Join CIHR's Standing Committee on Science and Shape the Future of Health Research!
If you are passionate about advancing the frontiers of health research, have a wealth of experience and a broad perspective on science and its use to inform the public, policy and others, research funding, global trends, and mission-driven research, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) invites you to apply for a position on our prestigious Standing Committee on Science.
Our Vision
At CIHR, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in health research. Our vision is to be a globally leading, national health research organization that promotes, assists, and undertakes research meeting the highest international standards of excellence and impact.
Our Mandate
The Standing Committee on Science serves as an advisory body, providing meta-level science and related advice to the Governing Council. We are looking for individuals who can offer strategic insights and challenge the status quo, and advise on the future of science worldwide to better position Canadian health and life sciences to be globally competitive.
Your Impact
As a member of the Standing Committee on Science, you will:
- Drive Strategic Advice: Provide compelling and strategic science advice on how CIHR can align to the expected new national science and innovation strategy and position Canadian science as a global leader.
- Analyze Trends: Identify emerging national and global themes in research, science, and major societal challenges.
- Set Global Standards: Identify and advise on big global challenges in mission-driven research, and discovery.
- Forge Alliances: Analyze key strategic alliances that support CIHR's objectives, ensuring our research meets the highest standards of excellence and ethics.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
CIHR is dedicated to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of our work. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Francophone, and equity-denied groups to ensure diverse representation on the committee.
Eligibility and Application
To be considered, candidates should have experience in fields related to science and the application of science, particularly related to health, and demonstrate that they possess the following competencies:
- Strategic and analytical thinking – relevant to developing research strategies and policies, and identifying trends, aligning with national strategies, and addressing global challenges.
- Research and scientific expertise – relevant to mission-driven research, global challenges, and research management, and dissemination and implementation of research and science for the public, policy-makers, and/or other decision-makers.
- Governance and organizational expertise – relevant to governance best practices and understanding challenges associated with research management.
- Leadership and collaboration – relevant to health research leadership at a national and/or international level, and leadership roles within research funding agencies and building national and global collaborations and partnerships.
Appointments will be made to ensure a strong, effective, and diverse committee. The term begins on December 15, 2025, for three years, with the possibility of renewal for a second term.
Time Commitment
The committee meets virtually at least twice annually, with additional meetings at the call of the Chair.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should submit the following documents to CIHR's Governance Branch at governance-gouvernance@cihr-irsc.gc.ca by September 19, 2025:
- A letter of interest (maximum 1000 words) detailing your qualifications, expertise, and the perspective you would bring against the competency criteria above.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A completed self-identification questionnaire (to be completed upon application submission).
Join us in shaping the future of health research and making a lasting impact on global health!
Take the Next Step
Join us in shaping the future of health research and making a lasting impact on global health. Apply now and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in health research!
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