GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS/ AWARDS AND GRADUATE TRAVEL
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The following scholarships are available to students in the Biology graduate programs (subject to confirmation of funding availability). Unless otherwise specified, a STANDARD application will consist of the following:
- Covering letter
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary schools
- CV listing scholarships held, publications, presentations other scholarly activities
- A one-page summary of research project (including progress to date)
- Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes
Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. The deadline for submission is 12 noon on the dates noted below. Late applications will be ineligible.
FEBRUARY 15TH
Robert and Ruth Lumsden Fellowships in Science (4)
Awarded annually to graduate students in any program in the Faculty of Science, with one fellowship reserved for students in the Department of Earth Sciences. Nominees must be registered in a Ph.D. program and must have completed at least two years of study in any graduate program at Western. Exceptional international students may also be considered. These fellowships were made possible by a bequest to Foundation Western by the late Ruth V. Lumsden (BA '79) and Robert O. Lumsden (BA '78).
Application: Students must submit an NSERC PGS-D application form including two current reference letters, as well as unofficial transcripts for all educational institutions.
Value: $1,000
Robert and Ruth Lumsden Graduate Awards in Science (2)
Awarded annually to graduate students in any Ph.D. graduate program in the Faculty of Science, based on financial need and academic achievement. Nominees must be either a Canadian citizen or Landed Immigrant and must have resided in the Province of Ontario for at least two years. Eligibility requires that students will have completed two full years of study at UWO in a graduate program in the Faculty of Science, maintained a minimum of B+ (78%) average over the two year period and the student must not hold a major scholarship or award such as NSERC or OGS. At the time of nomination, the student should be receiving only the minimum total stipend which is normally guaranteed by the home department. These fellowships were made possible by a bequest to Foundation Western by the late Ruth V. Lumsden (BA '79) and Robert O. Lumsden (BA '78).
Application: Students must submit a letter of application along with a current C.V. and a Summary of Financial Information Form (OSOTF Awards form)
Value: $1,000 each
JULY 15TH
Dr. Irene Uchida Fellowships in Life Sciences (2)
Two fellowships to be awarded annually to full-time graduate students in the Biology graduate program who have demonstrated financial need. Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident/Landed Immigrant or a Protected Person and meet the OSOTF requirements including OSAP Ontario Residency: You have always resided in Ontario OR Ontario is the last province you resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student (high school education must have been in Ontario). To view the OSAP Ontario Residency requirements, please go to the following link: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/UCONT004192.html .
Final selection will be based on academic excellence which includes grade point average and other scholarly activities (e.g., publications and presentations). Only students who have completed at least one year of graduate studies at The University of Western Ontario by the award date (September 1st) will be eligible.
Application: STANDARD plus the following items as applicable
Irene Uchida Fellowship Application Form
Financial Information for Graduate Students - OSOTF Awards
Value: $3,000 each
Ruth Horner Arnold Fellowship
This fellowship is awarded annually to a first year graduate student in the Department of Biology with preference given to a student doing research in the field of mycology. This fellowship is awarded in memory of the late Ruth Horner Arnold by Dr. John Arnold and colleagues.
Application: STANDARD
Value: $3,000 to be divided by 1, 2 or 3 students.
J.D. Detwiler Award
Awarded for demonstrated excellence to any graduate student registered in the Biology Graduate Program who has completed his/her assessment. This award was established in memory of Professor John D. Detwiler by his former students to reward excellence in the studies and research or graduate students and consequently may not be awarded every year.
Application: STANDARD
Value: $1,500
Malcolm Ferguson Award in Life Sciences
Awarded to a full-time graduate student enrolled in a M.Sc. or PhD degree program in Biology based on academic performance (minimum 78%) and overall research contributions. Research contributions will be evaluated primarily based on refereed publications and presentations at national or international conferences. This award was established through Foundation Western in memory of Malcolm Ferguson by his wife Ruth to recognize his lifetime interest in Life Sciences and to reward excellence in the studies and research of graduate students in this field.
Application: STANDARD
Value: $1,000
Dr. René R. Roth Memorial Award
Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the Biology graduate program with a high standing in academics and research. Preference will be given to an international student or landed immigrant. This memorial award was established by family and friends of Dr. René Roth to honour his contributions at Western.
Application: STANDARD
Value: $1,000
David E. Laudenbach Scholarship
To recognize the contributions of a graduate student in the Biology Graduate Program who exemplifies a balance of research with the commitments of university, social and/or family activities. Minimum academic average of 78% required.
Application: STANDARD
Value: $400
Late September/early October
NSERC Scholarships (CGS and PGS)
Information and application forms can be found at http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ . Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and have an ‘A’ average. There are two categories of scholarships: Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) and Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS). M.Sc. students are eligible for one-year of funding, valued at $17,500 for CGS M and $17,300 for PGS M (2011-2012 figures). Ph.D. students are eligible for up to three years of funding, valued at $35,000 for CGS D and $21,000 for PGS D (2011-2012 figures). Holders of NSERC scholarships are entitled to receive a half-TA (5 hours/week over two terms), and may be offered a full Teaching Assistantship depending on availability of positions.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
Additional information and application forms can be found at https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRD1346626.html. OGS scholarships are currently valued at $15,000/year, and are tenable for one year. Applicants may be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or International Students, and must have an “A” average. Holders of Ontario Graduate Scholarships are entitled to receive a half TA (5 hours/week over two terms), and may be offered a full Teaching Assistantship depending on availability of positions. Please ensure that you use the correct forms as OGS will not accept applications submitted on a previous year's form.
GRADUATE TRAVEL
The following travel awards are available to students in the Biology graduate programs (subject to confirmation of funding availability). Unless otherwise specified, a STANDARD TRAVEL application will consist of the following:
MARCH 1ST
Biology Graduate Student Travel Award
Graduate students must be presenting at a conference or workshop (oral/poster/other) to qualify for funding. Priority for funding will go to those students who are presenting at a conference important to their academic career but whose supervisors are unable to cover the costs associated with the travel. Priority will also be given to students attending national or international conferences.
Application: STANDARD TRAVEL
NOVEMBER 15th
Biology Graduate Student Travel Award
Graduate students must be presenting at a conference or workshop (oral/poster/other) to qualify for funding. Priority for funding will go to those students who are presenting at a conference important to their academic career but whose supervisors are unable to cover the costs associated with the travel. Priority will also be given to students attending national or international conferences.
Application: STANDARD TRAVEL
Michael Locke Graduate Travel Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student in the Biology graduate program based on academic merit. Candidates must have achieved an academic average of 78%. The scholarship will be granted to the qualified applicant with the highest academic average.
Application: STANDARD TRAVEL plus a one-page proposal outlining how the scholarship will help the applicant achieve his/her career objectives.
Value: $500
Michael Locke Graduate Travel Bursary
Awarded to a full-time student in the Biology graduate Program based on financial need. Recipients must use the bursary to present their research at scientific conferences or attend specialized training course for technical workshops. To be included with the application is a one-page proposal outlining how the bursary will assist the applicant in achieving his/her career objective.
Application: STANDARD TRAVEL plus a one-page proposal outlining how the scholarship will help the applicant achieve his/her career objectives.
Value: $500 (biennally or as funds permit)
