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Future Leaders Fellowship

Today’s Leaders Mentoring Tomorrow’s Changemakers

The Bridging Divides Future Leaders Fellowship is a prestigious, year-long program designed to foster the professional development of senior PhD candidates and early career postdoctoral scholars, by pairing them with senior scholars from one of the four Bridging Divides thematic groups. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research, receive mentorship from established academics, and contribute to innovative, interdisciplinary migration research.

Objectives

Fellowship Structure

The Future Leaders Fellowship begins with a five day in-person visit to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where fellows will meet their mentor, shape their research project, and engage in networking activities. Over the following year, fellows will return to their home institutions to carry out their research under the guidance of their mentor, with regular check-ins to track progress and address challenges. The fellowship culminates in the production of a peer-reviewed journal article and the presentation of research findings at a major international conference, providing fellows with a valuable platform to share their work with the broader academic community.

 (google form)  Submit an application  (external link, opens in new window) 

Who Can Apply?

The Future Leaders Fellowship is open to PhD candidates who have completed a first draft of their dissertation and postdoctoral scholars (maximum five years post PhD) based anywhere in the world who are interested in pursuing research that aims to produce innovative and practical knowledge by exploring the relationship between Advanced Digital Technologies and immigrant integration in Canada and beyond. Research interests may be aligned with questions around health equity, economic integration, emerging smart infrastructure technologies, and civic and political participation, among other topics. To apply, you must be affiliated with an academic institution.

To apply for the Future Leaders Fellowship, please submit your application package through  (google form) THIS FORM (external link)  by June 1, 2025. Your application must include the following:

  • 1-page Cover Letter.
  • A 2-page research proposal that aligns with one of the four Bridging Divides themes. Your proposal should clearly outline your research objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. It should name a preferred TMU Bridging Divides mentor that you would like to work with. 
  • A 4-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic background, research experience, and relevant achievements.
  • One reference letter from an academic supervisor or professional who can speak to your research capabilities and suitability for the fellowship.

Applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.

 

Applications are due by June 1, 2025. Successful candidates will be notified by July 1, 2025.

The Future Leaders Fellowship will launch in September 2025 with a visit to TMU. Fellows are expected to have draft papers ready to submit for peer-review and conference presentations by June, 2026. A second start date, beginning January 2026 through November 2026 will be available for candidates unable to start in September.

 

Selected fellows will receive up to $18,000 in benefits:

  • A stipend of $5,000 paid in two installments: $3,000 at the start of the fellowship and $2,000 upon successful completion and submission of a journal article.
  • Full coverage of travel expenses, including a per diem and accommodations, to Toronto Metropolitan University for the initial five-day visit.
  • Coverage of travel expenses, including a per diem and accommodations, to attend the conference where the research will be presented, along with conference registration fees.
  • Open Access Publication fees.

If you still have questions, please email Maggie Perzyna at mperzyna@torontomu.ca.