MUHC launches fellowship program to attract world-leading researchers to Quebec

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) announced Thursday a new postdoctoral fellowship program, named “Canada’s Best,” to recruit young researchers from around the world.

The goal of the fellowship is to strengthen Quebec’s position as a leading force in biomedical research, both within Canada and internationally.

The program will provide post-doctoral fellows the hands-on experience of working alongside scientists across disciplines, and give access to highly specialized research platforms. The fellows will be able to explore both discovery and clinical care in pediatric and adult settings. 

“Postdoctoral fellows are the driving force behind our research programs: they do more than support discovery—they propel it forward,” said Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the Research Institute of the MUHC.

The initial investment was $20 million, including $14 million in philanthropic support. This was made possible through a collaboration between the Research Institute, the MUHC, and its four foundations—the MUHC Foundation, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Cedars Cancer Foundation.

MUHC hopes to recruit up to 100 young researchers over the coming years.

“Attracting, training and retaining top talent is at the heart of Québec’s scientific strategy,” said Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec. “A unique program like Canada’s Best sends a clear message: here, researchers can develop ambitious ideas and fully realize their potential in an exceptional environment at the intersection of research and clinical care.”

Canada’s Best will provide stable funding for up to four years.

“This is unusual for a postdoctoral fellowship. So having that security that there will be funding to actually do the science is a huge advantage because one of our greatest challenges is the fact that there isn’t enough funding to actually do the work,” said Dr. Touyz.

The Institute highlighted one of its laboratories, which leads an international team conducting transplantation and lung disease research through tissue bioprinting and cell manufacturing technologies — a potential opportunity for postdoctoral fellows.

“Canada’s Best isn’t limited to training scientists. It’s about positioning Québec and Canada as a hub to attract and retain the next generation of the world’s brightest minds,” said Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director of the MUHC. “Above all, it’s about transforming lives, transforming research, transforming patient care—everywhere in the world.”

Young researchers can now apply for Canada’s Best through the MUHC’s website.