iCARE Study – Graduate Student Funding

*Note* The details of this funding program were modified as of August 2026.

Purpose

The purpose of this offer of graduate student funding is to facilitate the development of research skills and assist trainees working on iCARE platform data. The proposed funding aims to aid students conducting a specific research project that exploits available iCARE study data, or proposes a new study that is aligned with iCARE objectives.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be graduate students currently registered in a Master’s or PhD degree program.
• Applicants must apply to work with a mentor who is an iCARE collaborator at the time of application.
• New collaborators welcome! Apply to become an iCARE collaborator

Terms of the Scholarship

• Applicants must conduct a specific research project that exploits available iCARE study data, or works on an iCARE-related sub-study aligned with iCARE objectives. Doctoral-level student applicants are eligible for up to $15,000 and masters’-level student applicants are eligible for up to $10,000 to work on the proposed research project. There is an expectation that the proposed project will lead to concrete deliverables, e.g., a conference abstract or presentation and/or scientific publication and/or contribute to a graduate thesis.
• The research project should be feasibly completed within a 12-month term.
• The trainee must acknowledge the iCARE Study and its sponsors (the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Medicine) in publications and other products arising from work achieved as a result of this award. View sample acknowledgement

Application Requirements

The Applicant must:

1. Complete the online application form which will ask applicants to upload the following:
   1. A letter of intent no longer than 2 pages (11 pt. font, ½ inch (1.27 cm) margins) outlining:
      • Description and justification of the purpose and anticipated benefit of the funding;
      • Overview of the rationale and methodology for the proposed iCARE research project;
      • A clear plan for executing the above objectives, including a preliminary timetable of activities for the studentship with specific emphasis on the feasibility of the project within the proposed timeline. This must include a clear outline of any virtual/distance collaborative activities and how they will be managed;
2. Applicant’s curriculum vitae  (maximum of 2 pages) with references
3. Applicant’s proof of status 
   • Proof of registration in a graduate (MA/MSc or PhD) degree program for the current academic year

Award Selection Process

Applicants will be competitively considered for funding by the iCARE Research Award Committee. Three committee members will use a standardized scoring system to rank their choice of applicants.

The scoring system will evaluate:

• scientific merit (i.e., background and methodology) of the proposed project;
• alignment with iCARE objectives;
• clarity and feasibility of the proposed objectives and plans of the project within the stated timeframe;
• qualifications of applicant;
• support of the hosting institution/mentor;

The iCARE Research Award Committee will collaboratively determine the final awardees.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026 competition has been extended to September 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

Successful applicants and their mentors will be notified by email by October 1, 2026.

Payments will be made directly to successful applicants in two installments. For example, in September and in March (for a September start date), or in January and in June (for a January start date) ($ CAD).

Additional Information

Please contact the iCARE staff at icareplatform@mbmc-cmcm.ca

Lower and Middle Income Countries for the purposes of the iCARE Graduate Student Funding competition

View the most recent World Bank classifications