Call for Applications: John H. MacArthur Research Fellowship 2026‑27

Shifts and opportunities in Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement

Application deadline: Sunday, 21 June 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Fellowship period: 1 September 2026 – 30 August 2027

About the Fellowship

The John H. MacArthur Research Fellowship, established by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), honours the legacy of the late John H. MacArthur—former Chair of APF Canada’s Board of Directors and Dean Emeritus of Harvard Business School. The fellowship supports mid‑career scholars whose work advances understanding of Canada’s engagement with the Indo‑Pacific.

Fellowship Benefits

Grant: CAD 25,000 (disbursed in two instalments)

Research platform: Publication support from APF Canada for a flagship paper and two policy briefs/op‑eds

Policy access: Closed‑door briefing in Ottawa with federal officials

Visibility: Presentation at the Toronto Symposium

Focus Areas (Applicants are welcome to submit proposals beyond the identified priority areas)

Economic Security and Trade: energy security and trade diversification

Technology and Innovation: technological advancement and its strategic implications

Indo-Pacific Geopolitics: Canada’s evolving regional relationships and middle power security cooperation

Defence Industry: procurement and industrial resilience

Arctic and Northeast Asia Security: emerging strategic and economic dynamics across interconnected regions

Eligibility

Citizenship/Residency

Open to Canadian citizens/permanent residents and U.S. citizens/permanent residents

Career Stage

7–15 years post‑PhD (or equivalent policy experience)

Discipline

Political science, economics, public policy, law, business, security studies, or related fields

Engagement

Willingness to participate in public‑facing events, media, and collaborative cohort activities

Application Package (single PDF, max 10 MB)

Cover Letter (1 page) – motivation and relevance to fellowship theme

Research Proposal (max 3 pages) – objectives, methodology, timeline, policy impact

Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages) – education, positions, major outputs, public engagement

Writing Sample – published article, chapter, or policy brief

How to Apply

Submit your complete PDF package through APF Canada’s online portal.

Selection Criteria

Originality and policy relevance of the proposed research

Feasibility within the 12‑month fellowship period

Track record of high‑quality scholarship or policy work

Potential to contribute to a better understanding of Indo‑Pacific issues

Commitment to public outreach and knowledge mobilization

Diversity of disciplinary, regional, and gender perspectives

Review and ranking will be conducted by APF Canada.

Key Dates (2026‑27)

Applications due                 - 21 June 2026

Short-list interviews          - mid July 2026

Fellows announced            - early August 2026

Fellowship begins              - September 2026

Interim policy briefs           - March 2027

Toronto Symposium           - May 2027

Final Papers and roll-out   - Summer 2027