The Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars (CAIS) has been active as an organization since 2000.

Our aim is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among independent scholars in our community, throughout Canada, and beyond. An independent scholar is any person whose alternate and/or parallel scholarly research is not supported by an academic or commercial institution, whether or not they are affiliated to or employed by either. We welcome scholars with a wide range of interests in any and all disciplines.

We offer opportunities to present your work before a diverse scholarly audience, learn about the work of others, have full library access, receive grants or become an independent scholar-in-residence. We also provide research tools and help with publishing. Our monthly meetings for members and guests offer the opportunity to engage in dialogue with, and advance your own research, through association with like-minded fellow scholars. CAIS aspires to stimulate and help administer the growing independent scholar movement worldwide.