The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Top Graduating Doctoral Student and Rising Star Awards recognize trainees that are outstanding role models, demonstrate research excellence and contribute to the Vancouver Coastal Health research environment.
Participation at scientific conferences is an important activity in the development of a research career, and this competition supports trainees to present at an international conference (oral or poster). The award amounts are $2,000 for a Top Graduating Doctoral Student Award and $1,000 for a Rising Star Award.
Eligibility
Rising Star Award applicants must be Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) trainees in a Master’s or PhD program or a Postdoctoral Fellow whose supervisor is a VCHRI researcher.
Top Graduating Doctoral Student Award applicants must be PhD candidates graduating or submitting a thesis between January 1 and December 31, 2026 and whose supervisor is a VCHRI researcher.
Note: To be eligible, all applicants must participate in a 3-Minute Thesis presentation of their work in lay language hosted by VCHRI in collaboration with the University of British Columbia.
Deadline
Application deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 by 4:00pm (PST)
Forms and Guidelines
*VCHRI is now using a biographical sketch for all internal award funding opportunities. See the instructions on how to complete this section of the application.
Eligible Expenses
- Air (economy fare) and ground transportation to conference site
- Accommodation
- Conference registration
- Cost of printing conference poster presentation (if applicable)
- Meals