Weston Family Awards in Northern Research

Purpose

Since 2007, the Weston Family Awards in Northern Research have provided unparalleled support to early career scientists undertaking research in Canada's North. Funded by the Weston Family Foundation, these annual awards are some of the most prestigious in the country for students pursuing a master's degree, doctoral degree or postdoctoral fellowship. Since the program's inception, nearly 350 early career scientists have been supported resulting in a community of Weston Family Northern Scientists at the forefront of northern scholarship and who are helping shape a better future for Canada and the world. 

Weston Family Awards in Northern Research winners undertake projects across a broad spectrum of fields and disciplines i the natural sciences, including studies of northern ecosystems, biodiversity, flora and fauna, meteorology, oceanography, glaciology, geography and environmental studies. 

Value

• Up to fifteen (15) awards for master's students. Each ward is valued at $20,000 over one (1) year.
• Up to ten (10) awards for doctoral students. Each award is valued at $120,000 over three (3) years. 

Eligibility

• ​Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada as of the application deadline;
• Be enrolled in a master’s/doctoral program in the natural sciences pursuing northern research at a Canadian university leading to a thesis;
• Have received approval for their research proposal at the time of receipt of the award, including any required ethical reviews and/or research licenses.
• Research and field studies must relate to and take place in Canada’s North, as defined by any region in Canada where both permafrost and ground ice are present according to the National Atlas of Canada, 5th edition (1978-1995). A map is available through Polar Knowledge Canada with a boundary line that defined  northern regions, however please note that this is merely a guideline and some flexibility will be granted for regions close to the boundary.

Application Guidelines and the online application are found on The Weston Family Award website.