Canada Impact+ Research Chairs

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs

Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Description

Queen’s University welcomes applications from outstanding established scholars with a demonstrated record of or potential for knowledge translation and mobilization in targeted areas or research excellence.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition is a one-time initiative to support Canadian institutions in attracting world-leading researchers from abroad. The program aims to address pressing global and domestic challenges, strengthening Canada’s contribution to international research and innovation, and generating lasting social and economic benefits. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact.  

Impact+ Research Chairs are expected to build significant new partnerships and collaborations with both Canadian and international entities (industry, health systems, government and not-for-profit organizations). Queen’s encourages applications from individuals whose work advances knowledge translation and mobilization and whose careers may reflect diverse pathways, experiences, and perspectives. Where appropriate, Chairs are also expected to engage by and with Indigenous Peoples and communities in ways that respect Indigenous rights and knowledges.  

A core expectation is that Impact+ Chairs, and their research teams, will actively translate and mobilize research outcomes into practice, policy, and commercialization pathways that deliver measurable social and economic benefits for Canada and the world. Hence, the program requires that the scholarship can be translated and that it is mission driven.

The Impact+ Research Chairs program includes two maximum award values of $8 million over eight years ($1 million per year), and $4 million over eight years ($500,000 per year), to lead ambitious research programs in one of the following priority areas identified by the Government of Canada:

• advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and 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; and/or

• defence and dual-use technologies.

Impact+ Research Chair recruitment is a multi-stage process. Applicants first apply to a nomination posting at the institution. Selected nominees will then work in close partnership with Queen’s to apply to the 2026 Impact+ Research Chairs competition. Queen’s University will provide substantial institutional support throughout the co-preparation and co-development of the application and will ensure institutional alignment. Queen’s strives to recruit numerous Canada Impact+ Research Chairs.

To support the research programs of Impact+ Chairs, Queen’s will strategically leverage the broader Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative’s suite of funding opportunities. This includes the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund, to provide researchers with leading-edge research equipment and facilities, and the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders and Research Training Awards, to recruit scholars across career stages to address the same strategic priorities.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are embedded as foundational principles in Impact+ objectives, expected outcomes and reporting requirements of the competition. The three agencies expect that institutions and chairholders will demonstrate and implement the highest EDI standards for the duration of their award. Sound EDI principles must be applied to the research design, methods, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of research findings, where applicable, to ensure the results are impactful and relevant to the diversity of the Canadian population. Chairs and host institutions are expected to implement measures that specifically support a diverse cohort of early career researchers within the research programs of chairholders.  

Eligibility

A successful nominee will be an outstanding scholar with a world-class reputation and must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed1 at the rank of tenured Professor in accordance with institutional policies and Collective Agreement.  

In keeping with the eligibility requirements of Canada Impact+ Research Chair program, only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) are eligible to apply. Expatriate Canadian citizens wishing to relocate to Canada are encouraged to apply. Successful nominees will be expected to take up their appointment as Impact+ Research Chair at Queen’s University within 12 months of accepting the award.

Queen’s University is committed to excellence in research and research training for the benefit of Canadians and to achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise. The research community at Queen's recognizes that building a culture of diversity is a socially responsible approach that actively addresses systemic barriers and fosters inclusive participation across all dimensions of research and academic life.  

At Queen’s, we recognize that diversity advances research for the greater good by valuing multiple ways of knowing, lived experiences and perspectives. This inclusive approach enhances creativity, drives innovation and supports collaborations. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.  

1 Appointments are subject to review and final approval by the Provost. Academic staff at Queen’s University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA), which is posted at https://www.queensu.ca/facultyrelations/qufa/collective-agreements-lous-moas and at http://www.qufa.ca.  

To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and is safeguarded as necessary, the Government of Canada has introduced the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy) and the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP). Impact+ nominees are required to comply with the STRAC Policy and additionally the NSGRP when the research involves one or more partner organizations from the private sector. Candidates in strong consideration will be supported by Queen’s to determine whether any mitigation steps are necessary to ensure eligibility for the Impact+ Research Chair award and relevant funding programs.  

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit a complete application package consisting of the following materials:  

i) a cover letter indicating how your research relates to one or more of the priority areas of the competition and addressing the following selection criteria:  

o Research/academic merit and leadership skills

o Scope and quality of the research program  

o Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem  

o Evidence of, or potential for, knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results (include, where appropriate, existing or planned partnerships)

ii) a full curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, awards and grants received)

In addition, life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or COVID-19 impacts) are often an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a nominee’s record of research achievement. These impacts will be given careful consideration during the assessment process. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions that they wish the selection committee to consider when evaluating their record of achievement. Information shared for this purpose will be treated confidentially and used only to support an equitable and contextualized assessment of applications.

At a subsequent stage of the search process, Queen’s may request letters of recommendation from references and a statement of experience with, and commitment to, facilitation and promotion of Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility.  

To apply, please email your complete application package to: research@queensu.ca.  

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin on January 9, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.  

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Ms. Jennifer Miller in the VicePrincipal, Research Portfolio, at jennifer.miller@queensu.ca.

About Queen’s University

From Nobel Prize-winning research exploring the building blocks of the universe to cancer care and treatment to sustainable technologies, Queen’s University is tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges.  Queen’s researchers work across disciplines to advance knowledge, spark innovation, and create solutions that make a meaningful impact in Canada and around the world. Our research community is advancing knowledge on:

• The Earth’s systems, climate change, and the building blocks of the universe, integrating scientific discovery with Indigenous and diverse ways of knowing

• Discovery science, clinical care, and public health, with strengths in cancer therapy, cardiovascular and brain health, inflammation, infectious disease, and medical imaging

• Humanities, through culture, history, politics, and the arts, addressing inequality, colonialism, Indigenous rights, and the role of creativity in shaping inclusive societies

• Sustainable materials, energy solutions, biomedical applications, and technologies that strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life

• Supercomputing, AI, machine learning, robotics, and human–machine interaction while examining ethics, equity, and privacy in emerging technologies

• Green energy, resource solutions, governance, equity, and community resilience to support prosperous, sustainable futures

For a closer look at Queen’s top research strengths, read our Strategic Research Plan (2025-2030).

A member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities, Queen’s is home to a vibrant research community that includes 48 Canada Research Chairs, two Canada Excellence Research Chairs, and over 20 research institutes who work in partnership with communities, governments, and industry to advance research and innovation, making a measured impact on Canada and the world.  Queen’s is in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings. In 2025, for the fifth straight year, Queen’s ranked among the global top 10 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.  THE Impact Rankings, an international ranking of universities that are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals within and beyond their local communities. Queen's placed sixth worldwide and first in Canada out of over 2,300 universities in more than 120 countries.  

At Queen’s University, we are committed to advancing Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti Racism (IEDIAA) as core priorities that shape our workplace and research culture. We recognize that diversity drives innovation, strengthens collaboration, and helps remove barriers so that everyone can thrive. Our eight employee resource groups (ERGs) play a vital role in fostering belonging, amplifying diverse voices, and supporting employees across the university.  

Faculty and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package that includes prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, long term disability insurance, life insurance, and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Employees also participate in a pension plan, and tuition assistance is available for qualifying employees, their spouses, and dependent children. Queen’s values families and provides a “top up” to government parental leave benefits for eligible employees on maternity/parental leave, as well as partial reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses. Full details are outlined in the Queen’s–QUFA Collective Agreement, and more information on employee benefits can be found through Queen’s Human Resources.  

The City

The University is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Huron-Wendat in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Queen’s is an integral part of the Kingston community, with the campus nestled in the core of the city, only a 10-minute walk to downtown. Kingston’s residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural and creative opportunities, with access to many natural areas and proximity to vibrant First Nations Communities including Tyendinaga, Alderville, Pikwakanagan, and Akwesasne. Kingston is a unique Canadian city of 125,000 with a distinct blend of history, recreation, industry, and learning. Kingston offers unique waterfront living with many recreational opportunities. It is within a two-and-a-halfhour drive (approximately two-hour train ride) to the commercial, industrial and political hubs of Toronto, Montreal, and the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and a thirty-minute drive from the international bridge linking Ontario and upstate New York. The city is also the origin of the historic Rideau Canal system – a UNESCO International Heritage site, and is close to Frontenac Provincial Park, the Thousand Islands National Park, and the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Queen’s University Biological Station, north of the city, encompasses 34 km2 of diverse lands, affording premier learning and research opportunities. Visit Inclusive Queen’s for information on equity, diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives.

Note this posting may be used to identify nominees for the Canada Excellence Research Chair program, the Canada Research Chair program, the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program, or named chairs of similar value.