Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Overview

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides $70,000 per year for two years to top-tier postdoctoral researchers who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth. Administered by the tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC), the program is highly competitive, with only 70 fellowships awarded annually across health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Candidates are evaluated on research excellence and leadership, quality of the host institution’s commitment, and alignment between applicant and host. Successful fellows receive robust institutional support, access to world-class facilities, and national recognition.

Opportunity Snapshot

Eligibility Checklist

Eligible applicants must have completed a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree between September 15, 2021, and September 30, 2025 (with extensions for leaves). Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international researchers may apply, but foreign applicants must hold their fellowship at a Canadian institution. Confirm that your degree is conferred before the fellowship start date and that you meet institutional eligibility. Applicants can apply only once per competition and must not hold a tenure-track faculty position. Secure institutional endorsement from the proposed host, which will assess fit and strategic alignment.

Selecting the Right Host Institution

The Banting program evaluates the synergy between applicant and host. Identify institutions with research strengths aligned to your project and demonstrate how the environment will accelerate your trajectory. Contact potential supervisors early to discuss collaborative plans, co-authored publications, and access to facilities. Request a commitment letter outlining workspace, mentorship, integration into research groups, and professional development support. If you are a Canadian studying abroad, articulate how returning to Canada advances national priorities; if you are an international scholar, explain how your expertise complements Canadian research strengths.

Crafting a High-Impact Research Proposal

Your 4-page research proposal should articulate objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Position your project within current literature and highlight innovative elements—novel techniques, interdisciplinary approaches, or partnerships with industry or communities. Include timelines, knowledge mobilization strategies, and risk mitigation plans. Emphasize how results will address societal challenges such as climate change, health equity, digital transformation, or reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Show that you have the skill set and track record to deliver on ambitious goals within two years.

Showcasing Leadership and Potential

Banting reviewers seek evidence of leadership in research and beyond. Highlight roles such as lab management, conference organization, community outreach, policy engagement, or entrepreneurship. Quantify achievements—citations, media coverage, patents, or program outcomes. Discuss mentorship of students, collaboration across disciplines, and contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Provide a narrative that links past accomplishments to future leadership vision, demonstrating how Banting support will amplify your influence in academia, industry, or public service.

Institutional Commitment and Letters of Support

The host institution’s letter must detail the support you will receive, including salary top-ups, research funds, access to equipment, and integration into strategic initiatives. Collaborate with your supervisor to craft a letter that references institutional priorities and articulates how your presence advances them. Provide your supervisor with drafts of your research proposal and leadership statement to ensure alignment. Additional referees should be recognized leaders who can attest to your research excellence and leadership qualities. Encourage them to cite specific accomplishments and contextualize your impact within the field.

Timeline and Application Components

Banting applications require meticulous planning. Components include the Canadian Common CV, research proposal, leadership statement, institutional letter, and three referee assessments. Build a timeline that allocates time for CCV completion, translation (if submitting in French and English), and internal reviews. Many institutions set deadlines in July or August for internal adjudication. Schedule mock reviews with mentors to stress-test clarity and persuasiveness. Submit the final application through the ResearchNet portal, verifying that all sections are marked complete.

Knowledge Mobilization and Societal Impact

Demonstrate how you will disseminate findings to academic and non-academic audiences. Outline plans for open-access publications, conference presentations, policy briefs, workshops, or community partnerships. Address data management, intellectual property, and commercialization pathways if relevant. Show commitment to inclusive knowledge sharing, such as co-creating materials with Indigenous partners or offering multilingual resources. Impactful mobilization strategies signal that Banting support will generate benefits beyond the lab.

Career Development Plan

Articulate how the fellowship fits into your long-term trajectory. Identify specific skills, certifications, or collaborations you will pursue—teaching experience, grant writing, entrepreneurship training, or policy fellowships. Describe mentoring relationships you will cultivate and how you will prepare for faculty positions, industry leadership, or public sector roles. Connect your career goals to Canada’s research and innovation priorities, demonstrating that Banting investment will yield sustained national contributions.

Post-Award Responsibilities

Banting fellows must remain in good standing, submit annual reports, and acknowledge funding in publications. Prepare to manage budgets, coordinate with research offices, and adhere to ethics approvals. Plan for bilingual communication if disseminating results in English and French. Engage with the Banting alumni network to share lessons, mentor future applicants, and collaborate on interdisciplinary initiatives. Proactive stewardship underscores your readiness for this prestigious fellowship.

Strengthening Your Canadian Common CV

The Canadian Common CV (CCV) is often the most time-consuming portion of the application. Start early by populating every section—employment, publications, presentations, supervision, and contributions to society. Use consistent formatting for citations and include DOIs where available. Highlight leadership activities such as organizing conferences, spearheading diversity initiatives, or advising policymakers. Because reviewers access your CCV alongside the research proposal, ensure there are no discrepancies between the two documents. Ask a colleague to proofread for clarity and completeness before final submission.

Building a Mock Review Process

Recruit mentors, department chairs, or former Banting reviewers to conduct a mock adjudication. Provide them with the selection criteria and ask for numerical scores and written feedback. Simulate the full experience by giving reviewers one week to examine your materials and scheduling a debrief to discuss strengths and weaknesses. Incorporate their suggestions to refine your narrative flow, tighten methodology explanations, and sharpen leadership examples. A rigorous internal review process can elevate your application from competitive to outstanding.

Planning for Relocation and Integration

If the fellowship requires you to relocate, outline a plan for establishing roots quickly. Research housing markets, visa requirements, and cost of living in the host city. Identify community organizations, cultural groups, and professional societies that align with your interests. Discuss transition logistics with your supervisor—lab onboarding, access to facilities, and institutional orientation. Demonstrating a proactive integration strategy shows reviewers that you are prepared to maximize your productivity from day one and contribute meaningfully to the host institution.