CIRN Trainee Scholarship
Objective
The objective of the CIRN Trainee Scholarship program is to increase support through trainee funding for the next generation of vaccine researchers. This will ensure the sustainability of both CIRN and the vaccine research enterprise in Canada. This commitment includes undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students and postgraduate clinical trainees.
Eligibility
To apply for a CIRN Trainee stipend, applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
-Be engaged in research activities relevant to at least one of CIRN’s six priority research areas:
1. Developing methodologies to test vaccines
2. Rapid Evaluation of vaccine candidates
3. Evaluating vaccine safety (including AEFIs) and effectiveness through population health research
4. Evaluating current immunization programs and policies
5. Research on interventions to improve vaccine acceptance and uptake, and address the science of misinformation and disinformation
6. Modelling and economic analyses to support the rollout of vaccines and public health immunization strategies
-Be supervised by an Investigator, defined as:
1. Having an academic appointment at a Canadian university
2. Permitted to supervise trainees at their university
3. Holding an independent research appointment in areas of investigation where it is clear that the research has direct relevance to immunization and vaccinology
-Be eligible to study or work in Canada (must be conducting research in Canada)
-Spend at least 75% of their time working on the proposed research project
Please note that projects not funded by CIRN must have secured operating funds (if applicable) by the time of application. Renewal of CIRN Trainee funding for a second year is contingent on demonstrating evidence of application to other funding sources.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria for their training level at the time of funding:
Postdoctoral Level
Have completed their PhD or expect to complete their PhD by August 31, 2024.
Have completed their PhD within the past 5 years (by or after August 31, 2019)
Must be classified as a trainee at the institution where they will be doing the fellowship and meet a minimum commitment of 75% of their time in the postdoctoral training role proposed in the application. Note: For the purpose of this funding opportunity, trainees must not hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty position, nor can they be on leave from such a position (generally “tenure or tenure-track” refers to an open-ended academic position in which the holder can form a research group, apply for externally funded research as a principal investigator, and also teach).
Doctoral Level
Have been accepted to a PhD program starting Fall 2024, or, are currently enrolled full-time in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd years of a PhD program at the time of application. (PhD candidates beyond their third year of training may be eligible to apply if there are extenuating circumstances. They will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
Applicants who are entering a PhD program directly, without completing a Master’s degree, must have completed at least 12 months of graduate study by the start of the award (September 1, 2024).
Only students enrolled full-time in a Canadian graduate program are eligible for support.
Master’s Level
Currently enrolled in and have finished Year 1 of a full-time thesis-based Master’s degree program.
Only students enrolled full-time in a Canadian graduate program are eligible for support.
Master’s students are only eligible to apply for one year of funding.
Funding Amounts & Duration
The maximum amount of funding designated for research trainees by the CIRN Management Committee annually is:
| Trainee Level | Funding Available Per Year | Duration |
| Masters | $25,000 | One year |
| PhD | $40,000 | Up to two years |
| Post-Doctoral | $60,000 | Up to two years |
Dates and Deadlines
The following dates will be used for the 2024 competition:
| Deadline for Application | Notice of Award | Funding Start Date |
| July 26, 2024 | August 12, 2024 | September 1, 2024 |
How to Apply
Please carefully review the information below before applying. If applicants have any questions related to their eligibility, they are encouraged to discuss with their supervisor or contact the CIRN Network Management Office.
| Step 1: Confirm Eligibility | Consider whether you meet the eligibility requirements above. |
| Step 2: Review Application Requirements | Be sure to carefully review all application requirements, as outlined in the document below: |
| Step 3: Complete Application | Send completed application form and all necessary attachments to CIRN NMO by 11:59 p.m. Atlantic time on (July 26, 2024). Late applications will not be considered. |
Application Review Process and Prioritization
Applications will be reviewed and scored through a peer-review process similar to the process used by CIHR. Reviewers will consider the achievements and activities of the applicant according to the graduate, the supervisor and research training environment, the importance and originality of the project, and the relevance of the project to CIRN’s mandate.
Highest funding priority will be given to trainees being supervised by CIRN Investigators/working on CIRN-funded projects. The next priority will be given to trainees who are being supervised by CIRN Investigators/working on a project within CIRN’s mandate, but funded through other sources. Finally, with strong justification, third priority will be given to applicants who are working on a high priority CIRN area and supervised by a non-CIRN Investigator/working on a non-CIRN funded project. In addition, preference will be given to CIRN Investigators supervising trainees that have not been funded previously through CIRN scholarships.
Supervisors may support more than one applicant; however, generally, only the top-ranked applicant from the same supervisor will receive funding.
CIRN Administrative Policy
To review CIRN’s administrative policy and standard operating procedures related to the Trainee Scholarship, see the document below: