From left to right: Stephen Lucas (CEO, Mitacs), Deirdre Haskell (Director, Fields Institute) and Eyal de Lara (Professor and Chair, U of T Department of Computer Science) at the signing ceremony on November 13, 2025. (photo: Jeff Beardall)
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, Mitacs and the Fields Institute have announced a new collaboration to build stronger research ties with some of the best universities in India. Leveraging the success of Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program and the Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program, the three organizations have joined forces to establish the Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program.
The Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program will bring top senior undergraduate students from select institutions in India to participate simultaneously in the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program and the Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program. The University of Toronto Department of Computer Science is recruiting professors to put forward projects and host students, as well as soliciting participation from top institutions in India.
Students will be invited by their home institutions to apply to the program, with nominated students undergoing a matching process in early 2026. The first cohort of students will come to Canada during Summer 2026.
This new initiative will provide increased visibility for higher education institutions in Southern Ontario and attract top talent to contribute to research projects under the supervision of Canadian faculty. Program participants will receive mentorship, training and exposure to future opportunities for industry collaboration.
Up to 12 students will participate in the initial cohort, with students coming from select partner institutions in India.
Quotes
“At the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, we’re committed to giving undergraduates the opportunity to engage directly in innovative research with real-world impact. Through collaborations like this, promising students gain hands-on experience working alongside leading faculty while discovering pathways for future graduate study. By partnering with organizations like Mitacs and the Fields Institute, we’re proud to help strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in technology and research, fostering connections between academia, industry and government to innovate together.”
“Mitacs is proud to partner with our colleagues at the University of Toronto and the Fields Institute on this new offering. The Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program will create important new opportunities for Canadian researchers to partner with elite talent from India’s top academic institutions. Strengthening international collaboration through strategic investment, like this new program, is essential to attract world-class talent and keep Canada competitive.”
“We’re excited to work with Mitacs to build connections with India, bring excellent students to Canada and further international collaborations in mathematics research. Our FUSRP program is one of the most popular programs at the Fields Institute, welcoming competitive young mathematicians from all over the world for what are often career-defining opportunities and the chance to make lifelong connections.”
About the University of Toronto Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto is a global leader in computing research and education, consistently ranked among the top computer science departments worldwide. Known for its pioneering contributions to areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction and systems, the department fosters a vibrant academic community that brings together world-renowned faculty, innovative researchers, and ambitious students. With strong ties to industry and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, U of T’s Department of Computer Science drives technological advancement and prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, industry and beyond.
The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is Canada’s leading public research university, recognized globally for its academic excellence and innovation. Across its three campuses, the university offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. U of T is home to world-changing discoveries and continues to shape a better future through research, teaching and public impact.
About Mitacs
For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services. This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.
Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.
About the Fields Institute
At the Fields Institute, mathematics research, innovation and education flourish. We foster an inclusive, equitable and collaborative culture where everyone can discover mathematics, and where mathematicians can make meaningful contributions to the world. Our mission is simple: we seek to bring together mathematicians from across sectors and the globe to develop the mathematics that will shape our future.
The Fields Institute is primarily funded by the Federal and Provincial governments, nine Principal Sponsoring Universities from across Ontario, and 15 Affiliate Sponsoring Universities. We are also supported by numerous other Institutions and Centres across Canada and internationally.