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