
16 Jul 2025
Description
Are you a mid-career professional or researcher with a passion for international policy, Canada–U.S. relations, and the Indo-Pacific region? The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 John H. McArthur Research Fellowshipa prestigious opportunity offering C$25,000 per Fellow to support forward-looking, policy-relevant research.
This is a highly competitive research fellowship aimed at fostering deep insights and recommendations on pressing issues affecting Canada’s strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific. The program especially welcomes research that explores Canada–U.S. alignment on topics like trade, technology, and regional security.
About the Fellowship
Launched in 2021 in memory of Dr. John H. McArthurformer Chair of APF Canada’s Board and Dean Emeritus of Harvard Business School, this fellowship continues his legacy by promoting actionable research that bridges academic insight and policy relevance.
For the 2025–2026 cyclethe fellowship has expanded to support four research fellows.
Degree Level
John H. McArthur Research Fellowship 2025, USA is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at USA Universities.
Available Subjects
Eligible Research Topics
The 2025–2026 McArthur Fellowship encourages proposals focusing on the intersection of Canada–U.S. relations and Indo-Pacific engagementincluding but not limited to:
- Regional security and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific
- Canada–U.S. policy alignment on trade, technology, or critical minerals
- Critical minerals strategy and resource security
- Supply chain resilience and economic diversification
- Digital trade governance and emerging technology standards
- New diplomatic or institutional frameworks for Indo-Pacific engagement
- Defence industrial co-operation and security alliances
Deliverables
Selected McArthur Fellows will be expected to produce the following:
- 1 flagship research paper (6,000–8,000 words)
- 2 policy briefs or op-eds
- 1 closed-door briefing in Ottawa
- Participation in an in-person symposium in Toronto (April 2026)
- Public/media engagement activities
This fellowship also provides a platform for policy advocacy, international collaboration, and high-profile exposure in the Indo-Pacific research landscape.
Benefits
- Grant Amount: C$25,000 per Fellow
Why Apply for the John H. McArthur Fellowship?
This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity to:
- Conduct influential research on Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy
- Gain recognition as a thought leader in regional security and trade policy
- Influence Canadian foreign policy discourse through publication, events, and briefings
- Join a respected network of scholars, policymakers, and institutions across the Asia Pacific region
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Mid-career professionals with 10–20 years of relevant experience in academia, public policy, international affairs, or think tank work
- Canadian or U.S. citizens/permanent residents are preferred, but exceptional international applicants may be considered
- Backgrounds in research, policy analysis, or strategic studies related to the Indo-Pacific region
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must submit the following documents via email to: erin.williams@asiapacific.ca
Required Documents:
- Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words)
- Curriculum (include publications list)
- Research Proposal (1,000–1,200 words) detailing:
- Topic focus
- Methodology
- Anticipated outcomes
- Alignment with fellowship themes
- Two reference letters (academic or professional)
Deadline:
August 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a virtual interview. Final results will be announced in early September 2025.
Final Thoughts
The John H. McArthur Research Fellowship 2025–2026 is one of Canada’s most prestigious policy research opportunities for mid-career experts. With a C$25,000 granta high-profile research platform, and meaningful policy engagement, this fellowship is ideal for those looking to make a lasting impact on Canada’s role in the Indo-Pacific.
For full details and application guidelines, visit the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada official website.