The Future Leaders Fellowship at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is a highly regarded initiative under the Bridging Divides program, designed to support the next generation of scholars who are exploring the dynamic interplay between migration and advanced digital technologies (ADTs). This fellowship offers a unique platform for early-career researchers and senior PhD candidates to conduct interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges related to immigrant integration in the digital age.
As digital technologies continue to reshape the way societies function—from healthcare delivery and labor markets to urban planning and civic engagement—it is essential to understand how these transformations are impacting immigrants and racialized communities. The Future Leaders Fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to make significant contributions to this evolving field, guided by experienced academic mentors and supported by one of Canada’s leading research institutions.
Fellows will participate in a robust academic program that includes an initial in-person residency, remote mentorship, and a final knowledge mobilization phase where their findings will be presented and disseminated widely. This fellowship not only accelerates individual research careers but also builds a diverse, interdisciplinary network of scholars dedicated to inclusive, technology-informed social policy and practice.
The Future Leaders Fellowship at TMU represents a significant opportunity for early-career researchers committed to advancing social justice through innovative, interdisciplinary research. By focusing on the intersection of migration and technology, the program empowers scholars to tackle contemporary challenges and inform policies that improve the lives of immigrant and racialized communities.
Through a year of collaborative learning, guided mentorship, and scholarly development, fellows will sharpen their research skills, deepen their impact, and become leaders in a growing field of global importance. If you are passionate about research, equity, and the power of technology to drive social change, the Future Leaders Fellowship is a transformative step in your academic journey.
Name of Organizer
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) is based in Toronto, Canada, and is known for its commitment to equity-focused, impact-driven research. The Bridging Divides program within TMU is specifically designed to examine how advanced digital technologies affect immigrant integration and racial equity. Through fellowships, collaborative projects, and scholarly engagement, TMU fosters a dynamic intellectual environment that brings together local and global perspectives.
Requirements and Eligibility
The Future Leaders Fellowship is intended for researchers who are in the early stages of their academic careers but have already demonstrated scholarly excellence and a strong commitment to social justice. The fellowship is inclusive and international, welcoming applicants from across Canada and around the world.
1. Academic Status:
– Applicants must be either:
– Senior PhD candidates who have completed at least a first draft of their dissertation, or
– Postdoctoral researchers who earned their PhD within the last five years.
2. Research Focus:
– Applicants must propose a research project that clearly intersects with one or more of the core themes of the Bridging Divides initiative:
– Immigrant Health and Wellbeing
– Employment and Lifelong Learning
– Place and Infrastructure
– Citizenship and Participation
– The project must explore how advanced digital technologies (ADTs) intersect with migration, immigrant integration, or racial equity.
3. Institutional Affiliation:
– Candidates must be affiliated with an academic or research institution, either in Canada or internationally.
4. Scholarly Excellence:
– Applicants must demonstrate a record of academic achievement through publications, presentations, awards, or successful completion of research projects.
5. Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:
– TMU values research that addresses systemic inequities and fosters inclusive innovation. Applications are especially encouraged from scholars from equity-deserving groups.
6. Language:
– All applicants must be proficient in English to effectively participate in the fellowship program and complete their required deliverables.
7. Deliverables:
– Each fellow is expected to:
– Produce a publishable peer-reviewed journal article
– Present their research at a major international academic conference
– Contribute to public engagement and knowledge translation efforts related to their work
Program Duration:
The fellowship is a 12-month program structured around three key phases:
1. Orientation and Research Planning (Month 1):
Fellows will visit TMU in Toronto for a five-day residency to meet with mentors, participate in workshops, and finalize their research plans. This in-person component allows fellows to establish connections with other scholars, receive critical feedback, and develop a roadmap for the year ahead.
2. Research and Mentorship (Months 2–11):
During this phase, fellows will return to their home institutions to conduct their proposed research. They will remain connected to TMU through virtual check-ins, mentorship sessions, and collaborative events. TMU faculty will provide guidance and support throughout the research process.
3. Knowledge Mobilization (Month 12):
The fellowship culminates in a final presentation of findings at a recognized international academic conference. Fellows are also expected to submit their research article to a peer-reviewed journal and share key insights with broader audiences through public-facing formats.
Program Deadline:
Applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Fellowship must be submitted by:
June 1, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early to ensure they have ample time to gather necessary materials, secure institutional support, and craft a compelling research proposal.
Application Materials Include:
– Completed application form
– CV or academic resume
– Two academic letters of reference
– A detailed research proposal (including theoretical framework, methodology, expected outcomes)
– Statement of alignment with the Bridging Divides themes
– Proof of institutional affiliation
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