Applications for the CCA-WRI Research Fellowship Programme are offering sustainability-focused research opportunities for professionals, architects, urban planners, researchers, and academics. Selected fellows receive a CAD 5,000 monthly stipend, residency support, and access to world-class research resources in Montréal, Canada.
Overview
The CCA-WRI Research Fellowship Programme is an international research initiative established through collaboration between the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) and the Window Research Institute (WRI). The programme supports innovative research exploring sustainability, urban transformation, land use, demographic change, climate adaptation, and the growing challenge of vacant buildings and land.
The fellowship brings together researchers, architects, planners, policymakers, and cultural practitioners from around the world to investigate how communities can respond to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions.
About the Fellowship
The programme focuses on understanding and reimagining vacancy in urban and rural environments. As populations shift, industries evolve, and climate change intensifies, many communities face increasing numbers of vacant buildings and underutilized land.
The fellowship encourages research that explores:
- Sustainable urban development
- Climate resilience
- Land use transformation
- Adaptive reuse of buildings
- Rural and urban regeneration
- Environmental sustainability
- Community-centered design
- Circular economy approaches
- Climate adaptation strategies
- Social and spatial impacts of demographic change
Each year, selected fellows collaborate on research projects while engaging with ongoing design and policy discussions.
Benefits
What Do You Gain?
Selected fellows receive:
- Residency at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montréal
- Monthly stipend of CAD 5,000
- Funding support for travel expenses
- Visa support funding
- Private office space
- Access to the CCA Collection and archives
- Opportunities to collaborate with global experts
- Participation in seminars and workshops
- International networking opportunities
- Public presentation opportunities
Research Resources
Fellows gain access to:
- Historical architecture archives
- Urban planning collections
- Design research resources
- International research networks
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to experienced professionals and researchers, including:
- Architects
- Landscape Architects
- Urban Planners
- Urban Decision Makers
- Cultural Producers
- Artists
- Researchers
- Academics
Academic Requirements
Applicants should generally possess:
- A doctoral degree in a relevant field; OR
- Significant professional experience in architecture, planning, design, sustainability, or related disciplines
Ideal Candidates
The programme particularly seeks individuals who can demonstrate:
- Commitment to sustainability research
- Strong publication or research record
- Experience at the intersection of practice and academia
- Interest in urban and rural transformation
- Public-facing research or design practice
Research intended primarily for commercial purposes is not eligible.
Research Themes
Applications are encouraged in areas such as:
Sustainability and Climate
- Climate change adaptation
- Environmental resilience
- Sustainable land management
- Landscape-based climate solutions
Urban and Rural Development
- Vacant buildings and land reuse
- Community regeneration
- Rural development strategies
- Urban transformation
Circular Economy
- Material reuse and recycling
- Building deconstruction and recovery
- Resource circulation systems
Social and Economic Change
- Population decline and growth
- Housing transformation
- Land policy and governance
- Economic restructuring
Application Process
How to Apply
Step 1
Review fellowship requirements and research themes.
Step 2
Prepare a research proposal aligned with programme objectives.
Step 3
Gather supporting documents and academic credentials.
Step 4
Submit the application during the official application period.
Step 5
Await review by the fellowship advisory committee.
Step 6
Selected fellows will be invited to participate in the residency programme.
Required Documents
Applicants are typically expected to provide:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal
- Portfolio (if applicable)
- Academic Credentials
- Publications List
- Professional Experience Documentation
- References
Fellowship Duration
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency Length | 1–3 Months |
| Location | Montréal, Canada |
| Residency Period | August–October |
| Fellowship Cycle | Annual |
Important Dates
The 2026 application cycle has already closed.
The next call for applications is expected to open in September 2026 for future fellowship cohorts.
Interested candidates are encouraged to monitor programme announcements and prepare research proposals in advance.
Summary Table
WRI Sustainability Fellowships Available Globally 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CCA-WRI Research Fellowship Programme |
| Organization | Canadian Centre for Architecture & Window Research Institute |
| Opportunity Type | Research Fellowship |
| Location | Montréal, Canada |
| Duration | 1–3 Months |
| Stipend | CAD 5,000 Per Month |
| Travel Support | Yes |
| Visa Support | Yes |
| Eligibility | Researchers and Experienced Practitioners |
| Research Areas | Sustainability, Urban Development, Climate Change |
| Application Cycle | Annual |
Conclusion
The CCA-WRI Research Fellowship Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for sustainability professionals, architects, planners, researchers, and academics to explore innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental and urban challenges. Through generous financial support, access to exceptional research resources, and collaboration with international experts, fellows can develop impactful research that contributes to sustainable development and climate resilience worldwide.
For professionals interested in sustainability, urban transformation, climate adaptation, and land-use innovation, this fellowship represents a valuable platform for advancing both research and practice.
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