APF Canada Announces Call for Applications for John H. McArthur Research Fellowship 2026-27

Shifts and opportunities in Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement

researcher at desk

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada invites applications for the John H. McArthur Research Fellowship for 2026-27.  

  • Application deadline: Sunday, June 21,  2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
  • Fellowship period: September 1, 2026 – 30 August 30,  2027
     

The John H. McArthur Research Fellowship, established by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) in 2021, supports mid-career scholars conducting original, policy-relevant research to deepen Canada’s understanding of the Indo-Pacific region with the aim of strengthening policy-relevant scholarship on Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement.

The Fellowship honours the legacy of the late Dr. John H. McArthur — a distinguished Canadian, former Chair of APF Canada’s Board of Directors, and Dean Emeritus of Harvard Business School – and is financed by a fund established in Dr. McArthur’s memory.

The Fellowship will support four new Research Fellows in 2026-27 whose work will explore key themes at the intersection of economic security, technological transformation, and geopolitical change, including energy security, innovation, Canada’s evolving relationships in the Indo-Pacific, trade diversification, defence industrial co-operation, and Arctic security. This thematic evolution reflects the growing importance of collaboration in shaping regional strategies, particularly amid renewed trade uncertainty, realignments in global security arrangements, and intensifying geopolitical competition.

The Research Fellows' work will inform Canadian policymakers and the public through published research, briefings to key stakeholders in government and the private sector, and an annual high-profile public symposium to be held in Canada. 

2026-27 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
     

Each Fellow will receive a C$25,000 grant to support their work over a 12-month period. The program is open to mid-career researchers and policy experts with 10-20 years of experience.

Visit us here to apply for this year's John H. McArthur Research Fellowship intake. Email info@asiapacific.ca for more information.