Introduction to Canada’s Science and Innovation Landscape
Canada is renowned for its vibrant scientific community, fostering innovation and collaboration across various fields. The country’s commitment to scientific research is evident in its numerous programs and initiatives aimed at supporting scientists and researchers. One such initiative is the High Level Scientific Fellowship program, which offers opportunities for PhD students and post-docs to conduct research in France. This article will delve into the details of this program, highlighting its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.
The High Level Scientific Fellowship Program
Overview of the Program
The High Level Scientific Fellowship program is a collaborative effort between the Embassy of France in Canada and Campus France. This program top visa casinos aims to strengthen collaboration between academic researchers from Canada and France by providing scholarships for PhD students and post-docs to conduct research in France for a period of two months[1].
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the High Level Scientific Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Status : The program is open to PhD students or post-docs in their early career (0 to 5 years after PhD).
- Institutional Affiliation : Applicants must be affiliated with a Canadian university outside of Quebec.
- Research Themes : The program focuses on specific themes including Emerging Technologies (AI, quantum), Health (one health, public health policy, genomics), Ocean and Polar Sciences (oceanography, biodiversity, marine ecology), and Energy (renewable energy, net zero transition, sustainability)[1].
- Citizenship : Candidates must not hold French citizenship.
Application Process
The application process for the High Level Scientific Fellowship is straightforward:
- Deadline : The call for applications is open until January 26th, 2025, at 23h59 (PST).
- Required Documents :
- Application Form
- 1-page Cover Letter explaining the research project in France
- Letter of Support from the PhD or post-doc supervisor
- Invitation Letter from the researcher in France
- Copy of Passport (if applicable)
- Submission : All documents must be submitted electronically in a single PDF document to [email protected][1].
Benefits of the High Level Scientific Fellowship
Financial Support
The scholarship includes:
- International Flight : Round-trip economy class flight from Canada to France.
- Monthly Stipend : 1700 euros per month.
- Health Insurance : Including liability insurance[1].
Research Opportunities
The program offers a unique opportunity for scientists and researchers to collaborate with French teams. If neither the applicant nor their research supervisor has an existing collaboration with a French team, it is recommended to contact researchers in France to explore potential collaboration opportunities[1].
Testimonies from Alumni
For the first edition of the High Level Scientific Fellowship in 2023, Ruby, a PhD student at UBC, spent three months at the Laboratory of Process Engineering for Biorefinery, Bio-based Materials and Functional Printing (INP Grenoble). This experience not only enhanced her research skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of French research methodologies[1].
Application Tips
Identifying French Host Institutions
Applicants are responsible for identifying the French host institution. This involves researching potential collaborators and institutions that align with their research interests. It is crucial to ensure that the host institution is willing to provide the necessary support and resources for the duration of the stay[1].
Visa Requirements
Laureates who require a visa to enter France are responsible for the procedures and costs involved in obtaining this visa. Visa applications can take 2-3 months, so it is essential to begin the process as soon as the results are announced. Applicants must update the French Embassy in Canada on the progress of their application[1].
Science and Innovation in Canada
Canada’s commitment to science and innovation is evident in its various programs and initiatives. The country’s scientific community is diverse and inclusive, encouraging collaboration across disciplines. The Canada Graduate Scholarships—Doctoral (CGS D) program is another significant initiative aimed at promoting research excellence in Canada[3].
Overview of the CGS D Program
The CGS D program is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). This program supports and promotes research excellence in a wide variety of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, health, and social sciences[3].
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CGS D program, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen : Or a permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Have Completed : No more than 24 months of full-time study in their doctoral program by December 31 of the calendar year of application[3].
Application Process
The application process for the CGS D program involves:
- Institutional Review : The faculty of graduate studies at each Canadian institution coordinates the institutional evaluation of CGS D applications.
- Agency Review : Agency review committees evaluate applications, whether sent directly to the agencies or via the institutions[3].
Indigenous and Black Student Researchers
Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its support for Indigenous and Black student researchers. The CGS D program includes initiatives to increase direct support for these groups. Self-identified Indigenous student researchers and Black student researchers who provide consent to be considered for targeted funds may receive additional support[3].
Selection Criteria
The evaluation of CGS D applications is based on the following criteria:
- Research Ability and Potential : Indicators of research ability and potential.
- Relevant Experience and Achievements : Indicators of relevant experience and achievements obtained within and beyond academia[3].
Conclusion
Canada’s scientific community is thriving, with numerous programs aimed at supporting scientists and researchers. The High Level Scientific Fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for PhD students and post-docs to conduct research in France, fostering collaboration and innovation. Meanwhile, the CGS D program promotes research excellence in Canada, supporting a diverse range of disciplines. By understanding these programs and their benefits, aspiring scientists and researchers can navigate the complex landscape of Canadian science and innovation with confidence.