Training Programs
Additional opportunities
There are many ways for trainees to participate in CIFAR programs and initiatives.
Explore our trainee programs below.
Frontiers of Knowledge symposia
(by invitation only)
CIFAR frequently partners with other organizations to co-organize interdisciplinary symposia that foster the development of the next generation of research leaders, promote international collaboration, and explore emerging and leading-edge research themes. Recent partners have included the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Royal Society of Canada and the British Academy.
Trainees in CIFAR programs
(by invitation only)
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who work with CIFAR fellows may be invited to program meetings as reporters or as guests presenting research.
Catalyst funds
(available to program members)
CIFAR provides time-limited seed funding for new and high-risk projects and ideas within and across CIFAR’s portfolio of research programs. This funding enables collaboration between fellows, chairs, scholars, and advisors.
Summer & Winter Schools
CIFAR cultivates the next generation of research leaders.
These intense, multi-day sessions are built for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn skills, build networks, and spur new thinking. CIFAR programs may elect to hold a summer or winter school.
Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning
With two decades of incubating the best ideas in AI, this week-long intensive is produced jointly through the CIFAR Learning in Machines & Brains program and the CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
The DLRLSS is held annually and rotates between the three national AI Institutes: Amii, Mila, and the Vector Institute.
Quantum Materials Summer School
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows discuss the latest topics in quantum materials in this annual three-day event. Trainees must be in the labs of researchers associated with the CIFAR Quantum Materials program or affiliated with partner organizations.
The CIFAR Neuroscience of Consciousness Winter School
A unique, four-day event where tomorrow’s neuroscience leaders work closely with world-class researchers studying the neuroscience of consciousness.
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.