Canada's Best - Round 2 - May 1st to July 31st 2026
Up to four years of funding to accelerate discovery—and launch the next generation of research leaders.
At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC / The Institute) and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), we’re investing in exceptional young researchers from Canada and around the world—so they can take on ambitious questions, build independence, and drive research that improves patient care.
Made possible through philanthropic support
This initiative is supported through the generous partnership of the MUHC Foundation, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Cedars Cancer Foundation. Their commitment helps strengthen the next generation of research leaders in Canada.
The opportunity
Canada’s Best is a bold $20+ million investment in postdoctoral excellence—designed to attract exceptional postdoctoral fellows from Canada and around the world, including those returning to Canada. Through a combination of philanthropic foundation support (approximately $14M) and supervisor contributions (approximately $6M), the program is expected to support up to 100 outstanding postdoctoral fellows with up to four years of funding, strengthening our research ecosystem and building a sustainable pipeline of future research leaders.
Launched as part of The Institute's 2030 Vision, Canada's Best advances our commitment to precision health throughout the life course by accelerating work in precision medicine, digital health, and translational research—helping move discoveries from the lab to real-world impact in patient care.
Who is this fellowship for?
Canada’s Best is designed for high-performing, research-driven candidates in a competitive international pool who are applying for a new postdoctoral appointment at McGill University. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential and independence, and the strength of the proposed project.
Why this fellowship?
Longer support. Better science. Stronger careers.
Many fellowships only support two years. The Canada's Best program is built for research that needs time to mature—while helping fellows build a publication record, grow leadership skills, and prepare for the transition to a research career—in an environment that values inclusive excellence and recognizes diverse trajectories.
Fellows join the RI-MUHC / MUHC research ecosystem and McGill University community, with access to collaborative research networks and specialized platforms and facilities that support ambitious work.
What the fellowship includes
$70,000 CAD/year
Annual stipend support for the fellowship term.
$30,000 CAD
Dedicated funds over the full term for supplies, core facilities, conferences, and specialized training.
A longer runway to pursue ambitious research, publish, and build independence.
Professional development and mentorship opportunities delivered through the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) and partner training hubs
Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Canada’s Best is built on the belief that research excellence thrives when researchers can develop their full potential—regardless of gender, origin, disability, race, language, or lived experience. In alignment with The Institute’s 2030 Vision and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) priorities, EDI practices are integrated across three key areas of the fellowship experience to support fair access and strong outcomes.
Review processes incorporate equitable assessment practices, including training selection committees on unconscious bias and the fair evaluation of research quality.
Supervisors are expected to demonstrate awareness of the systemic barriers that equity-seeking groups face in their team and field and commit to inclusive, accessible, and discrimination-free environments, with tools and guidance available to support this work.
Fellows receive training and mentorship focused on inclusive leadership and on integrating EDI principles into research teams, methodologies, and networks, including access to mentors with lived experience navigating equity-related barriers in scientific environments.
Career and professional development
Being selected is more than being funded. Fellows join a supportive environment designed to accelerate independence and impact—through training, mentorship, and community-building opportunities, with a strong emphasis early in the fellowship.
Build and revisit an Individual Development Plan to clarify goals, track progress, and support confident career decisions.
Access to Institute-, MUHC-, and McGill-wide resources that support training, growth, and career readiness.
Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and collaborators across programs and disciplines.
Resources, training, and guidance that support respectful, accessible, and supportive research practices and environments.
Location
Online event:
Dates
Submission period:
May 1, 2026 - 12:00 AM EDT - July 31, 2026 - 11:59 PM EDT
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact ri_canadasbest@muhc.mcgill.ca
