Canada announces the recruitment of 64 new international researchers, mainly from the US

Canada has brought in 64 professors to lead scientific research at universities across the country, a majority of whom are from the US, providing them with millions of dollars through a new research fund.

Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced on 27/08/2026 that the government was giving $541 million (€336.12m) in research funding to new research leaders recruited into Canadian institutions.

The Canadian government added that $504m will go to those first 64 professors and the remaining $37m will support universities in recruiting 63 new "emerging leaders" over the next year.

These funds are from Ottawa's $1.7 billion (€1.06bn) Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. Launched in December 2025, it comprises a suite of programmes to attract 1,000 leading international researchers to Canada, especially francophones.

Joly said the government's investments are meant to attract the "world's best and the brightest researchers" to Canada.

"While certain countries are cutting research and turning their back on academic freedom, we're doubling down on science and research,…