CIFAR Horizon Networks 2026: Funding for Early-Career Researchers in Child Development

Early- and mid-career researchers now have a chance to lead global teams tackling big issues in childhood development and education. The CIFAR Horizon Networks 2026 program opens doors for building new research communities. This funding opportunity from the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research supports fresh ideas on topics like technology in early childhood and teen identity.

About CIFAR

CIFAR, or the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, connects top researchers worldwide. Based in Canada, it gets support from governments in Canada, Alberta, and Québec, plus foundations and companies. CIFAR focuses on teaming up experts from different fields to solve tough global problems. It creates spaces for bold ideas that might not happen in standard university settings.

What Horizon Networks Do

Horizon Networks bring together early- to mid-career researchers from around the world. They build new groups that mix disciplines and explore fresh research areas. The goal is to boost teamwork across borders, grow future leaders, and spark new ways of thinking. Each network runs for three years with CIFAR’s help.

Support and Funding Provided

Teams picked for CIFAR Horizon Networks 2026 get strong backing over three years. This includes two in-person meetings a year, with CIFAR handling all travel and planning. Funding goes to the team for joint projects, and leaders decide how to split it. Everyone joins yearly training to build skills in leading, working together, and making research count. Members also connect with global networks for better careers.

Who Can Apply

Networks need co-leaders who finished CIFAR’s early-career programs. Teams can add up to eight more early- to mid-career faculty from varied schools and fields. Even people new to CIFAR can join. Leaders should pick members from many places to mix ideas.

Thematic Streams for 2026

Proposals fit one of three areas:

Stream 1: Belonging with Nature, Technology, and People in Early Childhood

Backed by the Bezos Family Foundation, this looks at how kids’ ties to nature, tech, and others affect growth and sense of place in early years.

Stream 2: Adolescence – Belonging, Identity, and Civic Engagement

Also from the Bezos Family Foundation, it studies teen sense of self, community roles, and fitting in during fast-changing times.

Stream 3: Education and Learning Variability Ages 2-12

Supported by Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellows, co-leads must be current or past fellows. It examines differences in learning for kids 2 to 12.

Review Process

CIFAR checks if applications meet rules first. Then, applicants review others’ proposals in a team effort. Scores come from a clear guide on key standards. Final choices happen with partners in summer 2026.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 6 May 2026
• Deadline: 17 June 2026 at 12 PM ET
• Peer review due: 15 July 2026
• Decisions: Summer 2026

Start teams and ideas soon.

Why Join

This program lets rising researchers lead worldwide efforts, shape new fields, and gain skills. It builds lasting groups for ongoing work. Participants get funding, visibility, and links to big research circles. Good for those in childhood, education, tech, identity, or civic topics. Strong applications show fresh mixes of fields, clear plans, leader skills, big visions, and real-world help.

Frequently Asked Questions