Canada-Impact-Plus - Research - Western University

Introduction Research Alignment Candidates About Western University How to Apply

Introduction

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is a one-time tri-agency initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada's strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel. The awards provide an opportunity for international researchers, including Canadian expatriates wishing to return to Canada, to lead a prestigious research program at Western University and to contribute to Canada's excellence in research and innovation.

The nomination is a two-stage process where applicants first apply to this job posting. Successful applicants identified at this stage will then work with our institution to submit a nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition. The university will support successful nominees throughout the development of their applications. Following a highly competitive selection process, the program awards successful applicants and their teams either $8 million or $4 million over eight years to establish ambitious research programs at the nominating university, with a potential for a four-year extension at 50 per cent of the initial per annum award value. There are two award values to recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and strives to be inclusive of all areas of research.

Research Alignment

Western anticipates nominating up to twelve candidates for Impact+ Research Chair positions, based on award value. Applications from outstanding established scholars are welcomed in the following eight strategic priority areas:

1. Advanced Digital Technologies (including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum and Cybersecurity)

Western has established strengths in artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital systems engineering. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Advanced Digital Technologies will build upon Western's expertise in AI-driven solutions across domains and application areas. Leveraging the AI@Western initiative and the Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence recognized by the Vector Institute, the successful candidate will lead innovative research in areas such as secure and resilient digital infrastructure, next-generation AI systems, quantum computing applications or cybersecurity frameworks. This research may include developing privacy-preserving AI, intelligent systems for critical infrastructure or novel approaches to quantum-resistant security. The Chair will foster interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, science, health sciences and the social sciences to develop transformative digital technologies that address pressing societal challenges while positioning Western as a global leader in responsible and impactful digital innovation.

2. Health, including Biotechnology

Western is internationally recognized for its excellence in health research, with established strengths in neuroscience, infectious disease, musculoskeletal research, cardiovascular research, cancer, audiology and speech, rehabilitation and mobility and imaging as well as emerging programs in biotherapeutics and clinical trials. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Health and Biotechnology will build upon these research strengths in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the School of Biomedical Engineering and embedded research institutes (e.g. Institute for Neuroscience, Bone and Joint Institute) and affiliated hospital research institutes. The successful candidate will lead innovative research that advances understanding of human health and disease, develops novel diagnostics or therapeutics or creates transformative biotechnologies with potential for clinical translation and commercialization. This position will foster interdisciplinary collaborations to develop breakthrough innovations in areas such as precision medicine, regenerative therapies, health systems and policy, medical devices or biomanufacturing, ultimately improving health outcomes and positioning Western as a global leader in health innovation. Western ranks second in Canada and 15^th in the world for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

3. Clean Technology and Resource Value Chains

Western is committed to pioneering research in clean technology, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable materials and environmental sciences. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Clean Technology and Resource Value Chains will leverage Western's expertise in battery innovation, biofuels and sustainable energy systems. Building on strengths in the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) and the Advanced Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Group, the successful candidate will lead transformative research in areas such as next-generation energy storage, sustainable resource extraction and processing, supply chains, carbon capture and utilization, nuclear energy or circular economy approaches. The Chair will advance technologies that support Canada's transition to a sustainable energy future while creating economic opportunities through commercialization and industry partnerships. Western ranks third in Canada for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

4. Environment, Climate Resilience and the Arctic

Western has recognized strengths in climate science, remote sensing, environmental research, and severe weather hazards. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Environment, Climate Resilience and the Arctic will build upon Western's expertise in the Wind Engineering, Energy and Environment (WindEEE) Research Institute, the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, the Biotron and the Centre for Climate Change, Sustainable Livelihoods and Health. The successful candidate will lead innovative research addressing climate adaptation and mitigation, Arctic environmental change, ecosystem resilience or climate risk assessment. This position will foster interdisciplinary collaborations across geography and environment, engineering, science and the social sciences to develop solutions that enhance community resilience to climate-related hazards while contributing to Canada's environmental leadership. Western's leadership in environmental sustainability is reflected in its top one per cent global ranking in the QS Sustainability Rankings and 30^th worldwide for environmental impact.

5. Food and Water Security

Western has strengths in sustainable agriculture, water quality research and food systems. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Food and Water Security will build upon the expertise of researchers in the Western Water Centre, Environmental Sciences Western Field Station, the Biotron, Department of Geography and Environment and the Centre for Building Sustainable Value. The successful candidate will lead transformative research in areas such as sustainable aquaculture, regenerative agriculture, water resource management or innovative food production systems. The Chair will address critical challenges in ensuring food and water access in a changing climate while developing technologies and practices that can be translated to benefit communities, including rural and Indigenous communities, in Canada and globally. Western ranks third in Canada and 13^th globally for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

6. Democratic and Community Resilience

Around the world we are witnessing significant polarization along partisan lines, migration status and socioeconomic strata. Hyper-polarization can increase perceptions of stagnation and inability to get ahead, limit one’s sense of belonging and threaten democracy. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Democratic and Community Resilience will focus on understanding the root causes that give rise to hyperpolarization along various social dimensions and advance our understanding of policies that can be implemented to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive society. The successful candidate will lead transformative research in areas such as social determinants of health, migration, economic inequality, social demography, political behavior and social psychology. The candidate will be expected to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across various fields in the social sciences and other interrelated disciplines as well as engage in significant knowledge mobilization efforts, including effecting positive policy shifts that increase community resilience and safeguard democracy. Western ranks second in Canada and third in the world for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

7. Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

Western has a global reputation for excellence in advanced manufacturing and materials science. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Manufacturing and Advanced Materials will build upon Western's strengths in Surface Science Western, the Western Advanced Materials Foundry, the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Composites Research and Advanced Manufacturing. The successful candidate will lead innovative research in areas such as lightweight composite materials, advanced nanomaterials, smart manufacturing systems or novel materials for sustainable applications. Leveraging Western's world-class infrastructure for materials characterization and industrial-scale manufacturing, the Chair will drive breakthrough advancements in manufacturing processes and materials development, supporting Canada's competitiveness in automotive, aerospace, defence and green energy sectors.

8. Defence and Dual-Use Technologies

Western has established capabilities in dual-use technologies with applications in both civilian and defence contexts. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies will leverage Western's expertise across engineering, science and materials science to advance research of strategic importance to Canada's national security and defence. Building on strengths in areas such as autonomous systems, advanced sensing and imaging, secure communications, resilient infrastructure and novel materials, the successful candidate will lead transformative research that addresses critical defence challenges while generating civilian applications. The Chair will foster collaborations with government and industry partners to ensure research translation and commercialization, positioning Western as a leader in responsible dual-use innovation that strengthens Canada's sovereignty and security.

Candidates

In accordance with the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, candidates must be top-tier researchers whose accomplishments have major societal impact and who are recognized internationally as leaders. Societal impact may include translation and mobilization of the candidate's research to knowledge users including evidence of commercialization and job creation, publications for non-academic audiences or policy consultations that lead to advancements in best practices and collaborative partnerships that advance partner mandates. Candidates must be full professors (or equivalent) or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of starting the chair appointment. If they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels.

Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the application deadline are eligible to apply.

In accordance with Western's faculty hiring requirements, successful candidates must have a PhD or equivalent (e.g., JSD, MD, DDS, with relevant professional designation or licensure) in a discipline appropriate to the field of research, be engaged in a program of research and have a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarly research and teaching. Assessment of candidates will be based primarily on the candidate's capacity for fostering strategic partnerships across sectors (including industry, government, health systems and not-for-profit organizations), and research excellence and leadership, as reflected in the quality of peer-reviewed publications, success at securing research support, evidence of knowledge mobilization and impact and demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing research teams. The assessment will also consider how the candidate embeds equity, diversity and inclusion principles in their research and team composition and the candidate's teaching and mentoring record and philosophy.

Successful candidates will be appointed as a full-time tenured faculty member, to an appropriate department, school or faculty. Duties will include research, teaching and service. Successful nominees will be expected to start their position at Western, on a full-time basis, within 12 months of accepting the award. Exceptional candidates who are unsuccessful in an Impact+ Research Chair competition at the national level may be considered as a nominee for a Canada Research Chair or a Western Research Chair, as available.

Western recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability or COVID-19 impacts) are often an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a nominee's record of research achievement. These impacts will be carefully considered during the assessment process. Potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.

Western recognizes that its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the university's mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader. Western understands that its pursuit of research excellence and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting.

About Western University

Western is a leading research-intensive university, ranking in the top one per cent of universities in the world. Western ranks among global leaders in sustainability, placing 14^th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and in the top one per cent globally (24^th) in the QS Sustainability Rankings, with a top-three world ranking in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), fifth in the world for SDG 15 (Life Below Water) and first in Canada for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Founded in 1878, Western is in London, Ontario, Canada – on lands connected by the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum – the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnocton Nations. We combine research excellence with a transformational student experience to create meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.

As a founding member of Canada's U15 group of research-intensive universities, Western is a medical-doctoral institution home to 1,500 faculty members and 44,000 students from 128 countries. Our scholars have led world-changing advancements in wind engineering, neuroscience, economics, cancer and gender-based violence prevention, among others. Our researchers continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and make discoveries that improve our environment, health, economies, culture and societies. Their pursuit of knowledge benefits from strong partnerships globally and locally, including with affiliated research hospitals and from world-class infrastructure that includes institutionally supported core research facilities and four interdisciplinary research institutes leading efforts to tackle some of the grand challenges of our time.

For more information about Western’s strategic priorities and areas of research activity, please see Western's strategic plan, the Western Research strategic plan and the Indigenous strategic plan.

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond the sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in hiring designated Indigenous roles to safeguard against use of incorrect, incomplete or misleading information regarding claims of Indigenous identity. Indigenous candidates who are invited for an interview will be asked to have their claim to Indigenous membership or citizenship (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes.

Learn More About Western

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary committee and must include the following:

Completed Canada Impact+ Research Chair Application.
Cover letter that also identifies which of the eight strategic priority areas align with your research.
Detailed curriculum vitae.
A plan identifying the proposed research program, including how you embed equity, diversity and inclusion principles in your research and how your research will contribute to knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results. (Maximum five pages)
Highlights of your most significant contributions to your field, including how they have led to societal benefits and how they connect with your research plan. (Maximum two pages)
A statement of your teaching and mentoring philosophies. (Maximum two pages)
The names and email addresses of three references.

The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to impactplus2026@groups.uwo.ca.

Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2026, and continue until the nominations are filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact Sherri Castrilli at impactplus2026@groups.uwo.ca.