Scholarships and Awards

Student wearing a graduating cap and holding a book in the stacks of a library for the Banner

Small grants for graduate students can provide funding for extra projects, or help expand projects to increase their scientific impact. Additionally, it looks great on a CV if you have evidence of receiving external grant funds. Even applying for these grants is a good experience if you plan to continue in academia. Small grants are often offered by scientific societies and are usually focused on a particular taxon or system.  The Small Grants List lists many of the available opportunities for small grants that are open to graduate students. This list will necessarily be a continually changing work; please email suggested additions or changes to the Research Committee.


Scholarships

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:

Please note that reference letters may be submitted electronically by the individual completing the reference or may be printed and submitted in hard copy in a sealed envelope. The application itself may be submitted electronically or in hard copy, although electronic submission is preferred. Please make sure to download the forms and then fill them out using only Adobe software, and then upload the completed. DO NOT fill in the forms within the browser or using non-Adobe .pdf software, as they may not retain your information. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. The deadline for submission is 12 noon on the dates noted below, unless otherwise specified. Late applications will be ineligible.

For awards funded by the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF), please note that students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or a protected person
  2. Be a resident of Ontario, as determined by meeting one of the following:
    • The student has always resided in Ontario or Ontario is the last province that the student has resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time post-secondary student;
    • A student who is married can be considered an Ontario resident if the student's spouse has resided in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the last day of the month in which classes began for the student's most recent period of full-time post-secondary studies and, during this time, the student's spouse was not enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies; or
    • A single dependent student can be considered an Ontario resident if the student's parent(s), step-parent(s), legal guardian(s), or official sponsor(s) has resided in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the last day of the month in which classes began for the student's most recent period of full-time post-secondary studies.
  3. Demonstrate financial need

Competitions

March 10th

Robert and Ruth Lumsden Fellowships in Science

One fellowship is available to graduate students in any program in the Faculty of Science. 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).

Selection criteria and weighting are the same as used in applying for NSERC doctoral scholarships: academic excellence (30%), research ability or potential (50%), and communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities (20%).

Applications: Applications should include a curriculum vitae, Western transcript (unofficial), one-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, and a nomination letter from the student’s supervisor.

Value: $1,500

Robert and Ruth Lumsden Graduate Awards in Science (3)

Three graduate awards based on financial need and academic achievement have been made possible through a bequest from the late Ruth V. Lumsden and Robert O. Lumsden. Each award is valued at $1,500. Western Science PhD students who have completed at least two years of study in any graduate program at Western with average course marks at or above 78%, are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents, and have resided in the Province of Ontario for at least two years, are eligible for consideration. Students eligible for this award may not hold a major scholarship or award such as NSERC or OGS. At the time of nomination, eligible students should be receiving only the minimum total stipend which is normally guaranteed by the home department.

Selection criteria and weighting are academic and research excellence (50%) and financial need (50%). Applications should include a curriculum vitae, Western transcript (unofficial), one-page statement of research accomplishments and plans, statement of financial need (using the OSOTF form) and a nomination letter from the student’s supervisor.

Value: $1,500 each

Deadline for applications is the last Friday in July, 12:00PM
Reference letters are due by the first Friday in August, 12:00PM

Dr. Carl F. Robinow Graduate Award in Biology

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in a Master’s or Doctoral program in Biology based on academic achievement and research excellence. Preference will be given to candidates conducting research in microbiology or mycology. This award was established by Dr. A Keewatin Dewdney (BA ’64) in honour of his mentor Dr. Carl F. Robinow.

Application: STANDARD

Value: $2,000

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. Requirements for being considered a resident of Ontario are noted above.

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 Western University by the award date (September 1st) will be eligible.

Application: STANDARD

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: $3,800 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: $1,800

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: $1,700

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: $1,600

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, with a preference to a student working in the broad area of plant sciences. Minimum academic average of 78% required.

Application: STANDARD

Value: $1000

Ian Clarke Graduate Scholarship

Awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral program in Biology, specializing in Cell and Molecular Biology, based on academic achievement and research merit. This scholarship was established by a generous donation from the Canadian Subsidiary of New England Biolabs, Inc., in honour of Mr. Ian Clarke (MSc‘84, Pharmacology/Molecular Biology).

Application: STANDARD

Value: $1,000

Karen Auzins Scholarship

Awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in Biology, beyond Year 1, with academic achievement and research merit. Preference will be given to students working in the areas of Biodiversity, Conservation or Ecosystem Health. This scholarship was established with a generous gift from Mrs. Karen B. Auzins (BSc ’67, BA ‘66).

Application: STANDARD

Value: $1,000

David G. and Susan P. Wilson Scholarship

Awarded to full-time graduate students in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science based on academic achievement. Preference will be given to candidates whose area of research interest relates to or integrates plant biochemistry or plant molecular biology. A committee in the Department of Biology will select the recipients. At least one representative of the committee must hold membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This scholarship was established through a legacy gift from the Estate of David P. and Susan G. Wilson.

Application: STANDARD

Value: $1,600

Janice Bosley Graduate Award in Global Change Biology

Awarded to full-time graduate students in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science based on academic achievement. Preference will be given to candidates who are conducting research in global change biology. This award was established with a generous gift from Janice Bosley who wanted to support students interested in continuing their work in climate change.

Application: STANDARD

Value: 1 at $2,000, awarded annually

Effective: May 2024 to April 2029 inclusive

Fall/Winter Competitions

NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships and CGS Doctoral Awards (PGSD/CGSD)

http://grad.uwo.ca/current_students/student_finances/nserc.html

Application Deadline: September 24, 2021 (Before 8:00PM EST)

Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's (CGSM)

http://grad.uwo.ca/current_students/student_finances/cgsm.html

Application Deadline: December 1, 2021 (Before 8:00PM EST)

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and QEII Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEIIGSST)

http://grad.uwo.ca/current_students/student_finances/ogs.html

Application Deadline (the Online Application is closed to new applicants): To be determined

Final Submission Deadline (the Online Application Portal closes): To be determined


Graduate Travel Awards

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 8th

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. Each M.Sc. student is eligible to receive up to a maximum of $500 during the course of their program. Each Ph.D. student is eligible to a maximum of $1,000 (maximum of $500 per award).

Application: STANDARD TRAVEL

September 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. Each M.Sc. student is eligible to receive up to a maximum of $500 during the course of their program. Each Ph.D. student is eligible to a maximum of $1,000 (maximum of $500 per award).

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

Value: $750

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. This gift qualifies for the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF).  Recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements.

Application: STANDARD TRAVEL

Value: $400 (biennally or as funds permit)


Thesis Awards

The following awards will be given to the most meritorious graduate students obtaining a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the Biology graduate program. These awards are based on the merit of the candidate’s thesis and oral examination. No application is required for consideration of these awards. All completed theses are automatically included for consideration of one of the following.

Chunfang Hu Award

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in Biology (Masters or Doctoral) who has submitted the top thesis with preference to a student working in the broad area of plant sciences.  The Graduate Scholarship Committee in Biology will select the recipient. This prize was established by the Chinese community, friends and colleagues in memory of Dr. Chunfang Hu to reward excellence in graduate level research

Value: $400

J.D. Detwiler Award

Value: $1,800

Dr. John W Arnold Fellowship in Zoology

All things being equal, preference will be given to students in the area of Entomology or Ornithology. Eligible candidates must not hold any other major internal graduating award

Value: $1,300

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