L’essentiel de l’offre
- Poste : Presidents’ Impact Scholars (Doctorat)
- Employeur : University of Toronto (U of T)
- Lieu : Toronto, Canada (international)
- Contrat : Bourse de recherche doctorale
- Date limite : Appel à candidatures prochainement (Prochainement)
- Niveau requis : Exceptionnels candidats au doctorat (PhD)
Contexte
The University of Toronto (U of T) has launched the new Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program, a major doctoral scholarship initiative designed to attract exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world. Backed by an unprecedented $100-million investment, the programme aims to create a new model of doctoral education focused on interdisciplinary research, real-world problem-solving and major societal challenges. The inaugural cohort of Presidents’ Impact Scholars will begin their PhD studies in September 2027. The programme is supported by an anonymous $50-million philanthropic commitment, one of the largest gifts to doctoral education in Canadian history, together with matching funds from the University of Toronto.
About the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program
The Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program will bring together 12 or more PhD scholars each year around a specific societal challenge or research theme. The theme will change annually and will be selected around major questions or complex problems facing society. Potential themes could include areas such as AI and health, sovereignty and the Arctic, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, genomics, biomedical sciences, sustainability, public policy and cybersecurity. Rather than concentrating scholars within a single academic discipline, the programme is designed to create interdisciplinary cohorts where researchers from different fields can work together to address complex challenges. For example, a theme focused on AI and health could bring together researchers working in computer science, quantum computing, AI safety and alignment, law, ethics, philosophy and social sciences.
How the Program Stands Out
The Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program differs from a conventional doctoral scholarship because it is structured around both individual research excellence and collective problem-solving. Each annual cohort will develop around a common research theme, allowing scholars with different academic backgrounds to exchange ideas and collaborate on complex issues. The programme will also provide opportunities to engage with the broader University of Toronto ecosystem, including initiatives such as U of T Entrepreneurship, researchers and other innovation-focused communities. This model is intended to help PhD scholars develop not only as researchers but also as future leaders capable of working across academic, government, industry and other sectors.
Why This Scholarship Is Valuable
The Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program represents a significant opportunity for high-achieving PhD applicants seeking fully supported doctoral study within an interdisciplinary research environment. Its combination of substantial financial support, cross-disciplinary supervision, external engagement and access to a large research ecosystem makes it particularly attractive to researchers interested in solving complex problems with real-world implications. The programme is expected to provide scholars with opportunities to build research networks while developing the skills required to translate advanced knowledge into meaningful societal impact.
Missions et responsabilités
- Participate in the inaugural cohort of Presidents’ Impact Scholars starting in September 2027.
- Engage in interdisciplinary doctoral education, working around a specific annual societal challenge or research theme.
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers from different fields to address complex societal problems.
- Work with two faculty supervisors from different disciplines to develop expertise across multiple fields while maintaining research depth.
- Participate in creative collaboration, experiential learning, complex problem-solving and engagement beyond academia.
- Take advantage of external engagement experiences such as government partnerships, international placements or internships with industry partners.
- Exchange ideas and collaborate on complex issues with scholars having diverse academic backgrounds.
- Engage with the broader University of Toronto ecosystem, including U of T Entrepreneurship and innovation-focused communities.
Profil recherché
- Exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Demonstrated capacity for innovation, creativity and real-world problem-solving.
- Curiosity, imagination and initiative to translate knowledge into meaningful public or commercial impact.
- Candidates from a wide range of disciplines including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, genomics, biomedical sciences, sustainability, public policy, cybersecurity and other fields connected to major societal challenges.
Conditions et avantages
- Scholarship funding of $80,000 per year for four years.
- Total potential funding package of $320,000 over the four-year PhD period.
- Membership in a highly selective interdisciplinary community of doctoral researchers.
- Connection with researchers across the University of Toronto, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members.
- Cross-disciplinary supervision by two faculty supervisors from different disciplines.
- Opportunities for external engagement experiences (government partnerships, international placements, industry internships).
- Expected study start: September 2027.
Dossier de candidature
- Formal call for applications (to be issued soon).
- Monitor the official University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies announcement for eligibility details, participating programmes and submission requirements.
Comment postuler
The University of Toronto has announced that a formal call for applications will be issued soon. At the time of the programme’s launch, the university had not yet published the application deadline or complete application instructions.
Prospective applicants should monitor the official University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies announcement for the application opening, eligibility details, participating programmes and submission requirements.
Expected study start: September 2027
Application status: Call for applications forthcoming
Visit official website for application updates.
