The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program funds early-career researchers from around the world to pursue bold, interdisciplinary research within CIFAR's research themes, including neuroscience and AI. It exists to build a global network of next-generation leaders who can tackle complex challenges through collaboration across disciplines and borders.

- Early-career stage: within 5 years of starting an independent research position (PhD or equivalent), or currently in a postdoctoral or early faculty role - Research excellence and originality: demonstrated by publications, preprints, and a clear, ambitious research proposal - Interdisciplinary potential: ability to work across fields (e.g., neuroscience, pharmacology, computational modeling) - Leadership and collaboration: evidence of independent research direction and capacity to contribute to a global network - Global perspective: applicants from diverse geographic and institutional backgrounds, including LMIC countries, are prioritized - Alignment with CIFAR research themes: the proposal must fit one of CIFAR's programs (e.g., Brain & Mind, AI & Society)

Past cohorts include early-career researchers (postdocs to assistant professors) from top universities worldwide, often with strong publication records and interdisciplinary work. Named examples are not available from the page, but typical winners have PhDs, multiple first-author papers in high-impact journals, and a clear trajectory toward independent research leadership.

The ideal applicant holds a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field, has a strong publication record with first-author papers, and proposes a bold, interdisciplinary research project that aligns with a CIFAR program. They demonstrate early independence, global perspective, and potential to become a future leader in their field.