The title recognizes Rachel Parker, Head of Next Generation Initiatives, for her leadership in advancing opportunities for emerging research leaders 

CIFAR is pleased to announce that Rachel Parker, Head of Next Generation Initiatives, has been named the inaugural Azrieli Chair for Next Generation Initiatives.

In her role at CIFAR, Parker leads the organization’s growing portfolio of programs for early-career researchers, including the CIFAR Global Scholars program, which was fully supported by the Azrieli Foundation as the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program from 2016 to 2026. Through funding, mentorship, leadership development and opportunities for global, interdisciplinary collaboration, CIFAR aims to support and incentivize early-career researchers to pursue interdisciplinary research beyond established academic norms.

As the Azrieli Chair for Next Generation Initiatives, Parker will continue to strengthen CIFAR’s connections across the global research community and advance CIFAR and the Azrieli Foundation’s shared commitment to advancing the academic careers of outstanding early-career researchers.

“It’s a privilege to support exceptional early-career researchers from around the world,” said Parker. “I’m honoured to hold this title and to continue expanding the reach and impact of CIFAR’s programs to help emerging research leaders thrive.”

“At the Azrieli Foundation, we believe funding exceptional early-career researchers creates lasting benefits for science, society and future generations,” said Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair of the Azrieli Foundation. “We are proud to welcome Rachel Parker as the inaugural Azrieli Chair for Next Generation Initiatives at CIFAR and look forward to the continued impact of this important work.”

“Rachel has played an instrumental role in deepening and expanding CIFAR’s impact on research talent around the globe,” said Stephen J. Toope, President and CEO of CIFAR. “Her longstanding commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for emerging researchers makes her exceptionally well-suited to hold this title. We are deeply grateful to the Azrieli Foundation for their decade-long partnership and shared commitment to the next generation of research leaders.”