Deadline: November 15, 2025
The CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026 are designed to spark innovation, encourage collaboration, and drive impactful research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the social sciences and humanities (SSH). These prestigious grants provide researchers in Canada with the resources needed to explore the social, ethical, and governance dimensions of AI safety and development.
This initiative supports projects that bridge technical AI research with disciplines such as sociology, law, history, philosophy, political science, and media studies—helping to shape a responsible AI future for society.
Funding Details
Successful applicants to the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants will receive up to CAD 70,000 per year for a period of up to two years. The funding aims to catalyse new interdisciplinary research areas and collaborations that bring together SSH scholars and technical AI experts.
Purpose of the Grant
The CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026 programme seeks to:
- Support cutting-edge interdisciplinary projects that address societal, ethical, and governance implications of AI.
- Encourage collaboration between social scientists, humanists, and AI researchers.
- Foster new research areas that deepen understanding of AI’s role in shaping human experiences, institutions, and communities.
- Strengthen Canada’s leadership in responsible and inclusive AI innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026:
- Each project must have one or two Principal Investigators (PIs).
- The primary PI must have expertise in a social science or humanities discipline such as sociology, political science, history, philosophy, law, or media studies.
- All PIs must hold a faculty affiliation at a Canadian university.
- The proposal should demonstrate strong interdisciplinary collaboration, ideally involving both SSH and technical AI researchers.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following key factors:
- Originality and Significance (25%) – The novelty and importance of the research question or approach.
- Potential Societal Impact (35%) – The extent to which the project can inform policy, ethics, or social outcomes related to AI.
- Research Excellence (15%) – The academic and research strengths of the applicants.
- Feasibility (15%) – A clear and achievable plan, including realistic timelines and resource allocation.
- Multidisciplinarity (10%) – The integration of SSH and technical disciplines to create a holistic research perspective.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026 is November 15, 2025. Early preparation is strongly recommended to ensure a well-developed proposal and supporting documentation.
Why Apply for the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026?
Participating in this programme provides researchers with an opportunity to contribute to Canada’s AI innovation ecosystem, while also tackling pressing questions about how artificial intelligence interacts with society. Beyond funding, grantees gain access to CIFAR’s global research community and opportunities for collaboration across multiple institutions and disciplines.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their proposals directly through the CIFAR online portal. All applications should include a detailed research plan, budget, and evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration.
👉 Read More about the Programme
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