The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is inviting applications for the 2025–2026 cycle of the prestigious John H. McArthur Research Fellowship, a program supporting innovative research that informs Canada’s policy engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
Named in honour of the late Dr. John H. McArthur — a prominent Canadian educator, former Chair of APF Canada, and Dean Emeritus at Harvard Business School — the Fellowship continues his legacy by empowering scholars to tackle pressing regional and global issues. For this cycle, APF Canada will award four (04) research fellowships, each valued at C$25,000, to mid-career professionals whose work bridges Canada–U.S. relations with evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Fellowship Focus and Themes
This year’s Fellowship seeks research that addresses the rapidly changing geopolitical and economic landscape. Applicants are encouraged to explore topics such as:
- Regional security and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific
- Canada–U.S. policy alignment in trade, technology, and critical minerals
- Supply chain resilience and economic diversification strategies
- Digital trade governance and emerging tech standards
- Defense industrial base cooperation and Indo-Pacific diplomacy.
Fellowship Term and Deliverables
Fellowships run from September 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. Each Fellow is expected to deliver:
- One flagship research paper (6,000–8,000 words)
- Two policy briefs or op-eds
- A closed-door policy briefing in Ottawa
- Participation in a symposium in Toronto (April 2026)
- Media engagement and public dissemination of findings.
Who Should Apply?
Eligible candidates include mid-career professionals with 10–20 years of experience in academia, public policy, think tanks, or international affairs. While Canadian and U.S. citizens and permanent residents are prioritized, APF Canada will also consider outstanding candidates from other countries whose work aligns with the Fellowship’s mission.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following documents here https://www.asiapacific.ca/john-mcarthur-research-fellowship-call-for-applications-2025-2026:
- A 500-word statement of interest
- Curriculum vitae (with publication list)
- A detailed research proposal (1,000–1,200 words)
- Two academic or professional letters of reference
The final deadline for applications is August 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
