30 Apr Discover the 2026 cohort!
PRESS RELEASE
Montréal, April 30, 2026
SUPPORTING LEADERSHIP, IDEAS, AND IMPACT IN THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is pleased to announce the next recipients for its 2026 cohort under its Doctoral Scholarship, Fellowship, and Mentorship programs.
For over two decades, the Foundation has advanced excellence in the humanities and social sciences by supporting outstanding PhD students, researchers, and professionals committed to critical reflection and engaged action in society.
Selected through a rigorous process led by external committees, the 2026 cohort represents the next generation of thinkers and changemakers, voices shaping Canada’s future and the conversations that guide it.
Since 2003, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation has awarded outstanding individuals with a scholarship, fellowship or mentorship. The members of our community play a vital role in the knowledge discussion and transfer in Canada and abroad, and we are honoured to be working with them. I am reminded each year of the talent and the dedication that our members bring towards Humanities and Social Sciences – our future is in excellent hands.
- Peter Sahlas, Chair of the Board of Directors
The Scholars, Fellows and Mentors 2026 represent a wonderful example of how excellence, research, and public outreach and engagement can bring change for the betterment of Canadian society and public life. We are particularly excited to welcome the new 2026 Fellows after a rigorous programme review. Over the course of the next three years, new members will join current members – I am already looking forward to the research collaborations and projects that there are to come.
- Bettina Cenerelli, President and CEO
The 2026 Scholars stand out for their research excellence, commitment to society, and leadership potential. They come from a wide range of Canadian universities and represent a large variety of academic disciplines and research projects.
- Aaron Bailey, University of Victoria
- Simon Beaudoin, University of British Columbia
- Célia Bensiali-Hadaud, Concordia University
- Étienne Chénier-Laflèche, École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP)
- Kate Feather, McGill University
- Sara Ferwati, University of Toronto
- Maya Gazit, University of Ottawa
- Gabrielle Goyet, Université de Montréal
- Makda Habtegergesa, University of Calgary
- Guillaume Jabbour, Concordia University
- Megan Légaré, McGill University
- Krista Macaulay, Simon Fraser University
- Jeanne Mayrand-Thibert, University of Toronto
- Audrey Medwayosh, University of Alberta
- Angèle Poirier, University of Regina
- Becky Swainson, University of Guelph
- Christopher Wilson, Queen’s University
- Taylor Wilson, University of British Columbia
For the first time since establishing an entirely renewed Fellowship program, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation will welcome a cohort of 2026 Fellows: remarkable university professors and engaged public intellectuals from Canadian universities who are recognized for their innovative research impact, their intellectual leadership and their ability to engage broad public audiences.
- Jackie Dawson, University of Ottawa
- Steven High, Concordia University
- Sheryl Lightfoot, University of Toronto
- Val Napoleon, University of Victoria
- Christina Sharpe, York University
Finally, the Foundation is proud to welcome a new cohort of Mentors: experienced practitioners recognized for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to public life. While Fellows are the senior academic counterparts to Scholars, Mentors offer a different perspective. Their high-level leadership experience and expertise gained in a variety of professional settings outside academia allow Scholars to broaden their networking opportunities, knowledge and points of view.
The Foundation is profoundly grateful to all selection committee members who have contributed to a rigorous selection process in the Fall and in the Spring. Warmest congratulations and welcome to all new members of the 2026 cohort! We are proud to support exceptional individuals whose work, ideas, and engagement help shape our future.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is an independent, non-partisan Canadian registered charity. It was created in 2001 as a living memorial to the late former prime minister. The Foundation supports cutting-edge research in the humanities and social sciences, ensuring concrete tie-ins with issues that affect our everyday lives. It supports students pursuing a PhD, honours top researchers and builds strong connections with leading figures in the professional field. By fostering collaboration between the Scholars, Fellows and Mentors who receive our support, the Foundation brings together exceptional leaders who work together to find tangible solutions to the key challenges of our time.
Media contact:
communications@trudeaufoundation.ca