CREATE for Accelerated Discovery (AccelD)

Program participants are involved in research that addresses challenges across one or more of these pillars, depending on their background, research focus, and stage of training. Together, these pillars support a holistic approach to accelerated, responsible scientific discovery.

Design

The Design pillar focuses on using computational tools, data‑driven methods, and artificial intelligence to propose new materials, molecules, and experimental strategies. Research in this pillar includes model development, hypothesis generation, and responsible use of AI to guide discovery.

Make

The Make pillar addresses how designs are realized experimentally. This includes research related to synthesis workflows, experimental automation, robotics, and scalable or reproducible approaches to creating materials and molecules.

Test

The Test pillar focuses on characterization, measurement, and data generation. Research in this pillar includes high‑throughput experimentation, analytical methods, data quality, and integrating experimental results into iterative discovery workflows.

Functional Materials

The Functional Materials pillar connects discovery workflows to application spaces and real‑world challenges. Research in this pillar explores how accelerated discovery can be applied to areas such as sustainability, energy, health, and advanced materials, while considering broader societal, ethical, and environmental contexts.

Eligible Trainees

Applications are welcome from undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows registered or affiliated with one of the following participating institutions:

• University of Toronto
• Université de Montréal
• University of British Columbia
• University of New Brunswick
• McMaster University

Applicants may come from Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) disciplines as well as non‑NSE disciplines that meaningfully contribute to accelerated discovery (e.g., data science, automation, policy, ethics, business, or design).

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows must be supervised by a Full or Affiliate Member of the Acceleration Consortium at a participating institution listed above. Undergraduate students do not require an Acceleration Consortium‑affiliated supervisor to participate.

CREATE Studentships & Fellowships

Trainees may participate in the AccelD program with or without applying for a program stipend. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows may apply for a studentship or fellowship through the AccelD CREATE program to provide stipend support of up to $15,000 per year for up to two years. Stipend support is competitive, limited, and subject to institutional allocations.

Trainees holding a Mitacs Elevate Fellowship are not eligible for AccelD stipend support.

Applications for 2026 are now open for a September 2026 program intake. The application deadline is July 7, 2026.

We encourage all trainees affiliated with the Acceleration Consortium to participate in the AccelD training program. To be eligible to participate in AccelD activities, with or without a stipend, you must complete an application form.