University of British Columbia Friedman Award for Scholars in Health 2025/2026, Canada

AlexJanuary 29, 2025

23 4 minutes read

The University of British Columbia (UBC) stands as a prestigious institution that leads the way in pioneering research, transformative teaching, and innovation. With state-of-the-art facilities and a culture that encourages cross-disciplinary teamwork, UBC creates an academic landscape where students can flourish by blending creative exploration with analytical problem-solving. As a hub of diverse perspectives, UBC empowers scholars to tackle pressing global issues, from healthcare and technology to environmental sustainability.

Nestled in the heart of one of Canada’s most scenic and vibrant regions, UBC seamlessly combines academic excellence with a rich cultural fabric. Through its extensive global partnerships and cutting-edge research programs, UBC offers students the chance to collaborate with thought leaders from around the world, fueling innovations that shape the future. From the classroom to hands-on research, UBC equips students with the tools and experiences they need to leave a lasting legacy in their chosen fields.

Scholarship Description

Host University: University of British Columbia ;
Host Country: Canada;
Study Level: PhD Level;
Scholarship Type: Partial funding;
Scholarship Worth: 20,000$;
Eligible Countries: International Students;
Subjects Available: health promotion, disease prevention, mental health research, laboratory sciences, public health, health services;
Application Deadline: March, 2025.

The Global Health Innovation Fellowship is an initiative aimed at empowering graduate students and medical residents at UBC to engage in groundbreaking research and academic ventures beyond Canada’s western provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). This fellowship underscores the value of international cooperation in health research, offering scholars the chance to broaden their academic and professional horizons through immersive global experiences.

Awardees will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned experts in their chosen health disciplines, gaining firsthand exposure to diverse research techniques, advanced technologies, and pressing health issues from around the world. Research proposals must highlight an urgent need for financial support and present projects that promise to shape the future of health sciences through innovative approaches or cross-border partnerships.

Whether addressing challenges in mental health, preventative care, clinical sciences, public health systems, or any other health sector, fellows are encouraged to pursue creative solutions that tackle pressing global health concerns. By facilitating these international research opportunities, UBC is fostering a new wave of researchers who are poised to make impactful strides in healthcare worldwide.

Scholarship Benefits

The Global Health Research Fellowship offers substantial financial backing to selected candidates, enabling them to pursue impactful research opportunities outside of Canada’s western provinces. This fellowship aims to support scholars in their quest for knowledge and innovation, providing comprehensive funding for various research-related costs.

Key benefits of the fellowship include:

Up to $50,000 in funding for 6 to 12 months of international research or study.

Coverage of vital expenses such as:

Travel fees, including flights and local transport.
Living allowances while conducting research abroad.
Educational costs linked to academic collaboration or specialized courses.
Necessary research materials and equipment.
Opportunities to partner with leading health experts from around the globe.
Immersive exposure to innovative research techniques, healthcare infrastructures, and diverse cultural viewpoints.
Academic and career growth through international networking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

By providing scholars with the resources to engage in global research experiences, this fellowship fosters a deeper understanding of health challenges and encourages the development of forward-thinking solutions. Through these international research journeys, fellows are empowered to contribute meaningfully to global progress in health sciences.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Global Health Research Fellowship, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

Academic Criteria

Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or Doctoral) at UBC, or actively participating in a UBC medical residency program at the time of application.
Must maintain active student status at UBC throughout the period of travel and funding.

Research & Travel Criteria

The proposed project must be focused on health-related topics, which can encompass but are not limited to: o Public health and disease prevention

Mental health research
Biomedical or clinical sciences
Global health policy and services
Health systems and epidemiological studies

The research must include international collaboration and take place outside of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Applicants must plan for a minimum of 6 months of international research, with a maximum of 12 months.
The project should present opportunities for transformative collaborations, methodologies, or experiences that will significantly advance the field of health sciences.

Applicant Criteria

Open to students from any nationality who meet the academic and travel requirements.
Must demonstrate a compelling need for financial support and articulate how the award will further their research goals.

The fellowship gives preference to projects that incorporate novel research methods, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and pioneering solutions within the health sciences.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a detailed application that outlines their proposed project, its significance, and the reasons funding is needed. The evaluation process will consider the proposal’s academic strength, feasibility, and potential to influence global health research.

Prepare Your Application Materials:
- Research Proposal: Provide a comprehensive overview of your research objectives, methods, and expected results.
- Funding Justification: Detail why the fellowship is essential for completing the research and achieving your goals.
- Budget Breakdown: Submit an itemized budget, covering expected expenses such as travel, accommodation, research materials, and living costs.
- Recommendation Letters: Provide strong endorsements from academic mentors, research advisors, or faculty members.
- Proof of Enrollment: Submit verification of active enrollment in a UBC graduate or medical residency program.
Submit Your Application:
- Applications should be submitted via the official UBC awards portal by the specified deadline.
Evaluation and Selection:
- The selection committee will assess applications based on academic excellence, the innovation of the proposed research, the potential for international collaboration, and how well the project aligns with the fellowship’s mission.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further evaluation.

Deadline for Application

Applicants should visit the official UBC website for the most up-to-date deadlines and submission guidelines.

Why Apply for the Global Health Research Fellowship?

The Global Health Research Fellowship is an esteemed funding opportunity that enables UBC graduate students and medical residents to broaden their research horizons on a global stage. Through international research collaborations, fellows can:

Partner with leading health experts and institutions worldwide.
Gain firsthand experience of diverse healthcare issues and solutions.
Acquire new skills, techniques, and interdisciplinary knowledge.
Open doors to enhanced career prospects in academia, healthcare, and research.
Make meaningful contributions to the future of global health.

This fellowship is ideal for students passionate about health research and global collaboration. It offers the resources and support needed to execute innovative projects with the potential to shape the future of health sciences.