The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has launched the 2027 cycle of its Health System Impact (HSI) Fellowship, inviting doctoral trainees and postdoctoral researchers to embed within Canadian health system organizations. The program, run through CIHR's Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) with provincial and institutional partners, pairs academic researchers with practical health-system work. Applications are due January 12, 2027, with funding beginning September 1, 2027.
How the Fellowship Works
The opportunity offers two distinct tracks. Doctoral trainees (Stream A) can receive up to $50,000 over one year - a $45,000 stipend plus a $5,000 professional development allowance - while devoting 60% to 100% of their time to a research project embedded within a host health organization. Postdoctoral researchers (Stream B) are eligible for up to $155,000 across two years, including a $70,000 annual stipend and $7,500 yearly development allowance, with 70% to 100% of their time committed to applied research. Applicants in northern regions or qualifying international placements may receive an additional $5,000 per year for travel and development costs. Host organizations must contribute 30% of the award's cash value, with CIHR and Health Research BC covering up to 70% under applicable arrangements.
Eligibility and Research Focus
Doctoral applicants must be enrolled full-time at a CIHR-eligible Canadian institution by September 1, 2027, and cannot have previously held an HSI doctoral award. Postdoctoral applicants need a PhD or Doctor of Public Health degree, completed or nearly completed, in health services and policy research or a related field; prior HSI postdoctoral recipients are not eligible. All candidates must retain trainee status throughout the fellowship and secure two separate supervisors - one from the host health organization and one academic supervisor at a Canadian university. Projects must align with CIHR's General Pool criteria for health services, systems and policy research, and applicants may also apply to up to two additional priority pools, such as Indigenous Peoples' health, aging, or pandemic preparedness. Work involving Indigenous communities must meet specific culturally safe engagement requirements.
Review Process and Practical Considerations
Submissions go through relevance screening and peer review, and any application scoring below 3.5 will not receive funding. Successful applicants must accept their award within 15 working days of notification. Before applying, candidates need a ResearchNet account, a CIHR PIN, a completed self-identification questionnaire, an updated CIHR profile and a tri-agency CV. Applicants must also complete a CIHR module on sex and gender research and submit proof of completion. The anticipated decision date is August 11, 2027. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the official CIHR ResearchNet listing and application instructions directly, and may contact the CIHR Contact Centre with specific eligibility or procedural questions.