The CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants form part of CIFAR’s commitment to advancing research that connects artificial intelligence with human values and societal priorities. By supporting collaborative and cross-disciplinary work, the program aims to shape the future of AI in a way that promotes safety, equity, and global well-being.The CIFAR AI Catalyst Grants 2026 are now open for applications. These grants are designed to inspire innovative research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The program particularly encourages proposals that explore the social, ethical, and governance dimensions of AI, with an emphasis on work led by researchers in the social sciences and humanities.
This initiative, part of the CIFAR AI and Society initiative (CAISI), supports research that bridges technology and society. It aims to advance sociotechnical approaches to AI safety while connecting experts from various academic fields to address pressing global challenges related to AI development and use.
Funding Details
- Each selected project may receive up to US $70,000 per year for a maximum duration of two years.
- Funding supports projects that integrate both technical and human-centered perspectives on AI and address critical issues such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and governance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Projects may be led by one or two Principal Investigators (PIs).
- All PIs must hold faculty positions at recognized Canadian universities.
- The lead PI should be from a social sciences or humanities discipline such as sociology, political science, economics, philosophy, legal studies, media studies, or science and technology studies.
- Proposals should demonstrate how the research will address key social, ethical, or governance implications of AI systems.
Selection and Evaluation
Applications will be assessed by the CAISI Research Council and a panel of external experts. Evaluation will be based on the following weighted criteria:
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Originality and significance of the proposal | 25% |
| Potential societal impact | 35% |
| Research excellence of applicants | 15% |
| Feasibility and clarity of project design | 15% |
| Interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity of expertise | 10% |
Application Process
Applicants should ensure all required documents and materials are submitted before the deadline.
Applications must be submitted through CIFAR’s official online portal.
Apply here;https://cifarportal.smapply.io/prog/ai_safety_catalyst_call/
The call for proposals opens on October 3, 2025, and closes on November 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Anywhere on Earth).
