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Become a Canada Excellence Research Chair

A professor sitting in her lab

Your vision. Our support. Global impact.

Are you a research leader with a future-focused research program and the ambition to transform it into a world-leading centre of excellence?Ìý Then you’re ready for a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) at ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´.

We invite your expression of interest to the 2026 CERC program — one of Canada’s most prestigious research appointments.

Researchers in a Lab

The CERC opportunity

As a Canada Excellence Research Chair, your program receives $8 million or $4 million over eight years, along with dedicated institutional support to pursue additional funding, grow your team, and develop global partnerships.

The CERC program offers you a rare opportunity to pursue ambitious research on a global stage. It’s more than a position — it’s a platform to lead, innovate, and shape the future in a country that values and is known for research and innovation excellence.

A lecturer

Let’s build the future together

×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ takes an open approach to CERC recruitment. We invite exceptional researchers from around the world to bring forward bold ideas that align with the Government of Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation priorities and our Strategic Research Clusters. If selected to move forward, we will work closely with you to build a strong nomination for a CERC at ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ that empowers you to fully embrace your research goals.

Whether you’re driving clean tech solutions, advancing health and longevity, accelerating AI, propelling precision agriculture, improving civil society or taking ocean science to new depths, we have a home for you. Bring us your big questions — we’ll help you transform them into world-changing research.

Multi-culture

Why ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´?

Atlantic Canada’s research leader

×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is the only East Coast member of Canada’s U15 — the country’s group of research-intensive universities. With more than $250 million in annual research funding and an extensive network of research institutes and centres, we’re Atlantic Canada’s engine of discovery and innovation

At ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, you’ll be part of a highly collaborative research community with access to world-class infrastructure — including Canada’s largest university aquatic research facility and cutting-edge platforms for advanced materials and life sciences. You’ll also connect with a fast-growing network of hubs driving discovery and industry partnership in areas like battery innovation, semiconductors, vaccine development, cancer treatment, AI, additive manufacturing, marine carbon removal, and more.

Empowered to innovate

×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ leads Canadian universities with its extensive ecosystem of support for research commercialization. From idea to impact, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you're developing and protecting IP, launching a startup, partnering with industry, or advancing social innovation.

Learn more

A home in Halifax

With its stunning coastal setting and vibrant East Coast culture, Halifax offers an outstanding quality of life — from hiking ocean trails to enjoying world-class cuisine. As Atlantic Canada’s economic and innovation hub, Halifax is community-driven with strong connections across Canada and around the world. The city and province’s fast-growing tech sector and culture of collaboration across government, industry, and academia make it an ideal place to translate research into real-world impact and forge meaningful partnerships locally and globally.

How to apply

×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is actively seeking potential CERC candidates and the call for applications is now open. To be considered for nomination:

  2. Submit your materials by June 30, 2025
  3. Shortlisted candidates will work with ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ to develop a full nomination to the national CERC program.

Ready to lead breakthrough research in Canada?

Have a question?

Contact: CERC@dal.ca

Previous CERC competitions in and .

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