Fulbright Canada - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Joint Chair in Contemporary Public Policy
Canada
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Fulbright Canada and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (PETF) have established a Joint Chair in Contemporary Public Policy. This opportunity will allow a U.S. academic and top tier applied researcher to:
- Conduct research for a one-semester (four-month) residential exchange at any university in Canada or at the offices of the PETF in Montreal, Quebec.
- Participate in one or two of the PETF’s Institutes of Engaged Leadership as a facilitator, teacher and/or speaker and take part in planning sessions for the institutes.
- Advise, share knowledge and/or mentor the PETF's doctoral scholars in their leadership skills development and study plans, and experiential learning that enriches and complements academic experiences.
- Participate in activities related to the PETF and Fulbright Canada, including the development and initiation of events and educational activities for members of the public and members of the Foundation’s and Fulbright’s communities.
Fulbright Canada and the PETF seek a leading academic undertaking research tied to one of the PETF’s four pillars: Human Rights and Dignity; Responsible Citizenship; Canada and the World; and People and their Natural Environment.
The Chair will act as a guide and mentor for the next generation of bold, innovative scholars, encouraging their development as public intellectuals and engaged leaders with meaningful impacts in their communities.
For additional details about this opportunity, visit:
Fulbright Canada webpage for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Fellowship
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellow webpage
The grantee will be primarily affiliated with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation from September to August. The grantee will take up a one-semester (September - December) residential exchange for in-person research at a host institution in Canada.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
One semester (four months) residential exchange at any university in Canada or at the offices of the PETF in Montreal, Quebec.
Post Fulbright award, an additional 8 months of remote collaboration with the PETF to continue through to the following August with occasional travel to Canada for workshops and/or conferences.
Humanities and Social Sciences, human rights, dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, environment, economy, global economies, health, arts, science, technology, digital economy, global public goods, wealth distribution, international cooperation.
In addition to the flat grant of US$25,000 for the residence in Canada, grantees will also receive a CA$15,000 allowance for research, travel and networking associated with Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation events and leadership development of Scholars, and opportunities to acquire greater proficiency in Canada’s official languages (French and English) and Canada’s Indigenous languages.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants are encouraged to contact the proposed host institution to discuss research interests.
In addition to being hosted at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, applicants should identify a host institution in Canada (e.g. a university, research center, NGO).
If proposing affiliation at a Francophone host institution, French language ability commensurate with the requirements of the project and the host institution is required.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
For additional information, please visit the Fulbright Canada website:
Fulbright Canada - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellowship
Fulbright Canada contact:
info@fulbright.ca
Host Contact
Elizabeth Rivera, Chief Operating Officer
erivera@trudeaufoundation.ca
erivera@fondationtrudeau.ca
Research Chair Award Grantees to Canada receive a fixed sum:
US$25,000 for one semester (four months)
Additional funding is available for research, travel, and networking:
CA$15,000 during the remote collaboration period (eight months) after completion of the Fulbright award.
Canada has one of the strongest economies in the world and is consistently ranked as having a very high quality of life. The cost of living in Montreal is among the lowest for major cities in Canada (US$1,600 per month). For additional information about how much it will cost you to live in Canada, please see the Government of Canada webpage.
- Fall Orientation: The incoming cohort of U.S. Fulbright students and scholars to Canada are invited to a program of professional and personal development in Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, Ontario (early September). Fulbright Canada covers local costs (accommodations, meals, activities). Up to C$1,000 is provided to reimburse travel expenses to the Fall Orientation in Ottawa, Ontario.
- Visiting Scholar Speakers Program: Up to C$1,000 for travel expenses to a different city or region of Canada can be granted on a competitive basis. Through this program, the scholar may present at professional conferences, offer formal presentations at other Canadian post-secondary institutions, and/or provide lectures or briefings to community groups. Preference is given to applications with a robust agenda.
- Fulbright Canada Community Action Program: Granted on a competitive basis, up to C$8,000 for a unique community-focused initiative that provides awards to both grantees and alumni in any area of community action.
- Fulbright Canada Community Leadership Program: Granted on a competitive basis, up to C$8,000 for current grantees and alumni of U.S. government (USG) sponsored exchange programs, with ideas for creative community and volunteer-based outreach projects in Canada.
Regional Travel Program: During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Western Hemisphere (WHA) region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant for activities such as workshops, seminars, presentations, lectures, performances, exhibits, curricular advising and similar projects at institutions in eligible WHA countries. (Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, México, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay).
The Regional Travel Program covers travel to and from the destination; lodging may be offered by the host institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program. Additional information can be found on the Regional Travel Program website.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Canada
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Canada for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience and application guidance.
Canada is home to one of the most highly educated populations in the world. Canadian universities, institutes, and internationally renowned think tanks support innovative and collaborative research. They are typically situated in vibrant multicultural cities, in proximity to Canada’s diverse natural landscapes – making for an extraordinary professional and cultural experience. While Canada and the United States share a continent, deeply-held core values, and numerous points of collaboration, the two countries have distinct historical, cultural, and political realities.
Please visit the Universities Canada website for more information about Canada’s higher-educational institutions.
You could spend a lifetime exploring Canada’s cities and towns, national parks, lakes, ocean shores, and mountains. Whether you’re looking to stroll along a beach in British Columbia, learn more about Francophone culture, hike in the Rocky Mountains at Banff National Park, or visit Indigenous heritage and cultural centres, there is an opportunity to embrace Canada for all it has to offer!
During your grant period, you will get to know Canada—the people, languages, culture, food, climate, and so much more. You’ll quickly learn that Canada offers you a safe and secure place to live, work and travel. Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life.
Canada is a utopia for anyone looking to get active in the great outdoors. Due to the unique climate that each season brings and its geographic diversity, you’ll have the perfect setting for almost any sport, exercise, or activity you may want:
In the summer, you can go boating on one of the many lakes, swim in the ocean, or play beach volleyball. It’s also a great season to be a tourist in Canada by exploring one of the many national parks, visiting local beaches, dining out on a restaurant patio soaking up the sun, or enjoying a bonfire with friends.
During the fall, you’ll love exploring the countryside to see the splendor of the autumn leaves, hiking up a mountain or through a park on a crisp day and generally enjoying the outdoors with your friends. Fall is also a great time to explore Canada’s vibrant cities and historic towns.
Once winter comes, it’s time to grab your snow gear and join in some great Canadian fun! You can learn to ski or snowshoe, build a snowman, have a snowball fight with your friends, or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of walking through the quiet winter woods.
Spring is a time for renewal in Canada, as the birds return from the south and flowers bloom in the gardens. It’s also “sugaring off” season, where you’ll discover how sap is collected and boiled to create 70% of the world’s maple syrup. The best part? Eating maple taffy poured hot on snow.
The Canadians you meet will impress you all year long with their warmth. Enjoy this opportunity to get to know Canadians and introduce your culture.
Multiculturalism is fundamental to Canadian identity. Not only does Canada have two official languages (English and French), Canadian culture includes people and cultures from around the world. The Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution, prohibits discrimination. Each province and territory in Canada also have respective human rights codes. Canadians have a strong sense of justice and care about ensuring people’s rights are upheld in all facets of their lives. A commitment to equality makes Canada a sought-after destination for international students and immigrants.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Candidates may be invited to participate in a virtual interview as part of the host country review processs.
Candidates may be considered for other Fulbright Canada award opportunities as appropriate. Identify host institutions in order of preference in the project statement and on the application form.
Most award themes are interdisciplinary; check other Fulbright Canada Research Chair awards for additional opportunities.