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

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

About CIFAR

CIFAR stands for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. It connects top researchers worldwide to solve tough global problems through teamwork across subjects. Backed by Canadian governments and partners, CIFAR helps create new ideas that push science forward. The group focuses on team efforts that traditional schools might not support.

What Are Horizon Networks?

Horizon Networks bring together early- to mid-career researchers to form new research communities. They aim to explore fresh topics, boost global teamwork, and train future leaders. Each network runs for three years with help from CIFAR. Teams work on pressing challenges in areas like education, child growth, identity, tech, and community involvement.

Support from the Program

Chosen networks get strong backing over three years. This includes two in-person meetings each year, with CIFAR handling travel and planning. Teams receive funds to share for research and events. Leaders decide how to split the money. All members join yearly training to build skills in leading, working together, and making an impact. The setup encourages links between countries and fields.

Who Can Apply

Networks need co-leaders who finished CIFAR’s early-career programs. Teams can add up to eight more early- or mid-career faculty from different schools and backgrounds. Diversity in places and skills is key. This opens spots for people new to CIFAR.

Thematic Streams for 2026

Proposals fit one of three areas:

Stream 1: Belonging with Nature, Technology, and People in Early Childhood
Funded by the Bezos Family Foundation, this looks at how kids’ ties to nature, tech, and others build a sense of belonging in their first years.

Stream 2: Adolescence – Belonging, Identity, and Civic Engagement in a Changing World
Also from the Bezos Family Foundation, it studies teen growth in identity, community roles, and fitting in during fast changes.

Stream 3: Education and Learning Variability Between Ages 2-12
Backed by the Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship, co-leaders must be current or past fellows. It examines differences in learning and growth for kids aged 2 to 12.

Review and Selection Steps

CIFAR checks if applications meet rules first. Then, applicants review others’ ideas in a peer process. Scores come from a clear guide on fit and strength. Final choices happen with partners in summer 2026.

Key Dates

Applications started on May 6, 2026. The deadline is June 17, 2026, at 12 PM ET. Peer reviews end July 15, 2026. Notices come in summer 2026. Start teams and plans now.

Who Fits Best

This suits early- and mid-career faculty who like teamwork across fields. It works for those studying kids, learning, tech, identity, or community. Good proposals show new ideas, clear team plans, leader skills, a strong goal, and real-world effects.

Key Benefits

Participants gain global teams, leader training, flexible funds, more notice in academia, lasting links, and entry to top networks. This leads to more grants, papers, policy roles, and big projects later.

Frequently Asked Questions