International Policy Ideas Challenge 2026 – Call for proposals

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), is pleased to announce the ninth edition of the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC). The objective of the program is to draw on the network of talented Canadian graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and early-career civil society researchers to identify concrete, innovative solutions to emerging international policy challenges faced by Canada.

The program offers applicants a chance to test their skills at translating academic expertise into policy language and insights. Applicants are invited to submit brief proposals. GAC will select between 5 and 10 submissions and provide coaching/mentoring to the winning candidates for further developing their proposals into full policy briefs with actionable recommendations. Winners will present their briefs to Government of Canada officials as part of a virtual session that will take place in December 2026.