POLAR International Partnership Research Development Program

On this page

• Introduction
• Eligibility
• Guide for applicants
• Apply
• Application due date
• Contact us

Introduction

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is accepting proposals for the POLAR International Partnership Research Development program. Up to $100,000 per project in funding will be distributed over two years to add or expand international research collaboration for existing projects.

Science and Technology Pillars

Polar Knowledge Canada disburses funds in support of three Science and Technology pillars. Projects seeking funds under the POLAR International Partnership Research Development program must meet at least one of the three pillars.

POLAR’s 2026-2029 Science and Technology Framework comprises of the following three pillars of research and knowledge:

Pillar 1 - One Health

“One Health” is an integrated approach to understanding wildlife health, human health, and ecosystem health. This pillar supports research that improves understanding of the factors affecting these interconnected systems, including impacts on wildlife, communities, and the environment. Priority areas include research that supports food security in the North, sustainable harvesting practices, food safety, northern supply chains, and approaches that strengthen the health and well-being of Arctic communities.

Pillar 2 - Energy, technology, and cold climate innovation

This pillar supports research and innovation that address energy and technology challenges in cold climates and remote locations. Priority areas include the development, testing, and application of solutions related to energy systems, waste management, transportation, housing, and other technologies that improve resilience and sustainability in northern environments.

Pillar 3- Climate, biodiversity, and shifting landscapes

This pillar supports research that improves understanding of the impacts of climate change on Arctic terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Priority areas include changing environmental conditions, biodiversity, permafrost, glaciers, sea ice, wildlife and vegetation, extreme weather, and other landscape level changes that inform environmental stewardship, climate adaptation and Canada’s response to emerging Arctic challenges.

For more information, read the Science and Technology Framework.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include, Canadian academic institutions and organizations, and Indigenous and community organizations with Principal Investigators who have an existing research project based in the Canadian Arctic and/or Antarctic regions.

Projects who received funding under the previous POLAR International Partnership Research Development Program (2025–2027) are not eligible to apply.

While exceptions may be made, most successful applications will involve a project that has been ongoing for a minimum of two years. For the purposes of this Call, an existing research project refers to a research initiative that has already been established, with defined objectives, ongoing activities, and/or demonstrated progress toward research outcomes. The proposed international partnership must add value to the existing research program and support its objectives.

To be eligible for this contribution program, applications must meet the following criteria:

• Principal Investigator must be based at a Canadian academic institution, organisation, or Indigenous or community organization.
• The proposed project builds on an existing research program that supports Arctic or Antarctic science research aligned with the priorities in Science and Technology pillars (listed above).
• The proposed partnership is with a research institution, organization or collaborator that closely aligns with Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy.

In addition to the eligibility and assessment criteria, POLAR may prioritize projects that align with Canada's strategic science priorities for the Arctic and Antarctic.

The following examples represent projects funded under the 2025-2027 Call for Proposals and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Examples of previously funded projects are available at the following link: POLAR International Partnership Research Development Program 2025-2027.

Guide for applicants 2026–2028

Please download and review the guidelines carefully to ensure your application meets all requirements.

Apply

To apply, you must create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada’s Online Application and Reporting site. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Use your account to submit your application.

IMPORTANT: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application package is complete before submitting. Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria or are incomplete will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.

Notifications will only be sent to successful candidates.

For applicants with limited connectivity or issues with the web portal, please contact the Grants and Contributions team.

Apply for the POLAR International Partnership Research Development Program.

Application due date

September 9, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

Contact us

For all questions regarding the 2026–2028 POLAR International Partnership Research Development Program application process, contact the Grants and Contributions team.