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Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black Scholars

Black scholars are among the most underrepresented in postdoctoral positions, tenured faculty positions, and in university leadership. Building on the recommendations of the Anti-Black Racism (opens in new window)  Campus Climate Review and reinforced by the  (PDF file) Standing Strong (opens in new window)  committee recommendations, and as part of a wider commitment to equity, in recognition of the barriers to equal opportunities for education and employment, TMU implemented this program with the goals of building a more diverse and inclusive academe, and supporting the flourishing of Black scholarship. In particular, this program seeks to expand and advance Black scholarship and intellectual traditions, and support the academic endeavours of the Black community.

The fellowship competition is currently closed. The next call for applications is expected in January 2027, with fellowships available in September 2027.

Dr. Seth Dworkin
Academic Lead, Postdoctoral Fellows, YSGPS
seth.dworkin@torontomu.ca

2025 recipient profiles

Dr. Adesoji Babalola

Economics of Afrobeats

Examining the intersection of cultural production, political expression and economic empowerment

Dr. Linzey Corridon

Queeribbean creativity

Dr. Corridon’s research challenges established concepts of race, gender and sexuality

Dr. Patience Obi

Supporting ovarian cancer survival for Black women

Research addresses critical gaps and considers racial disparities

Dr. Olajide Salawu

Seasonality and Afro-Canadian Diaspora

Literary scholar and poet engages concepts of nationhood, community, home and diaspora

2023 recipient profiles

Dr. Joseph Adu

Reducing Black mental illness stigma

Dr. Adu examines mental health disparities experienced by Black families and communities

Ashley Jane Lewis

Driving innovation through Afrocentric knowledge

Lewis’s award-winning work is driving innovation and creating space for reimagined futures

Dr. Esa Dube Kerme

Engineering excellence

Outstanding scholar contributes significantly to mechanical engineering through research, teaching and service

Dr. Teshager Kefale

A passion for equity

Dr. Kefale uplifts underrepresented communities through commitment to meaningful societal contributions