University of Toronto Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program

Program Guidelines for 2025–2026

Background & Purpose

The Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program at the University of Toronto is a prestigious opportunity for early-career scholars to develop and expand their research expertise. The program empowers postdoctoral scholars with the autonomy to pursue ambitious research while benefiting from close collaboration with leading faculty and access to tailored professional and career development supports. It is designed for exceptional postdoctoral scholars eager to contribute to an innovative, vibrant, and inclusive academic community.

This program bridges the critical gap between doctoral training and independent academic careers by providing fellows with the resources, autonomy, and mentorship necessary to establish themselves as independent researchers. Fellows are expected to develop and lead their own research agenda that is distinct from but complementary to their supervisor’s work, positioning them for future faculty appointments or leadership roles in research-intensive environments.

This funding opportunity may be used to retain or recruit exceptional postdoctoral scholars. The Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program provides full-time funding for one individual and cannot be used to supplement or top up another concurrently held source of funding. The primary responsibility of the successful postdoctoral scholar is the execution of the independent research outlined in the proposal. A fellow may participate in additional research or academic activities provided these do not interfere with progress on the proposed research. Dedicated time will also be set aside for tailored professional and career development opportunities.

Priorities for the 2025–2026 Competition within the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE)

All applicants conducting research aligned with the mission of KPE are eligible for funding. Preference may be given to projects aligned with one or more of the following priorities.

  1. To help achieve the “Ignite Transformative Inclusivity” priority outlined in the 2022–2027 Academic Plan and the goals identified by the KPE Task Force on Race & Indigeneity and the Equity & Diversity in Research & Innovation Working Group Report . Evaluation of applications will prioritize proposals that incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, support inclusive research and training practices, build community partnerships, and/or focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) research-related topics. This priority applies to both the research focus and to training opportunities for individuals from equity-deserving populations.
  2. To help achieve the “Activate Partnerships and Collaboration” priority outlined in the 2022–2027 Academic Plan, applications will be prioritized that foster new community partnerships or international collaborations, including those involving non-academic organizations or international co-investigators. Applicants engaging in international collaborations should consult: https://global.utoronto.ca/safeguarding-your-research .

Eligibility and Qualifications

This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants. The following are the institutional eligibility requirements for appointment as a Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow.

Applicants must:

  • Be engaged as, or seeking appointment as, a postdoctoral employee of the University of Toronto (teaching hospital postdocs are not university employees);
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and the capacity to conceptualize and execute independent research beyond their doctoral work;
  • Have completed all doctoral degree requirements by the fellowship start date and normally be within five years of degree completion; and
  • Not have held more than one prior postdoctoral appointment.

Award recipients must:

  • Have completed all degree requirements prior to the start of the fellowship;
  • Be employed as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto;
  • Register with and remain registered at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Postdoctoral Office;
  • Be supervised by a KPE faculty member with Full Graduate Faculty Membership at SGS;
  • Not concurrently hold another major fellowship;
  • Not hold or be on leave from a faculty position; and
  • Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) within three months of appointment and update it annually.

Primary Supervisors must:

  • Hold Full Graduate Faculty Membership at SGS; and
  • Hold external funding.

Co-Supervisors

Co-supervision is permitted only when necessary for project completion. The Primary Supervisor remains responsible for oversight and mentorship. Any University of Toronto faculty member may serve as a Co-Supervisor. Individuals without a primary University of Toronto appointment may be listed as collaborators.

Value of the Fellowship

The Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program supports fellows for two years. Each award provides an annual salary of $80,000 plus associated employer costs, and $10,000 per year in independent research funding.

Important Dates

Applications are due by 11:59 pm on February 15, 2026, and must be submitted to adr.kpe@utoronto.ca. Applicants will be informed of results by March 15, 2026. Fellowships are expected to begin between April 1 and July 1, 2026.

Adjudication Process

Applications will be assessed by the KPE Postdoctoral Fellow Program Evaluation Committee, consisting of a Chair (Dean of KPE or designate) and two members (the Associate Dean, Graduate Education of KPE and the Associate Dean, Research of KPE). The Committee will develop a recommended ranking of all applicants, which will be forwarded to the Dean of KPE for final determination of successful applicants.

Application and Guidelines

Completed applications are to be emailed to adr.kpe@utoronto.ca by 11:59 pm on February 15, 2026.

UofT_Internal KPE PDF – Application Form_2025–26_final.docx 

UofT_Internal KPE PDF – Guidelines 2025–26_final.docx 

Conditions

International applicants must meet all entrance and employment requirements for Canada prior to the start of the funded position. A progress report is required one year from the grant start date unless the project is completed earlier. A final report, including the results of the research, must be submitted within 12 months of the grant end date.

Questions?

For more information, please visit https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/research-excellence-postdoctoral-fellows-program/ . You may also contact the KPE Research Services Office at adr.kpe@utoronto.ca