91��ɫ is poised to welcome 11 doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers through the first wave of the federal Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA) initiative, reflecting the University’s strong research excellence and ability to attract top international research talent. In total the CIRTA are worth $1.4 million in funding – $40,000 per year for three years for seven doctoral students and $70,000 for two years for four postdoctoral researchers at 91��ɫ – to address critical national and global challenges in some of Canada’s priority areas. Altogether, the CIRTA will go towards funding 600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers at universities across Canada.

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This new suite consolidates and streamlines funding opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers across disciplines. While full details will be released in the coming months, the agencies have now published the updated program descriptions for:

• (CGRS M)
• (CGRS D)
• (CPRA)

Ten programs will sunset, and funds will be reprofiled to CRTAS:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral / CIHR Doctoral Foreign Study Award / NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships / SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships / Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• CIHR Fellowship / NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships / SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships

The new harmonized programs within CRTAS are:

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M)
• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D)
• Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA)

For the upcoming 2025/2026 competition cycle:

• minimal changes to processes of past programs for seamless transition
• open for applications in summer 2025
• deadlines varying by agency and program
• applicants will continue using the funding agencies’ current online systems

Students and faculty are strongly encouraged to review the updated program descriptions now to begin preparing for the upcoming competitions. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) will share further updates on the official competition launches, institutional deadlines, and details about upcoming workshops and scholarship programming to support students applying to these awards later in Summer 2025.

New Award Programs at a Glance

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M)

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D)

Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA)

Additional Key Points

• The Black Scholars initiative will be eligible under the new CGRS M, CGRS D, CPRA as well as continue for the USRA funding opportunity.
• The Canada Graduate Scholarships Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (CGS MSFSS) will be launched one last time during the 2025-26 competition cycle. The program will be rebranded and redesigned as a supplement for the CRTAS.
• In anticipation of the launch of the Tri-agency grants management solution (TGMS), the application materials for the new CRTAS program may be adjusted, but the overall submission process and key deadlines for the 2025/2026 competition cycle will generally remain consistent with those of previous years.

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Postdoctoral researchers at 91��ɫ may be eligible to apply for research grants, as permitted by the funding agency. Both categories of postdoctoral researchers (PDVs and PDFs) are potentially eligible. The supervisor must agree to hold the cost centre at 91��ɫ in their name and must be supportive.

Why Seek Out Grant Opportunities

For some postdocs at 91��ɫ, applying for grants as a Principal Investigator (PI) may be an important part of their professional development during their fellowship. Grants assist early career researchers to acquire further research experience in that they facilitate leadership, dissemination activities, and networking opportunities.

For other postdocs at 91��ɫ who may collectively contribute to a grant application led by their supervisor (who will be the PI on the grant), such an experience contributes to early career researchers’ insights towards applying for funding opportunities, formulating research plans, and effective collaboration. In such cases, your PI will work directly with their anchor Faculty’s research office on the submission.

Common Qualities of Successful Applications

The components of grant applications will differ widely based on the specific opportunity, so it is recommended that applicants consult the award criteria early in the process. Some common qualities of successful applications include:

• Clear and concise writing that clearly states the significance of the proposed research.
• Recognize that reviewers may not be experts in the applicant’s specific field, so discipline-specific terminology and concepts should be explained.
• Each section responds to the required content and to the evaluation criteria.
• The appropriateness of the research methodology is evident and grounded in leading edge research in the field.
• The project is feasible (including timelines, project budget and the appropriateness to the postdoc’s career stage).

Approval Requirements

In line with the general requirements outlined at Postdoctoral Researchers Applying for External Funding to be Held at 91��ɫ, please note that grant applications require approval from the Office of Research Services (ORS) prior to submission to the funder/agency. This is a two-step process that requires approval first within FGS and then by ORS. Applications generally need to be submitted to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator at least 10 business days before the agency deadline in order to meet the minimum requirements for deadlines for submission to ORS in order to obtain a signature based on the type of application outlined in the (.pdf).

Additional details on ORS approval for grant applications:

• An (.pdf) must be filled in and signed by the postdoctoral researcher on page 2 as the applicant. No department chair’s signature is required. The Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator will facilitate the Dean’s signature.
• Many funding applications from postdoctoral researchers do not include institutional commitments from 91��ɫ. If the application includes institutional commitments (cash or in-kind resources committed by a unit at 91��ɫ above and beyond the regular operating infrastructure available to you as a postdoc), the commitments must be confirmed in writing (on the ORS Checklist or by e-mail) by the source (i.e., the supervisor’s Dean’s Office, Research Centre or Institute Director). Questions about institutional commitments should be directed to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.
• The proposed supervisor must provide an emailed confirmation to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator that they agree to hold the cost centre (the account at 91��ɫ with the funding) in their name should the application be successful.
  • The email confirmation should also include a statement that they support the application and will provide the applicant with the necessary supports to carry out the proposed research.

• A complete copy of the application, together with a completed and fully signed ORS Checklist, must be submitted to the ORS by e-mail to researchapps@yorku.ca for review and institutional approval by the deadline set by ORS (typically 48 hours before the competition deadline).

If your application is successful, you must maintain an eligible postdoc or other appointment at 91��ɫ to continue holding a research grant. If you are moving to another eligible institution, a transfer of your grant to your new institution will be required. If you are not moving to another eligible institution, your grant will be terminated and any remaining funds returned to the funding agency.

Grant Opportunities

All postdocs at 91��ɫ receive FGSnews, a monthly e-newsletter that distributes information about funding, events, and opportunities of interest to the postdoctoral community. Upcoming external grant opportunities are regularly featured here for postdocs to consider applying to. Postdoctoral researchers should review the grant information to confirm eligibility to apply as a postdoc. Reach out to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator with questions or to discuss potential opportunities.

While not an exclusive list, the following grant programs are common for postdocs at 91��ɫ to regularly apply to.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant

Description: Insight Development Grants support research in its initial stages. The grants enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and/or ideas. Funding is provided for short-term research development projects of up to two years that are proposed by individuals or teams.
Deadline: February 2
Results announced: June
Duration: 1 to 2 years
Value: $7,000 - $75,000

Complete details accessible at the page on the SSHRC website.

Support: Review and feedback on application materials available from FGS’ Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator when submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Engage Grant

Description: These grants provide short-term and timely support for partnered research activities that will inform decision-making at a single partner organization from the public, private or not-for-profit sector. The small-scale, stakeholder-driven partnerships supported through Partnership Engage Grants are meant to respond to immediate needs and time constraints facing organizations in non-academic sectors. In addressing an organization-specific need, challenge and/or opportunity, these partnerships let non-academic organizations and postsecondary researchers access each other’s unique knowledge, expertise and capabilities on topics of mutual interest.
Deadline: June 15, September 15, December 15, March 15
Results announced: At the end of each funding cycle (August, November, February and May)
Duration: 1 year
Value: $7,000 - $25,000

Complete details accessible at the page on the SSHRC website.

Support: Review and feedback on application materials available from FGS’ Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator when submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Connection Grant

Description: These grants support events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted  initiatives. These events and activities represent opportunities to exchange knowledge and engage with participants on research issues they value. 
Deadline: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1
Results announced: At the end of each funding cycle (January, March, June, September)
Duration: 1 year
Value: Events $7,000 - $25,000; Outreach activities $7,000 - $50,000; higher amounts can be considered if well justified

Complete details accessible at the page on the SSHRC website.

Support: Review and feedback on application materials available from FGS’ Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator when submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Planning and Dissemination Grants

Description: The Planning and Dissemination Grants are intended to provide support for planning and/or dissemination activities (either virtual or in-person) consistent with the mandate of and relevant to CIHR Institutes and Initiatives.
Deadline: Winter and Summer
Results announced: Spring and Fall
Value: The maximum amount per grant varies by the sponsoring Institute and Initiative but will not exceed $75,000.

Please consult regularly for the competition dates and details regarding this program.

Support: Review and feedback on application materials available from FGS’ Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator when submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Additional Resources

• Grants & Applications
• Knowledge Mobilization Grant Support
• Guide for Supervisors Supporting Applications for Externally-funded Postdoctoral Fellowships (for shared insights to develop a funding application)

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Graduate Student Wellness Services welcomed their first clinical practicum student. The addition to the Wellness Consultation & Counselling team during the 2021-22 academic year provides greater access to grad-specific counselling at 91��ɫ. This initiative promotes good health and well-being (SDG #3) through the easily accessible wellness consultations, which can provide a starting point for students seeking to enhance their personal mental health.

Meta endowed a prestigious $250k fellowship. This endowment establishes the first-ever corporate-sponsored graduate fund for sustaining vision research at 91��ɫ, which the University has dedicated to its Centre for Vision Research. SDG #9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) emphasizes how important it is to promote innovation in order to enable positive change and foster a successful community. 91��ɫ has been producing cutting-edge work in vision research for decades and now has further support to continue this globally impactful work.

Four outstanding scholars were named recipients of the 2022 Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Scholars. Sylvester Aboagye, Landing Badji, Leora Gansworth and Graeme Reed are this year’s recipients of the fellowship. This important initiative sets individuals up for a successful career by providing four scholars annually with a salary of $70,000 per year for a two-year term and supporting their research and collaboration endevours.

FGS partnered with the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) and the Indigenous Council to build an Indigenous Queue in Grad Adjudication. This new feature enables the review and contextualization of Indigenous applications by Indigenous Faculty members and responds to the Indigenous Framework's call to increase the recruitment and admission of Indigenous applicants. This initiative acts as a key opportunity area for 91��ɫ to facilitate greater access to higher education and is reflective of SDG #10 (Reduced Inequality). 91��ɫ aims to promote an inclusive research culture by creating policies and initiatives that encourage equality and hopes that other institutions follow suit.

The number of Indigenous Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Awards increased annually for Indigenous graduate scholars. The additional resource will enable Indigenous researchers to access much needed funding, promote culturally responsive research and engage in collaborative initiatives.

Academic integrity training becomes mandatory for incoming Graduate students. FGS’ commitment to academic honesty is at the forefront of this initiative. By establishing a mandatory academic integrity training requirement for incoming graduate students effective 2023, 91��ɫ is committed to academic honesty.

FGS standardized program-level guidelines for Graduate Milestone Examinations. To enhance the graduate student experience and support timely completion of studies, FGS supported the creation of Standardized program-level guidelines for Graduate Milestone Examinations such as the comprehensive examinations and research evaluations.

Postdoctoral researchers now have access to the Individualized Development Plan (IDP). The IDP is employed to structure conversations with one’s supervisor concerning professional skills development and to provide a framework for navigating various opportunities at the institution. This resource acts as a valuable tool for postdocs that can enable them to build a successful career.

FGS partnered with UIT to build an online portal for graduate petitions. Digitizing the petition process eliminates a paper based and manual process, allowing submission tracking and online access for ease of file review. This initiative is a key opportunity to support the graduate student experience and improves the quality and efficiency of services. Introducing online platforms into the community and eliminating paper use also promotes sustainable lifestyles, which is an important part of SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Future students can find out more about 91��ɫ and everything the university is undertaking for the success of the community through the newly Launched Choose Grad 91��ɫ initiative– the first ever graduate conversion event. These events include: 1) a breakdown of the different parts of an offer of admission, which may include different types of funding; 2) a networking opportunity with alumni who have translated their studies into successful careers; 3) a chance to compare admissions offers and learn how to navigate the degree once the applicants have accepted their offer from 91��ɫ.

91��ɫ’s SDG Challenge is ongoing, and the new year will welcome a number of other important initiatives, inspiring members of the 91��ɫ community to act as agents of positive change.

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FGSnews

We recognize and understand that you receive a substantial amount of emails from various parties. Our goal is to be a leader in email communications on campus and to ensure that all mass emails from FGS are of high quality and respectful in quantity. To that end, we have developed FGSnews—a monthly e-newsletter that is modern, student-centric and conveys important information tailored to the needs of our community.

FGSnews will be released on the last Thursday of each month—12 editions annually—to help keep you informed while significantly limiting the amount of direct emails you receive.

Direct Emails

Throughout the year, you will periodically receive mass emails directly from FGS. These will address key items pertaining to your graduate experience i.e. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) application information, registration and enrollment details, tuition updates, etc. Such emails will be limited in quantity.

How to Unsubscribe

Due to your relationship with 91��ɫ, you are automatically enrolled in receiving emails from FGS. You will not be sent any content that is commercial in nature, and all emails from FGS will be in accordance with 91��ɫ's core educational mission.

If you would like to opt-out of receiving FGS emails,  please email fgsinfo@yorku.ca with your 91��ɫ student number, stating that you wish to opt-out. Please note that if you send such an opt-out email, you will not receive emails from FGS: you may not receive important information related to such processes as registration, enrolment, tuition and funding, including relevant deadlines. 91��ɫ cannot be held responsible for your failure to adhere to such important processes and deadlines if you choose to opt-out of email communication.

You can continue to stay informed by visiting the FGS homepage at yorku.ca/gradstudies or connecting with us on , ,  and .

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Postdoctoral Fellows at 91��ɫ benefit from the mentorship of their faculty supervisor(s) and from others in their departments and in other research units. Postdoctoral Fellows are also encouraged to connect with research centres and institutes focusing on research related to their research areas.

• Connecting with these units can provide valuable opportunities to network, participate in research events and possibly become an official affiliate.
• A list of  at 91��ɫ can be found on the website for the Vice-President of Research & Innovation.
• If you have questions and/or concerns about supervision and mentorship, it can be useful to connect with the national group .

Workshops and Events

In addition to the mentorship of supervisors and other faculty members, 91��ɫ offers professional development opportunities and events to Postdoctoral Fellows that enrich professional development and allow opportunities for community building and networking across the postdoctoral community at 91��ɫ.

• The Faculty of Graduate Studies' Individualized Development Plan (IDP) is a tool to assist postdoctoral researchers in identifying and developing their goals during their fellowship. It is designed to provide a framework for encouraging active participation among postdocs in professional skills training and career management over the course of their postdoctoral position.
• The Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Skills program offers graduate students and postdoctoral fellows skills development workshops and sessions designed based on input and feedback from the communities they serve. Please consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Skills website on a regular basis for workshops/sessions applicable to you.
• Professional development events and opportunities will also be listed in the monthly Postdoctoral Fellows edition of the FGSnews newsletter, which distributes information about funding, events, and opportunities of interest to our postdoctoral community. (If you do not receive this newsletter and would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.
• Postdoctoral Fellows are also encouraged to regularly check the Mitacs Training website for information about upcoming . The program offers free workshops taught by professionals which are structured around cultivating and improving important professional skills.
• Resources and workshops related to teaching are listed on the website of .
• 91��ɫ Libraries (YUL) hosts the Learning Commons, which offers regular academic support .
• �ճ����Career Centre���Ǵڴڱ������ related to job search and professional development.

Research Proposals and Applications

Postdoctoral Fellows are frequently involved in the preparation of proposals for research grants and in other forms of acquiring research support. The degree of involvement by the Postdoctoral Fellow in these processes, and the level of supervision offered by the supervising faculty member, varies widely. Beyond the support offered by the supervising faculty member and the academic unit, additional support and information about available research funding are available from the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator and from the website of the Office of Research Services.

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The Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts an annual welcome and networking event for all postdoctoral researchers. This event celebrates the important contributions postdocs make to 91��ɫ and beyond, provides an opportunity for professional development specifically for postdocs, and allows invaluable opportunities for networking.

For questions about the event or general questions about postdoctoral affairs and resources on campus, please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.

The office of  at 91��ɫ can assist with orientation to Toronto and to life on 91��ɫ’s campus for those coming from abroad.

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