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Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)

The Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) is Canada's first and longest-lived Arctic research institute, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1945 and based at the University of Calgary since 1976. AINA provides multiple grant and scholarship programs for students and researchers conducting Arctic research, including the Northern Scientific Training Program Grant (up to $6,000), several memorial scholarships, and research grants for young investigators. View Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)'s website for more information.

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About Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)

What is the mission of Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)?

To advance the study of the North American and circumpolar Arctic through the natural and social sciences, the arts and humanities, and to acquire, preserve and disseminate information on physical, environmental and social conditions in the North.

What type of organization is Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)?

Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) is a Research institute.

When was Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) founded?

Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) was founded in 1945.

What is Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)'s official website?

Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)'s official website is https://arctic.ucalgary.ca/.

What else should I know about Arctic Institute of North America (AINA)?

Role of the Arctic Institute of North America in the Funding Ecosystem

As Canada's premier Arctic research institute, AINA plays a critical role in supporting and advancing Arctic research through direct financial support to students and early-career investigators. The institute operates multiple scholarship and grant programs designed to build research capacity in northern regions.

Funding Programs Offered

AINA administers several funding streams for Arctic researchers:

  • Northern Scientific Training Program Grant: Up to $6,000 for graduate students conducting research in northern regions of the circumpolar Arctic and sub-arctic. Deadline: November 10, 2025.
  • Jennifer Robinson Memorial Scholarship: $3,000-$5,000 for graduate students in Northern biology. Deadline: January 20, 2026.
  • Lorraine Allison Memorial Scholarship: $3,000 for graduate students studying Northern issues in science or social science. Deadline: January 20, 2026.
  • The H.M. Ali Family Education Award: $1,600 for University of Calgary students focusing on Northern and Arctic sustainable development. Deadline: January 31, 2026.
  • AINA Grant-in-Aid: Up to $1,000 to augment research funds for young investigators, especially graduate students.
  • Jim Bourque Scholarship: $1,000 for Canadian Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education in environmental, Indigenous Knowledge, or telecommunication studies. Deadline: July 8, 2026.

Research Infrastructure and Services

Beyond direct funding, AINA operates the Kluane Lake Research Station in Yukon (established 1961), manages the ADA: Arctic Discovery & Access digital education service, and publishes the peer-reviewed journal Arctic (continuous publication since 1948).

Governance and Accountability

Created by an Act of Parliament in 1945, AINA operates as a nonprofit tax-exempt research and educational organization. Since 1979, it has been part of the University of Calgary as a university research institute. The institute has been a Permanent Non-State Observer at the Arctic Council since Finland's chairmanship and publishes annual reports documenting activities and finances.