Seeking out the finest thinkers in all disciplines of
the humanities and social sciences

Every year the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation selects up to five fellows who have set themselves apart through their research achievements, creativity and social commitment. The fellows are chosen by an independent jury of eminent researchers and intellectuals after a rigorous selection process. The Foundation does not accept direct applications for these prizes, but establishes a list of candidates based on suggestions put forward by an extensive nomination network in Canada and abroad. The Trudeau Fellowships are of a total value of $225,000. Trudeau fellows are appointed for a mandate of three years.

Trudeau Fellowships and
Trudeau Visiting Fellowships

Since launching its Fellowship Program in 2002, the Foundation has named 38 Trudeau fellows. The Foundation considers candidates from all disciplines in the social sciences and humanities and all domains of creative arts. It focuses its efforts in four fields: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment.

In the fall of 2008, the Foundation began requesting nominations for a visiting Trudeau fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to an international fellow uneven years and to a national fellow even years. Visiting fellows reside at a Canadian University for at least one year during their mandate.

Objective of the Trudeau Fellowship

Trudeau fellowships are not granted for particular careers or activities, although these factor in the evaluation of the candidates. Above all, Trudeau fellows are chosen above all because they have proven that they can imagine and promote new solutions to major contemporary issues, relying on both the knowledge they have drawn from leading-edge research and the conscientious attention they pay to the needs of our society.

Trudeau fellows enjoy extensive freedom in their use of the funds they are given, and the Foundation does not require them to make a prior commitment to undertake a project or program of action. The only important criteria are the excellence of the candidate's record and his or her moral and intellectual qualities. Because of this approach, the Trudeau fellowships have been able to support original initiatives and truly innovative projects that might not have been supported by traditional research or creativity grant programs. Trudeau fellows are encouraged to communicate their ideas and works broadly, and the Foundation supports all efforts in this regard.

The nomination deadline for the 2012 Trudeau fellowships was
November 15, 2011.

The nomination deadline for the 2012 visiting Trudeau fellowship (national) was
December 1, 2011.

Additional Information

Detailed description of the general Trudeau Fellowship program [PDF].

Detailed description of the Visiting Trudeau Fellowship program  [PDF].


For further information about the Fellowship program, please contact:

Jennifer Petrela
514-938-0001, ext. 227