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The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is looking for early-career scientists to fly out, give a seminar on their work and spend two days meeting its research community, with travel, accommodation and meals covered. Applications for the 2026-27 series of its Early-Career Scientist Seminar Series (ECS3) are open until Monday 2 November 2026.
The IRCM launched ECS3 in 2021 to give rising researchers a platform at the point in their careers when being seen really counts: the stretch between postdoc and your own group. This is its sixth year. Up to four speakers will be picked for 2026-27, with seminars running between February and June 2027.
It’s worth a look for dementia researchers. The IRCM’s Center for Genetic and Neurological Diseases works on the origins of neurological disease, and past speakers have included Johannes Schlachetzki on epigenetic regulation of microglia in neurodegeneration and Ana Uzquiano López on brain organoids. Previous speakers have gone on to independent posts, including a group leader role at the Francis Crick Institute.
What you get
Selected speakers get a two-day visit to the IRCM in Montreal with the costs covered: one economy return flight or train ticket, taxis or car hire and parking, meals, and a stay in the IRCM’s own apartment. You’ll give a seminar on your research, receive a $500 honorarium, and spend time with researchers at the IRCM and across the wider Montreal research community.
That last part is the real prize. An invited seminar at an international institute looks good on a CV, but the conversations over those two days are where collaborations, references and future job leads come from.
Who can apply
You need to be an early-career scientist, such as a postdoctoral fellow or research associate, and your research needs to complement the themes of the IRCM’s four research centres: cardiometabolic health, cancer, genetic and neurological diseases, and immunity, inflammation and infectious diseases. The series is international, and speakers have come from the UK, Europe and North America. The IRCM encourages applications from people in historically marginalised groups.
How to apply
Applications go through an online form in two parts: your details (status, affiliation, location, website and profile links) and your supporting documents. A panel of six IRCM Research Unit Directors, chaired by the Vice-President of Research and Academic Affairs, will judge applications on scientific calibre, the relevance of the work and how well it fits the IRCM’s research centres. Decisions are due in December 2026.
If you’re selected and haven’t given many invited talks, our guide to giving your first seminar is a good place to start. And if you’re thinking about the bigger step to independence, have a read of our guide to securing your first research fellowship.
Questions about the series or the selection process go to Christine Matte, Faculty and Scientific Affairs Coordinator at the IRCM: christine.matte@ircm.qc.ca. Full details are on the IRCM ECS3 page.
Apply by Monday 2 November 2026 (11:59pm).
