Health Science Education

Established in 2022 by Dr. Alyssa Vito, survivor of triple negative breast cancer and MSc/PhD McMaster alumna. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Graduate Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, to a graduate student who conducts cancer research with a component of their activities devoted to leadership, community outreach, and patient engagement. Preference will be given to students pursuing research in breast cancer.

ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.

For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.

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In recognition of the growing importance of good governance to all Canadian institutions, the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research is offering annual Bertram Scholarships of $20,000 to PhD students registered at Canadian universities. The scholarship will support the work of students who are conducting research into organizational governance as part of their doctoral research project.

Visit the CFGR website for all information.

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The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement has been rebranded as the Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements (CTRAS-RTS).

Details of the new award and application process can be found on the Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements (CTRAS-RTS) webpage.

The Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS) provide additional funding to active master’s and doctoral award holders to help offset the costs of undertaking research travel within Canada or outside Canada for a defined period.

The CRTAS is administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), NSERC and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity.

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The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.

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The CIBC Graduate Bursaries in Breast Cancer was established in 2004 by CIBC under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund II initiative in support of CIBC’s belief that all students should have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. To be granted first to students enrolled in a graduate program in the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need and are conducting thesis research in the field of breast cancer and alternatively to students who are conducting thesis research in the field of women’s health, obstetrics, gynecology or medical oncology. Preference will be given to full-time graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence.

Postdoctoral research opportunities funded through CIHR. E-Approval done through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Fellowships provide support for highly qualified applicants in all areas of health research at the post-PhD degree or post-health professional degree stages to add to their experience by engaging in health research either in Canada or abroad.

Valued at up to $70,000 per annum for two years.

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The CIHR Strategic Master’s Award program provides financial support to scholars who are engaged in an eligible master’s program in Canada (refer to Eligibility) and that are relevant to specific CIHR priority research areas. This support allows these scholars to concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields.

The CIHR Strategic Master’s Award program is supported by CIHR Institutes and Initiatives with specific priority areas and is administered by CIHR.

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The CGRS M is a scholarship in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The CRTAS aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity.

The CGRS M program supports up to 3,298 students annually in all disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three granting agencies. The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the institutional level under the guidance of the three agencies.

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The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.

The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.

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The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

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Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. John Thomas by family, friends and colleagues. The bursary fund will assist graduate students enrolled in the department of philosophy or the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies with preference given to students studying medical or applied ethics.

Under the terms of a bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation by the late Eugene B. Eastburn, a two-year Fellowship will be awarded for full-time postdoctoral studies in engineering or sciences (Natural or Physical sciences, including Health Sciences).

The fellowship will be awarded for 24 months for a total value of $90,000.

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Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

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The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.

The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

AwardSpring Application dates:

• Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 2, 2025 and closes October 3, 2025
• Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 5, 2026 and closes February 5, 2026
• Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 1, 2026 and closes June 2, 2026

The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.

The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.

The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.

Incoming students are eligible to apply.

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A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

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Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

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This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

• high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
• post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
• sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
• educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

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The Mackenzie King Scholarships were established as an independent charitable trust under the will of the late Rt. Hon. William Mackenzie King (1874-1950).

Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available. Both are to support graduate study by graduates of Canadian universities. Those whose previous degrees are from outside Canada are ineligible to apply, notwithstanding that they seek support for doing graduate studies in Canada.

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Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

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Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to info@feedopportunity.com.

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The Mary Buzzell Graduate Scholarship for Resilient Aging will be awarded to an outstanding student enrolled in any Master’s Degree program at McMaster University who is preparing for a career in the multidisciplinary field of Aging. This award is sponsored by Hamilton Aging in Community.

About Mary Buzzell

Mary Buzzell, a McMaster University faculty member in Nursing, was recognized by McMaster with an honorary doctorate as a pioneer in resilient aging, especially through innovative educational and community programs.

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What is a bursary?

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at McMaster
• Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
• OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
• Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
• OSAP is used to demonstrate financial need. Students must accept both loan and grant portions of their OSAP. ONLY graduate students in the following groups will be considered for a bursary without an OSAP application:
  • Indigenous students
  • students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
  • academic progress restriction
  • income verification restriction
  • provincial and/or federal default restriction
  • credit check restriction
  • students with a disability taking a reduced course load
  • students with out-of-province student aid
  • part-time students in a masters or PhD degree program
  • students receiving social assistance

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Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

1. the impact of exercise on mobility;
2. the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
3. causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
4. the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
5. the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
6. evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
7. the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

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The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) provides funding to support interdisciplinary research on aging led by McMaster researchers from across all six Mac Faculties.

The MIRA Graduate Scholarship Program is open to applicants entering year one of a master’s program and year one or two of a doctoral program.

Applicants are invited to submit a research proposal focusing on interdisciplinary, impact-driving approaches in the study of aging.

Visit the  MIRA website for all details, including how to apply.

Deadlines

• Notice of Intent: November 25, 2024
• Application: December 10, 2024, 4 p.m. ET

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The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers.  Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.

For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA.

Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15

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The Mitacs-JSPS Summer program is offered in partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Mitacs. It provides opportunities for full-time graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Canada to pursue collaborative research in Japan.

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Established in 2020 the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student researching technological advances related to seniors, and who demonstrates academic excellence.

Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.

This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.

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Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF) provide funding to full-time students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. It’s a merit-based scholarship for students with an A- or above.

Value: $12,000 ($4,000 per term)

Duration: 1 year

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.

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The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, a scholar awards program in women’s health has been established to ensure that Ontario attracts and retains pre-eminent scholars studying women’s health.

The Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Awards Program aims to establish a research community that meets or exceeds internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence in its creation of new knowledge about women’s health and its translation into improved health for women, more effective health services and products for women, and a strengthened health care system.

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To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid for research and field work; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel.

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

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At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year.

NOTE: The next competition for Ontario will be for 2027. The competition will take place in Fall 2026.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit.

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The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

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The Diane and Colin Wood Bursary in Respiratory Health was established in 2008 by Diane Wood and Colin Wood, BComm (Class of ’78). To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, to a graduate student who demonstrates financial need and is conducting research in the area of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Preference will be given to students studying emphysema.

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The Dr. Jordan Page Harsham Bursary was established in 2011 by the Harshman Fellowships Society to honour Dr. Jordon Page Harshman, past president of the society. To be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies, based on the recommendation of the Associate Dean, Health Sciences (Graduate), to a graduate student in the Faculty of Health Sciences who is engaged in medical research and who demonstrates financial need as well as good citizenship, good social responsibility, and leadership in society. Preference will be given to students in the following three areas in descending order: The Michael G. DeGroote institute for Infectious Disease Research, the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the department of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. Recipients will be provided with a certificate from the Faculty of Health Sciences detailing the purpose and history of this award at McMaster University. Students who are recipients of an Ontario Graduate Scholarship are not eligible for this Bursary.

Established in 2023 by Kelly Kjeldsen and the family and friends of Dr. M. Corinne Devlin to honour the contributions Dr. Devlin made to McMaster University and to advancing women’s health. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Faculty of Health Sciences to a graduate student in the Faculty of health Sciences who demonstrates research excellence in women’s health

The E.B. Ryan Scholarship was established in 1997 using funds raised by a performance of the play Letter from Wingfield Farm, this scholarship is to be awarded to in-course graduate students from the faculties of Social Sciences and Health Sciences conducting research on aging. This award, valued at a maximum of $2,000, is awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of a committee comprised of at least the director and the co-ordinator of the Office of Gerontological Studies.

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and
operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of
Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The EJ Irvine Annual Graduate Student Award Established in 2022 by the Estate of Daniel Connelly Irvine in memory of the late Dr. Elizabeth Irvine, MSc. (Class of ’86). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Director of the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the Director, Division of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine. To be awarded to graduate students who demonstrate the best progress in research after year 1 in the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute.

Established in 2025 by Corrie Gicante (1970) in loving memory of her husband, Carmen Gicante, a dedicated supporter of education. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a master’s or doctoral student in any subject who demonstrates financial need.

The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Lorne F. Lambier, Q.C. Scholarship was established in 1984, and is awarded by the School of Graduate Studies annually to a graduate student in a master’s or doctoral program in the Faculty of Health Sciences or Faculty of Science whose research is directed toward the understanding and/or cure of cancer. The Scholarship may be renewed for an additional year.

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Mr. Louis Minden. To be awarded to a graduate student in the Faculty of Health Sciences by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. This award is once renewable, and preference will be given to a graduate student pursuing research in preventative medicine.

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

Established in 2025 by the friends and family of Eric ‘Ric’ Boyd to advance the study of endocrinology, which was one of his lifelong passions. To be granted to graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students conducting research in the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research (MODR).

Established in 1990 by family and friends to honour the valuable contribution of Dr. Rawls made to cancer research; as Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, founder and coordinator of the McMaster Cancer Research Group, Director of the Molecular Virology and Immunology Programme and Past President of the National Cancer Institute. Eligible students are from the Medical Sciences Graduate Program currently supervised by a faculty member who is associated with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre (MIRC). The award will be made by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Assistant Dean of the Medical Sciences Graduate Program.

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

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