UTCSP Pain Scientist Scholarship
Purpose of the Scholarship:
The UTCSP is committed to supporting the development of exceptional research trainees who will take future leadership roles in the field of pain science. The objective of this scholarship is to strengthen pain research and talent development through the provision of financial support for research training.
This scholarship is intended for pain science trainees who wish to pursue a career as a pain scientist, focusing on basic science research and/or clinical science research.
The UTCSP Pain Scientist Scholarship is merit-based and will be awarded to applicants that exhibit high academic achievement, originality, excellent research ability or potential, excellent communication skills, and leadership abilities.
Application Deadline:
Applications are due July 21, 2011, without exception.
Value, Scope and Duration:
Four scholarships will be awarded, valued at $12,500 each, for a period of 1 year. Two of the scholarships are designated for basic science and 2 are designated for clinical science research. Within these categories, 1 scholarship will be offered to a post-doctoral trainee, and 1 to a graduate-level trainee (i.e. Master’s or PhD student).
Holders of the scholarship may apply annually for up to a maximum of 4 years.
The scholarship will start in September 2011.
Eligibility Criteria:
- All applicants must be engaged in full-time pain research (i.e. minimum 85% of a full-time equivalent).
- All applicants must conduct research under the supervision of a regular member of the UTCSP.
- Graduate student applicants must be registered in a graduate program that requires a defended thesis in Division IV, Life Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto.
- Post-doctoral fellow applicants must be formally engaged as post-doctoral fellows with the School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, and linked to a program in Division IV, Life Sciences.
- In either category, applicants’ research may be patient-focused or non-patient focused.
Conditions of the Scholarship:
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in a qualifying or “make-up” year or be on a paid educational leave or sabbatical.
- Applicants may accept research assistantships, part-time teaching positions, or other employment, which do not exceed a maximum of 10 hours per week, on average.
- Applicants are required to apply for stipend support from an external agency. A copy of the front page of the application(s) must be forwarded to the UTCSP office. If external funding is obtained you must accept this funding and the UTCSP Pain-Scientist Scholarship will fund the differential to a total amount, to be determined by the UTCSP Research Committee in consultation with applicants’ supervisors.
- This scholarship is not automatically renewed; trainees must apply annually to be considered for further funding.
- Application for this scholarship does not preclude application for an OGSST award, if eligible.
Selection Process:
Applicants will be ranked and selected by the UTCSP Research Committee
Application Procedures:
Hard copies of the following documents must be submitted in triplicate:
- Curriculum Vitae of significant academic accomplishments including peer publications, scientific presentations, awards, and other evidence of scholarly activities.
- Copies of current and previous academic program transcripts.
- Completed Applicant Summary Sheet.
- A one-page Plan of Study, excluding references, on letter-size paper, typed in single-space, 12 point Arial font, with 1/2” margins. Use the following headings to frame your plan:Background/Introduction; Aims; Approach/Methods; Significance. This plan of study must be written by the applicant.
- One Academic Assessment Report completed by the applicant’s supervisor (see attached form). This assessment should be either mailed directly to the UTCSP office or included in the application package (sealed in a signed envelope).
- In addition to the Plan of Study, trainees currently holding this scholarship, and applying for another year of support, must complete a one-page, Progress Report, excluding references, on letter-size paper, single spaced, 12 point Arial font, 1/2” margins. Use the following headings to frame your report: Original aims; Progress to date; Output during the past year.
Submission of Applications:
Please submit your application to Ms. Nancy Mitchell, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Suite 300, Room 302, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Tel:(416) 946-8270 Fax: (416) 978-0817 nancy.mitchell@utoronto.ca
Attachments:
To view the list of current and past recipients of the UTCSP Clinician Scientist Fellowship, click here.