The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is inviting applications for the 2026 Institute Advisory Board (IAB) Membership Cycle, offering professionals, researchers, and community leaders an opportunity to influence the future of health research in Canada.

These advisory boards play a critical role in guiding CIHR’s Institutes by providing expert advice, strategic perspectives, and community insight to strengthen Canada’s health research ecosystem.

Serving as an IAB member allows individuals to contribute to national health research priorities, collaborate with experts across disciplines, and ensure research initiatives reflect the needs of diverse communities.

Application Deadline: April 25, 2026

What Are CIHR Institute Advisory Boards?

Each of CIHR’s 13 Institutes has its own Institute Advisory Board composed of 8–14 volunteer members from Canada and abroad. These members provide advice to the Institute’s Scientific Director on a wide range of activities, including:

Research priorities and strategic planning
Knowledge mobilization strategies
Community engagement initiatives
Cross-Institute collaborations
Health policy and innovation

The boards represent a broad spectrum of expertise across the health research ecosystem, including academia, government, healthcare institutions, industry, and community organizations.

The Role of an Institute Advisory Board Member

IAB members serve in an independent advisory capacity, providing insights and recommendations that strengthen the direction and impact of health research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Members contribute by:

Advising on Institute initiatives and strategic research priorities
Encouraging interdisciplinary health research collaborations
Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and communities
Supporting knowledge translation and research impact
Considering ethical, policy, diversity, and inclusion factors in research initiatives

Members also help ensure research priorities address emerging health challenges and the needs of diverse Canadian populations.

Leadership and Governance

Each Institute Advisory Board operates with a leadership structure that includes either:

A Chair and Vice-Chair, or
Two Co-Chairs

These leaders guide discussions, develop meeting agendas with the Scientific Director, and ensure that advice represents the collective views of the board.

Appointments are made by CIHR’s Governing Council based on expertise, experience, and representation needs.

Membership Term and Time Commitment

Selected members are invited to serve for:

Initial term: Up to 3 years
Possible renewal: Up to an additional 3 years
Maximum service: 6 years

Board meetings occur at least twice per year, either virtually or in person.

While membership is voluntary, CIHR reimburses travel and meeting-related expenses at standard Government of Canada rates.

Areas of Expertise Sought for 2026

For the 2026 cycle, CIHR Institutes are seeking applicants with expertise in areas such as:

Artificial intelligence and data science in health research
Indigenous health research and systems
Health policy development and implementation
Clinical research and trials
Precision medicine and oncology
Mental health and substance use policy
Nutrition and metabolic diseases
Population health and public health policy
Digital health and learning health systems
Gerontechnology and aging research

Many Institutes are also seeking representation from individuals with lived experience, government professionals, patient partners, and international experts.

Why Join a CIHR Institute Advisory Board?

Serving on an IAB offers a unique opportunity to influence national health research priorities while working alongside leaders from multiple sectors.

Impact Canada’s Health Research Agenda

Your insights can help shape policies and research strategies that improve health outcomes across the country.

Expand Your Professional Network

Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and community leaders from Canada and around the world.

Represent Diverse Voices

CIHR is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Advisory board members help ensure health research reflects the needs of all Canadians.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

CIHR actively encourages applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the advisory boards.

This includes candidates who identify as Indigenous, Francophone, gender diverse, living with disabilities, or members of racialized and marginalized communities.

Representation across regions, sectors, and lived experiences is considered an essential part of building inclusive health research leadership.

How the Selection Process Works

Applications are reviewed during the annual membership cycle. Scientific Directors evaluate candidates based on:

Expertise and professional experience
Gaps in board representation
Diversity and regional representation
Current vacancies on each Institute’s board

Selected candidates help fill expertise or representation needs within specific Institutes.

Applications remain active in the IAB candidate pool for three years, allowing applicants to be considered for future openings.

Apply for the 2026 CIHR IAB Membership Cycle

Professionals interested in shaping the future of health research in Canada are encouraged to submit an application before the deadline.

APPLY HERE.