Post-Doctoral Research Competition

Applications accepted beginning: September 02, 2026Submission Deadline: November 02, 2026

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The Banff Summit, the Gairdner Foundation’s Post-Doctoral Research Competition, will provide a globally recognized forum for exchange between Gairdner Laureates and leading young Canadian scientists. From May 25 to May 28, 2027, five Canada Gairdner International Laureates and Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Laureates, five recent winners of the 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator Competition, and 10 of Canada’s leading Post-Doctoral Fellows will convene at the Banff Centre for an intimate scientific and personal exchange that will inspire and build networks of young scientists across Canada and around the world.

The format of the Conference will be based on the principle of dialogue to empower the next generation of scientists by providing them with opportunities for networking, skill development, and recognition within the scientific community. The Conference will activate the exchange of knowledge, develop leadership qualities, and provide opportunities for the sharing of ideas, experiences, and advice between and among Gairdner Laureates and Canada’s most promising young scientists.

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Application Process

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

Hold, or expect to hold, a doctoral degree (PhD) or health professional degree by the application deadline.
Hold a postdoctoral fellowship appointment at a Canadian research institution at the time of application.
Not hold, nor be on leave from, a tenure-track or tenured faculty position. For the purposes of this competition, a tenure-track or tenured position is defined as an academic appointment that permits the holder to establish an independent research program, apply for external funding as a principal investigator, and undertake teaching responsibilities.