International Research Opportunities: Fully Funded Global PhD Positions 

International Research Opportunities: Canada Impact+ Awards & Fully Funded Global PhD Positions

Fully funded research opportunities including the $133M Canada Impact+ Awards, PhDs at Concordia and UCD, and postdoctoral roles at UAEU. Apply now for high-stipend doctoral and postdoc fellowships in AI, green energy, and biotechnology.

Global Research Frontiers: Funding for PhD and Postdoctoral Excellence

The landscape of global academic research is undergoing a massive transformation in 2026, led by a multi-million dollar investment from the Canadian government and prestigious institutions across the globe. For researchers specializing in sustainable energy, biotechnology, and advanced materials, the current window for funding represents one of the most significant opportunities in a decade.

Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, alongside specialized fully funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions at Concordia University, University College Dublin (UCD), and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

1. The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards ($133.6 Million Initiative)

The Government of Canada has officially launched the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA). This initiative is designed to bolster Canada’s position as a global hub for innovation by attracting the world’s most promising doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.

Program Overview and Governance

The program is a joint venture administered by Canada’s three primary federal granting agencies, often referred to as the “Tri-Agency”:

• CIHR: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

• NSERC: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

• SSHRC: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

With a total investment of $133.6 million over three years, this program is aimed specifically at international talent and returning Canadian researchers currently based outside the country.

Award Tiers and Value

Category	Annual Stipend	Duration	Total Value
Doctoral (PhD)	$40,000 CAD	3 Years	$120,000 CAD
Postdoctoral	$70,000 CAD	2 Years	$140,000 CAD

Strategic Priority Areas

Funding is prioritized for research that addresses the most pressing challenges of the 21st century:

• Digital Innovation: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity.

• Life Sciences: Health, Biotechnology, and Medical Breakthroughs.

• Climate & Environment: Clean Technology, Arctic Research, and Resource Value Chains.

• Society & Security: Democratic Resilience, Food Security, and Defence Technologies.

Critical Requirement: The Matchmaking Process

Applicants cannot apply in isolation. A fundamental requirement is that the applicant must be matched with a Canadian researcher who has recently secured funding from one of the federal research agencies mentioned above.

2. PhD in Organic Photovoltaics: Concordia University

Supervisor: Dr. Muthukumaran Packirisamy

Laboratory: Optical-Bio Microsystems Lab

Funding: $35,000 CAD per year for 4 years

Located in Montreal, this position focuses on Electrified Transportation and Microgrid Design for Northern and Remote Communities. As the world pivots toward green energy, solving the “cold-climate” efficiency gap in solar technology is a paramount research goal.

Research Scope

The candidate will work under Dr. Packirisamy, a member of the National Academy of Inventors, to:

• Design and Fabricate: Create novel organic solar cells (OPV) that maintain high efficiency in low-light and sub-zero temperatures.

• EV Integration: Develop flexible solar panels that can be integrated directly into electric vehicle surfaces.

• Building Integration: Explore semi-transparent PV windows and façades for sustainable architecture.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Materials Engineering. Preference is given to those with hands-on experience in thin-film device fabrication and data analysis (Python/MATLAB).

3. Power Electronics & Smart Grids: Canada Impact+ Opportunity

Dr. Mohsin (IEEE) is seeking top-tier candidates for nomination under the Canada Impact+ scheme at Brock University. This opportunity is highly competitive, with only one PhD and one Postdoctoral candidate being endorsed by the supervisor.

Targeted Research Domains

• Converter Design: High-efficiency power electronic converters and modeling.

• Smart Grid Infrastructure: Integration of renewables, real-time monitoring, and microgrid control.

• Zero-Emission Tech: Decarbonization pathways and energy storage solutions.

• EV Infrastructure: Smart charging control and grid impact analysis.

4. PhD in Organic Flow Batteries: Sustainable Energy Storage

Supervisor: Professor Marc-Antoni Goulet

Laboratory: Sustainable Electrochemical Technologies Lab

University: Concordia University, Montreal

As we transition to intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, large-scale energy storage becomes vital. This PhD role focuses on Organic Flow Batteries, a sustainable alternative to traditional metal-based batteries.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing redox-active organic molecules for battery electrolytes.

• Assessing molecular stability and degradation through advanced analytical chemistry.

• Developing grid-scale storage solutions that are environmentally friendly.

5. Postdoctoral Fellowship: Chemical Engineering (UAEU)

Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Supervisor: Dr. Joy Tannous

Location: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

This fellowship is ideal for researchers specializing in biomass upgrading and catalytic processes. The UAEU offers a multidisciplinary environment with a heavy emphasis on experimental spectroscopy.

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will lead research in free radical reactions and catalysis, utilizing Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Beyond the lab, the role involves mentoring graduate students and contributing to high-impact scientific publications.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field.

• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

• Expertise in material characterization and reaction mechanisms.

6. PhD in Dynamic Biomaterials: University College Dublin (UCD)

Project: Stimuli-responsive biomaterials for organoid culture.

Collaboration: In partnership with KU Leuven (Multicellular System Dynamics Lab).

Location: Dublin, Ireland.

This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of Materials Science, Computational Modeling and Biology. The research aims to understand how mechanical signals from synthetic matrices influence cell fate and organoid morphology.

Research Methodology

The project utilizes Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to simulate cell-matrix interactions, combined with physical characterization of biomaterials. This is a 4-year fully funded position starting in Spring 2026.

Deadlines and Application Portals

Application Links and Deadlines

Essential Contact Details for Inquiries

• Concordia University (Mechanical): Alisa Makusheva (alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca)

• Power Electronics Research: Dr. Mohsin (drmohsin@ieee.org)

• Chemical Engineering UAEU: Dr. Joy Tannous (via UAEU portal)

Maximizing Your Application Success

To succeed in these highly competitive 2026 calls, candidates should ensure their application package includes a single PDF containing:

1. A Tailored Cover Letter: Explicitly linking your prior experience to the priority areas of the lab (e.g., cold-climate PV or organoid modeling).

2. Academic CV: Highlighting publications, patents and technical skills like MATLAB, ESR, or thin-film fabrication.

3. Referees: At least two academic references with institutional contact information.

4. Writing Sample: A recent first-author publication or a high-quality thesis chapter.

The Canada Impact+ awards, in particular, require a strategic match with a Canadian-funded host. It is recommended to reach out to potential supervisors immediately to discuss alignment before the institutional internal deadlines in February 2026.