montréal stands out for its multidisciplinary research, its strong international partnerships and its close ties with industry and society, offering an exceptional setting for technological innovation and high-level training. It draws in particular on the newly established Lassonde Deeptech Institute, the first deep-tech institute in Canada, which is poised to become a major catalyst for innovation in research areas of strategic importance to the nation.

With more than 150 years of history, Polytechnique Montréal now welcomes over 10,000 students and relies on the expertise of nearly 1,600 staff members, including more than 300 professors. Certified Gold by STARS for sustainability and holding the Parity Certification from Women in Governance, the institution values diversity and provides an inclusive and flexible working environment.

To learn more about this offer and apply, use this link. Interested candidates have until January 28, 2026, to submit their application.

For more information and questions, please contact the Office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation: chaire-impact-canada@polymtl.ca

Learn more 

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program
Polytechnique Montréal’s research spheres of excellence
Lassonde Deeptech Institute