Spring/Summer External Research Opportunities 2026

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Undergraduate Summer Research Experience

The call for applications for the Summer 2026 cohort will open on January 5, 2026 through AwardSpring (mcmaster.awardspring.ca). 

The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Summer Research Experience is a new offering to support students seeking to develop research and nuclear workforce skills and to inspire future leaders in nuclear science and engineering.

These experiences will be awarded to undergraduate students in the Faculties of Science and Engineering who express an interest in pursuing a nuclear-related summer research work experience with a faculty member at McMaster. In alignment with McMaster and CNL’s strategic priorities, areas of research interest include but are not limited to:

  1. Supporting the development of biological applications and understanding the implications of radiation on living things.
  2. Supporting environmental stewardship and radioactive waste management.
  3. Enhancing national and global security, nuclear preparedness and emergency response.
  4. Supporting safe, secure and responsible use and development of nuclear technologies.

Find out more on the CNL website.

Inclusive of the award, recipients will travel as a cohort to CNL in Chalk River, for a two-week work-related experience where they will be hosted at Canada’s nationally funded nuclear laboratories. Expenditures related to the work field experience, such as travel and accommodation and coordinated events will be supported by CNL funding. Recipients will also be paired with a CNL co-supervisor for additional mentorship opportunities and to provide guidance related to research projects.

Questions? Please check the FAQ section, and if you could not find the answer to your question, then contact:

Faculty of Engineering Students: Samantha Mahoney (engresearch@mcmaster.ca)
Faculty of Science Students: Ali Solhi (solhia1@mcmaster.ca)

Expandable List

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • be a current full-time student in Level 2, 3, or 4 of an Undergraduate Program in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science at McMaster University
  • have a minimum cGPA of B-
  • have been registered at the time of application in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award

You are not eligible if you:

  • have completed all your degree requirements and are no longer registered in an Undergraduate Program in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science at McMaster University at the time of your application
  • have started a program of graduate studies

CNL Research Experiences have a value of $10,000 each (minimum rate of pay for students would be $17.60 per hour), payable as employment income; students will be employed by McMaster University, working with a research supervisor who is typically located on or near the main campus.

The duration of the award is 16 weeks on a full-time basis during the Spring/Summer terms, which includes a 2-week on-site research experience at the CNL facility in Chalk River, Ontario in mid July (dates to be confirmed). Recipients will be primarily based on campus to carry out their summer research experience with their faculty supervisor.

  1. Ensure that you are eligible
  2. Log in to AwardSpring (awardspring.mcmaster.ca) anytime after January 5, 2026 and select the CNL USRE award from your dashboard (Note: this award will only appear if you have completed the intake questions and meet the minimum eligibility criteria). Complete the supplemental application questions, including a statement about your candidacy, attach your unofficial transcript, and select your top two preferred projects.

Apply to the 2026 CNL USRE Here

Applications will undergo evaluation by the primary faculty member(s) leading the research project with support from representatives in the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, and CNL. The selection process will consider the following criteria:

  • Academic excellence, including cumulative GPA and relevant coursework completed by the applicant.
  • Quality of written response addressing the question: why are you interested in participating in this research project?
  • Verification of whether the student fulfills the outlined requirements specified in the project description, and in the CNL USRE general eligibility listed above.

Results will be emailed directly to the recipient(s) and payment will be issued in accordance with the Faculty’s pay procedures.

  1. Interim report in a verbal or virtual meeting halfway through the research experience will be scheduled for CNL, recipients and McMaster Principal Investigators. This will provide networking opportunities for McMaster Principal Investigators and CNL researchers in addition to providing mentorship and learning opportunities for recipients.
  2. McMaster will host an opportunity for the CNL cohort to present their research posters at the Annual Summer Research Showcase.
  3. Inclusive of the research experience, recipients will travel to Chalk River Laboratories or other sites managed by CNL as applicable, on a 2-week work-related experience where they will be hosted by CNL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Summer Research Experience 

General Information 

 Q1: What is the CNL Undergraduate Summer Research Experience? 

A: The CNL Undergraduate Summer Research Experience is a summer research opportunity for undergraduate students in the Faculties of Science and Engineering at McMaster University. Participants engage in nuclear-related research projects under faculty supervision and receive mentorship from CNL researchers. The program also includes a two-week experiential learning visit to CNL in Chalk River, funded by CNL. 

Eligibility & Application 

 Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the program? 

A: The program is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in Level 2, 3, or 4 in the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. Level 1 students are not eligible. 

Q3a: I am a student in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Can I apply? 

A: Unfortunately, at this time, the program is only open to students registered in the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering. 

Q3b: I am a student in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering. Can I apply to a project in the other Faculty?

A: Yes. Students in both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering are eligible to apply to projects across either Faculty. When applying through AwardSpring, you may select any two preferred projects, regardless of the Faculty in which the project is hosted.

Q4a: I switched programs recently. Should I include my previous program’s grades in my cumulative GPA calculation? 

A: Yes, applicants should include all terms from their undergraduate studies, including any previous programs they were enrolled in at McMaster. 

Q4b: I am currently enrolled in PNB, which begins as a second-year program, should I include the grades from my first year, when I was enrolled in the Life Sciences program? 

A: Yes, applicants should include all terms from their undergraduate studies, including any previous programs they were enrolled in at McMaster. 

Q5: I am in my fifth year and will be graduating soon. Am I eligible? 

A: If you are graduating this year then unfortunately you are not eligible to participate in the program. However, if you will still be enrolled in a Science or Engineering Undergraduate program in the summer, then you are eligible to participate and apply. 

Q6: I’m in first year and am very interested in the program. Are exceptions ever granted for first year students to participate? 

A: Unfortunately, the level of study is outlined in the agreement with CNL so we do not have any flexibility around this, and as such, we cannot grant any exceptions.  

Chalk River Work Experience 

 Q7: Do I need to arrange my own transportation and accommodation for the two-week visit to Chalk River? 

A: No, transportation and accommodation will be arranged and covered by CNL. Students will stay in a hotel or residence during their time in Chalk River.   

Q8: I do not own a vehicle. How will I commute during the two-week visit? 

A: Transportation to and from Hamilton and Chalk River will be coordinated by the program. Additionally, daily transportation between the accommodation and the CNL facility will be provided. 

Program Expectations & Safety 

Safety Measures at McMaster University 

All research labs and researchers at McMaster University conducting radioactive work are subject to RMM-700: Radiation Safety Program for University Laboratories (https://healthphysics.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2021/10/RMM700_December_2017.pdf). The program is implemented by the Health Physics Department to ensure compliance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations, and its overall objectives are to prevent deterministic effects (i.e. Radiation injuries), minimize the possibility of stochastic effects to works and to protect the public and environment by requiring doses be maintained As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

To answer the questions provided:

Q1. What barriers are in place to cut off or minimize exposure to radiation?

A: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) provides act and regulations that all licensees are required to follow with regards to conducting any work with radioactive materials. All personnel working in a research lab, and any campus facility in which nuclear substances are present, stored, or used, are required to complete radiation safety training and be designated as a Nuclear Energy Worker (NEW). The CNSC provides regulatory dose limits for NEWs as 50 mSv in one year or 100 mSv in five years (an average of 20 mSv per year). McMaster University has established Administrative Control Levels for all facilities with more controlled effective dose limits of 2 mSv per year. All doses obtained by individuals working at McMaster University are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable, social and economic factors taken into account.

As to barriers used to minimize radiation exposure, there are three key factors utilized:

Engineering Controls – shielding of radioactive work and storage areas, secure storage of radioactive materials, use of containment areas as applicable (such as fume hoods, hot cells, etc.), access restrictions, radiation area alarms for high hazard areas

Administrative Controls – training, standard operating procedures, contamination and radiation area posting, high hazard work planning, dosimetry, permit designations

Personal Controls – PPE such as gloves and lab coats, consumable restrictions in radioactive work areas

Q2. Is the amount of radiation exposed to measure by an instrument for each employee? If so, how is it measured?

A: Yes, McMaster University continuously monitors radiation exposures to individuals who utilizes thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) provided by a licenced dosimetry service and electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) to monitor individual radiation exposure. Depending on the scope of work, some individuals may also be issued extremity dosimeters to monitor the dose to the hands. The TLDs and extremity dosimeters get exchanged on a quarterly basis and doses are reviewed by Health Physics. These results are posted outside of the Health Physics Administrative Office for review or are available upon request. A annual exposure report is provided to all individuals who have been issued a TLD and/or extremity dosimeter.  EPDs are set with dose and dose rate alarm set-points to align with the scope of work. These units provide a live read, so doses can be tracked easily by individuals.

Bioassay measurements are also available for individuals working with radioiodines in the lab or as directed by the Health Physics Department.

Q3. What is the typical amount of exposure an employee at CNL receives in a year of work? Understanding this, how much radiation exposure would be estimated to a CNL USRE participant?”

A: In general, individuals are exposed to approximately 3 mSv of background radiation a year from naturally occurring sources in the environment. The typical exposure an employee at McMaster University receives depends on their work location and scope of work. For example, individuals who work in the reactor tend to see higher overall doses compared to individuals who work in research labs. Individuals conducting radioactive work in a research lab typically receive less than 0.1 mSv per year, and student doses are typically lower due to more limited exposure. This would be equivalent to the dose received in about 1 chest x-ray

Safety Measures at CNL  

Note: Safety training (Group 4 training) will be provided and required by all successful candidates. 

Q1: What are the working hours during the two-week visit to Chalk River? 

A: Specific work hours will be confirmed closer to the visit, but participants should expect a full-time research experience during normal business hours.   

Q2: What safety measures are in place to protect students from radiation exposure? 

A: CNL follows strict radiation safety regulations set by the CNSC, which limits radiation exposure for Nuclear Energy Workers to 5,000 mrem/year or 10,000 mrem over five years. Each CNL site enforces Action Levels below these limits and applies ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimize exposure. 

Key radiation protection measures include: 

  • Engineering controls – shielding, containment, ventilation, alarms, and access restrictions.
  • Administrative controls – work planning, exposure optimization, and radiological zone classifications.
  • Personal protective measures – PPE, food and beverage restrictions, and dosimeter use.

Radiological work areas are clearly marked, and all staff are trained to follow strict protocols, including adhering to safety postings, using dosimeters, and reporting unusual radiological situations. Exposure reduction follows three main strategies: 

  • Time – Minimizing time spent near radiation sources. 
  • Distance – Maximizing distance from sources. 
  • Shielding – Using barriers between workers and sources.  

Q3: Is radiation exposure measured for employees and students? 

A: Yes, radiation exposure at CNL is continuously monitored using dosimeters and personal alarming devices (PADs):   

  • Dosimeter Badges – Worn by workers in controlled areas to officially track external radiation exposure (CNSC-approved).
  • Personal Alarming Dosimeters (PADs) – Provide real-time dose and dose rate monitoring with alarms if limits are exceeded.
  • Bioassay & Body Counting – Used for internal exposure monitoring.
  • Exposure Reports – Employees receive at least one official exposure report annually and can request updates anytime.

Q4: What is the typical radiation exposure for an employee at CNL? How does this compare to students in the program? 

A: For context, the average North American receives 620 mrem/year from natural background radiation. At CNL, the average occupational dose for employees at Chalk River Laboratories is 27 mrem/year—significantly lower than other professions like airline flight crews (400–600 mrem/year) or medical personnel (70 mrem/year). 

USRE participants would receive even lower doses, as they typically have limited exposure to radiological work environments and are subject to strict radiation safety measures. 

2026 Projects

Project Title: Characterization of Nuclear Materials using Neutron Beams Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Pat Clancy

CNL Co-Supervisor: Ghaouti Bentoumi

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Student requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement. Successful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Exploring the Effects of Radiation Damage on High-Tc Superconductors Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Bruce Gaulin

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Edmanuel Torres

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. Pat Clancy and Dr. Eric Nicholson

Student requirements: The successful candidate should have an interest in the atomic and electronic structure of matter.

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Exploration of Quantum Materials with Neutrons Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Graeme Luke

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Zahra Yamani & Dr. Jeremy Dion

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Radio-halogenated Prosthetic Groups for Imaging and Therapy of Bacterial Infections Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. James Inkster

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Kevin Wyszatko

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. Karin Nielsen

Student requirements: Minimum grade B+; should have completed at least Organic Chemistry 1 or equivalent

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Multivalent Radiopharmaceuticals for Targeted Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Saman Sadeghi

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Kevin Wyszatko

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. Alex Adronov

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Using 18F-labeled Folate Analogues to Image Bacterial Infections. Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Paul Berti

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Qi Qi

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. James Inkster

Student requirements: Completed at least Level 2 in Chemical Biology or Chemistry programs with a minimum GPA of 10.

Faculty of Science

Project Title: Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering for Safeguards of Nuclear Power Plants Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Adriaan Buijs

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Andrew Erlandson

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Student requirements: Knowledge of numerical methods and Monte Carlo techniques (OpenMC and/or GEANT4) is an asset.

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: Corrosion of Type 304L Stainless Steel Components in CANDU Moderator System: Towards Long Term Operation Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Joseph Kish

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Nicolas Huin

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: Machine Learning Model Evaluation for Automated Detection of Flaws in Eddy Current Testing Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Michael Welland

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Georges Karagozian

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Student requirements: Proficiency in coding with Python. Keen interest in data science and machine learning applied to Non-Destructive Testing.

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: Modelling Microstructure-Dependent Thermal Conductivity in Advanced Nuclear Fuels Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Nana Ofori-Opoku

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Thaneshwor Kaloni & Dr. Chris Maxwell

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Student requirements: Basic understanding of partial differential equations and their solutions. Familiarity with numerical methods (finite difference, finite element, etc.). Competency in Python (or willingness to learn). Familiarity with (or willingness to learn) scientific computing. Basic knowledge of microstructure evolution. Understanding of thermal conductivity in materials. Prior exposure to scientific computing and modelling projects is beneficial.

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: High-Temperature Nanoindentation and Mechanical Characterization of Structural Steels for Advanced Reactor Applications Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Darren Feenstra & Dr. Stephen Veldhuis (MMRI)

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Vineet Bhakhri & Dr. Hygreeva Namburi

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A

Student requirements: Hands-on abilities

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: FIB/SEM-Based 3D Reconstruction and Characterization of Silicon Carbide Layers in TRISO Particles Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. André Phillion

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Hygreeva Namburi & Dr. Michael Gharghouri

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. Markus Piro

Faculty of Engineering

Project Title: Production of La-133 and Sc-44 and recycling of enriched starting materials Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Karin Michaelsen Nielsen 

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Randy Perron 

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. James Inkster & Dr. David Emslie 

Student Requirements: No additional requirements. Experience with radiological work is preferred. 

Faculty of Science 

Project Title: Improving Deep Learning Segmentation of XCT Scans of TRISO Fuel Particles Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Zhong Li 

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Reeghan Osmond & Dr. Chris West 

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A 

Student Requirements: Basic to intermediate coding proficiency, ideally in Python 

Faculty of Engineering 

Project Title: Non-destructive investigation of nuclear materials for early stage radiation damage and corrosion effects Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. Peter Mascher 

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Oksana Shiman 

Additional McMaster Collaborators: Dr. Andy Knights 

Student Requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering in areas such as condensed matter/solid state physics are an important asset. Knowledge of statistical mechanics or computational physics also would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement.  Successful applicants will be required to complete Health Physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the High Level Laboratory Facility, and the Tandem Accelerator Building.   

Faculty of Engineering 

Project Title: In-situ XCT tensile testing of metallic materials Explore Project Details

Lead McMaster Supervisor: Dr. André Phillion 

CNL Co-Supervisor: Dr. Hygreeva Namburi & Dr. Reeghan Osmond 

Additional McMaster Collaborators: N/A 

Faculty of Engineering 


Check out more External Research Opportunities offered for Spring/Summer 2026:

The Government of Canada is offering scholarship opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region through the Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development – Phase 2 (SEED-2) program. This program is an expansion of the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED). SEED-2 is a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The program provides opportunities for students from Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia to conduct short-term study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions in areas that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development – Phase 2 (SEED-2) program aims to reduce poverty in eligible countries and to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . Scholarships and educational exchanges will contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SEED-2 contributes to strengthening people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region. SEED-2 scholarships are facilitated through institutional collaborations between post-secondary institutions in Canada and their partner institutions in ASEAN Member States, Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia.

Eligible countries:

  • ASEAN Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)), Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam;
  • Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu;
  • Mongolia.

Scholarship value and duration:

Award component Value Duration Activities
College / undergraduate
(4 months)
$10,200 Four months or one academic term Study or research at the college or undergraduate level.
College / undergraduate
(8 months)
$15,900 Eight months or two academic terms Study or research at the college or undergraduate level.
Graduate
(4 months)
$10,200 Four months or one academic term Study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD).
Graduate
(5-6 months)
$12,700 Five to six months Study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD).

Internal deadline for applications: March 9, 2026

External deadline: March 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Announcement of Results: Spring 2026

Note: Selected candidates may arrive as early as August 1, 2026 and no later than February 1, 2027. Failure to arrive during this time may result in the cancellation of the scholarship.

For more information visit McMaster Global website.

The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Undergraduate Summer Research Program provides opportunities for undergraduate to work throughout the summer in a laboratory at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. Students will work on a project assigned to them by their laboratory supervisor gaining valuable experience and research skills. In addition, students will be required to summarize their work in the form of a poster presentation at an event near the end of the summer.

Students will be expected to complete a twelve (12) week period at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and work full-time hours (37.5 hours per week). Students will be paid at an hourly rate of $17.60 + 4% vacation pay.

To apply you must meet the following requirements:

  • Completed, at the minimum, second undergraduate year of a recognized university science program by May 2026.

The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026.

To learn more details about the application process, please visit the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute website or contact Susan Chou by email a schou@lunenfeld.ca if you require further clarifications.

Hosted by the University of Toronto, the Amgen Scholars Canada Program is an immersive,10-week program of research experience, professional development and social activities. It is open to undergraduates from across Canada with Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.

To apply you must meet the following requirements:

  • Current enrollment at an accredited university in Canada as a second, third or non-graduating fourth year undergraduate student
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • An interest in pursuing an M.Sc., Ph.D. or an M.D./Ph.D.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale)

The program runs from May 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.

To learn more details about the application process, please visit the Amgen Scholars Canada Program – University of Toronto page or contact amgen.scholars@utoronto.ca if you require further clarifications.

The Keenan Research Summer Student (KRSS) Program provides opportunities for undergraduate and medical students to conduct research at Unity Health Toronto (St. Michael’s Hospital site) under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (scientist and/or MD).

To learn more details about the application process, please visit the KRSS Program website or contact KRSS.Program@unityhealth.to if you require further clarifications.

Mitacs Accelerate creates dynamic collaborations that partner for-profit and not-for-profit organizations with Canada’s brightest academic minds. This research award provides leveraged funding of $15,000 CAD per four- or six-month internship, where interns will work collaboratively with their academic supervisor and partner organization on a research project.

To learn more, visit the Mitacs page or contact bd@mitacs.ca.

Information from IQC:

The Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP) is a two-week program on the theoretical and experimental study of quantum information aimed primarily at students one year away from completing their undergraduate studies.

The lectures and experiments are geared toward students in engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science, though all interested students are invited to apply. USEQIP is held annually at the University of Waterloo since 2009 with over 400 program alumni to date.

The summer school is staffed by the faculty of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), a multi-disciplinary research centre at the University of Waterloo and an internationally recognized leader in the field of quantum information processing.

USEQIP offers:

  • Two weeks of in-depth lectures and lab activities at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC)
  • Paid summer research opportunities available through Undergraduate Research Awards
  • Opportunities spanning theory and experiment
  • No cost to students and travel bursaries available
  • Space for 30 students.

USEQIP 2026 will be held from May 25 to June 5, 2026. Applications are due Friday, January 2, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. References are due Wednesday, January 7, 2026. 

To learn more and apply, visit the Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP) website or contact iqc-outreach@uwaterloo.ca.

The SSuRe Program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to collaborate with Research Institute (RI) scientists on a summer research project, providing professional and career development. Spanning 15 weeks from May to mid-August, the program hosts a range of activities to enhance the students’ research experience. Weekly seminars, conducted by esteemed Hospital and RI scientists, provide valuable insights and knowledge in various fields. Additionally, a Career Night event allows students to network with research staff from different departments within the RI, fostering connections and exploring potential career paths. The program also culminates in the annual Summer Student Symposium, where students have the chance to showcase their research projects. Exceptional projects are recognized with awards, celebrating the students’ outstanding contributions to the scientific community.

The deadline for students to submit their applications to posted Research Summer Student positions is listed under each job posting.

To learn more, visit the SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program page, or fill out the SSuRe application form here.

 

Sunnybrook Research Institute offers a Summer Student Research Program that provides undergraduate students with a unique hospital-based research experience and showcases the postgraduate environment as a prospective career. The program, which runs from May to late August, starts with an orientation to SRI, and is followed by regular seminars whereby leading faculty talk about their research. In August, students present their work at the Summer Student Poster Competition.

To learn more, visit the Sunnybrook Research Institute or contact summer.student@sri.utoronto.ca.

The Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program offers undergraduate students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a hospital-based research program. Summer studentships typically run from May to September of each year, culminating in an end of summer studentship Presentation Day. Students will also be able to attend regular seminars led by Sunnybrook Research Institute whereby leading faculty talk about their research

To learn more, visit the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program or contact summer.student@sri.utoronto.ca.

About Operation Wallacea

Wallacea (Opwall) is a network of academics from European and North American universities who design and implement biodiversity conservation management and climate change research programs. Operation Wallacea’s expeditions provide students with invaluable field experience, working alongside real-world scientific research projects and contributing to the understanding and conservation of biodiversity.

Full information on our virtual presentations can be found here.

If for any reason you can’t attend but are interested in finding out more then please email expeditions@opwall.com.

Key Information

  • Dates & Costs
    • Updated details are available in our latest brochure: View 2025 Expedition Details.
  • Why Join?
    • Gain invaluable field experience, contribute to active research projects, and enhance your résumé with practical skills.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Experience diverse environments, receive training in SCUBA, survey techniques, and jungle skills, and be part of a global conservation community.

Expedition Destinations

1. South Africa

  • Conduct research on iconic species like African lions and rhinos in one of the most endangered biodiversity hotspots in the world. Participate in conservation courses, large mammal distribution surveys, and analyze camera trap data. Optionally, complete an Introduction to Applied Conservation GIS course.
  • Learn more: South Africa Expedition 
  • Watch our video: South Africa Expedition Video

2. Honduras

  • Begin in the cloud forests of Cusuco National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. Engage in diverse research activities including butterfly trapping, amphibian and reptile surveys, and more. Follow up with marine research at Tela Marine Research Centre or Utila Island, focusing on SCUBA diving training and coral reef ecology.
  • Learn more: Honduras Expedition
  • Watch our video: Honduras Expedition Video

3. Mexico

  • Research in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and engage in marine studies at Akumal. Projects include monitoring sea turtle populations and studying reef ecology. Participants can also complete a PADI Open Water dive training course.
  • Learn more: Mexico Expedition
  • Watch our video: Mexico Expedition Video

4. Croatia

  • Explore the Adriatic Sea’s marine biodiversity. Participate in various marine conservation projects and learn about underwater ecosystems.
  • Learn more: Croatia Expedition
  • Watch our video: Croatia Expedition Video

5. Indonesia

  • Participate in both marine and terrestrial research, focusing on coral reefs and rainforest ecosystems. This expedition includes studies on marine species and rainforest conservation efforts.
  • Learn more: Indonesia Expedition
  • Watch our video: Indonesia Expedition Video

6. Romania

For detailed information about each destination, please visit the website or watch our expedition videos.

Operation Wallacea provides comprehensive support, including all necessary travel from the designated start point of the expedition, food and accommodation, participation in all field research projects, SCUBA training, and full operational and medical support.

For more details, please contact Operation Wallacea at expeditions@opwall.com.

Ascendance Foundry is built on two beliefs: 1) apprenticeship belongs at the centre of education, and 2) winning with AI demands the fastest workforce retraining in history. Our Ascendance Fellowship embeds a top student on your team after they have completed an intensive bootcamp focused on AI tools. The placement is supported by structured mentorship from seasoned founders, executives, and technical leaders. Every engagement includes co-learning: one of your employees gets access to the full program alongside the student—bootcamp, mentorship sessions, and project reviews. Our fellowships support a broad range of roles within companies, ranging from business functions, to analytics and software development. For larger initiatives, we build teams of Fellows and experts to deliver on projects ranging from strategic consulting to custom application development.

Eligibility: For university students , S26 Fellowships start in the second week of May and can run full-time for 4 months, 8 months or 12 months.

For high-school students (who must have completed at least Grade 11 by this July), there are two fellowship options:

a. Summer Fellowships run part-time from the second week of May through the end of June and then full-time during July and August.

b. Gap-Year Fellowships: We are accepting applications for a handful of 12-month Gap-Year Fellowships for students graduating from high-school this spring. This is an opportunity to get an intensive hands-on experience using AI tools to solve real-world industry problems, while building elite peer and professional networks, all before starting University.

We don’t expect our Fellows to come in with a long list of skills coming into the program (building foundational skills and a network is the whole point of the program), but we expect you to show up everyday with an attitude that lives up to our brand ideals: “Driven. Agile. Resourceful. AI-First.”

Apply here now!