CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants Offer $70,000 Funding Boost for Researchers

CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants Open for Social Science Researchers.Applications are now open for the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026. The program aims to fund groundbreaking research on the societal impacts of artificial intelligence. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025.This initiative specifically targets scholars in the social sciences and humanities. It seeks to address urgent ethical and governance questions surrounding AI safety.

Funding and Program Goals for AI Safety Research

Successful projects will receive up to $70,000 per year for two years. This funding is designed to catalyze new, multidisciplinary research collaborations. The goal is to build a strong Canadian research community focused on AI safety.The program is a core component of the Canadian AI Safety Institute. According to Reuters, such government-backed research initiatives are critical for managing technological risks. The grants will help leverage Canada’s existing strengths in the AI sector.

Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria for Applicants

Principal Investigators must have a faculty affiliation at a Canadian university. The lead researcher must have expertise in a social sciences or humanities field. This includes areas like law, philosophy, economics, and political science.Proposals will be judged on originality and potential societal impact. Research excellence and project feasibility are also major factors. Multidisciplinarity within the project team is encouraged and rewarded.

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The CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants represent a significant investment in responsible innovation. This funding opportunity underscores the growing importance of sociotechnical AI safety research. It provides a crucial platform for scholars to help shape our technological future.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the application deadline for the CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants?

The deadline for all applications is November 15, 2025. Projects can run for up to two years with annual funding.

Who is eligible to apply as a Principal Investigator?

Researchers must have a faculty position at a Canadian university. The primary PI must have a background in the social sciences or humanities.

What is the total funding amount available per project?

Grants provide up to $70,000 per year. This can total $140,000 for a full two-year research project.

What research areas does this grant program support?

It supports work on the social, ethical, and governance aspects of AI safety. The focus is on sociotechnical challenges, not purely technical ones.

Why is this grant program focused on social sciences?

It aims to balance technical AI advancement with critical human-centric research. Understanding the societal impact of AI is now a global priority.