How much funding can be received?

The Summer Research Studentships (SRS) program provides funding up to $1.9 million to post-secondary institutions in Alberta for enhancing experiential learning opportunities in health research and innovation for undergraduate students. Eligible activities include paid summer project work under supervision, with emphasis on skills development in digital health, data-enabled health transformation, or health innovation and technology acceleration.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports undergraduate students in health-related training programs, focusing on digital health, data-enabled health transformation, and health innovation. Eligible projects aim to enhance the skills and connections of emerging talent within Alberta's health research and innovation ecosystem.

Projects related to digital health, such as computer modelling for drug discovery or technology development.
Initiatives that involve overcoming data infrastructure challenges to improve health research.
Activities to prepare health data for machine learning applications.
Research aimed at predicting therapeutic outcomes or adverse effects.
Projects that involve developing and commercializing emerging health technologies.
Research focused on advancing data and digitally enabled care models within Alberta's health system.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Summer Research Studentships grant is determined by specific requirements concerning the applicants, supervisors, projects, and institutions.

Students must be registered in an undergraduate degree program at a university in Canada. However, this requirement may be waived by universities to allow exceptional high school students to participate.
Students must be able to participate in the SRS program at the Alberta-based university to which they applied.
Supervisors must be employed at a participating post-secondary institution and must provide appropriate supervision for the proposed project. The supervisor does not need to be a faculty member.
Projects must be relevant to the program and occur under an approved supervisor. Projects strongly relevant to Digital Health, Data-Enabled Health Transformation, or Health Innovation and Technology Acceleration may be prioritized for funding.
Post-secondary institutions must be a comprehensive academic and research university in Alberta or an undergraduate university in Alberta engaged in health research and innovation-related activity and must have applied for and received funding from Alberta Innovates to administer the SRS program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Summer Research Studentships (SRS) program targets students and mentors involved in health research at Alberta-based post-secondary institutions, focusing on digital health and emerging technology innovation.

Post-secondary students enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Canada.
Academic institutions and researchers at comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta.
Supervisors employed at participating post-secondary institutions in Alberta capable of overseeing relevant projects.
Projects that align with Digital Health, Data-Enabled Health Transformation, or Health Innovation and Technology Acceleration.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Summer Research Studentships (SRS) program is directed towards undergraduate students at post-secondary institutes in Alberta and does not cater to corporate entities or industries. The program is specifically structured to provide learning opportunities within academic settings.

Private companies and industries.
Organizations that are not post-secondary institutions or without academic affiliations.
Entities outside of Alberta or without operations related to Alberta-based universities.
Non-academic institutions not engaged in health research and innovation-related activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Summer Research Studentship (SRS) program provides funding for specific expenses directly related to the administration and success of the studentships.

GST on eligible costs if unrecoverable and not reimbursed.
Salaries or stipends paid to studentship recipients.
Costs of workshops or events related directly to the funded project, including meals and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Up to 10% of the total investment for program administration costs.
Any other costs pre-approved in writing by Alberta Innovates as eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant primarily targets institutions and students based in Alberta as specified by the funding organization, Alberta Innovates. The eligibility is closely tied to the participation of Alberta-based post-secondary institutions in the program.

Alberta-based universities and colleges.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Summer Research Studentships (SRS) grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.

Relevance to Program Objectives: Identification of opportunities to introduce emerging talent in related fields, with a focus on health research and innovation – Score range 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding).
Evidence of Diverse Career Development Activities: Identification of relevant professional development activities beyond research training – Score range 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding).
Support for Institutional Capacity: Evidence of past success in administering studentship programs and details on the fair and transparent competition process – Score range 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding).
Team: Identification of an appropriate team for program administration and acknowledgment of any anticipated team changes – Score range 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding).
Budget: Justification of the proposed budget, alignment with expenditure guidelines, and appropriate contingency plan for potential recruitment challenges – Score range 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding).

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Summer Research Studentships grant:

Step 1: Visit Post-Secondary Institution Websites
Navigate to the competition pages of the participating post-secondary institutions listed.
Review specific application instructions and eligibility criteria provided by each institution.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Gather necessary documentation such as your undergraduate registration information.
Prepare any project proposals or related documents required for submission.
Step 3: Submit Application
Follow the application submission guidelines as provided on the institution's competition page.
Ensure all required documents are submitted before the respective deadline if any.
Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
Check for a submission confirmation from the institution, if available.
Retain any confirmation details for your records.

For specific questions related to the application process, contact the respective post-secondary institution directly.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program supports a commitment to advancing Digital Health innovation in Alberta through partner relationships.
Details of studentship recipients and their projects are published on a three-year trailing basis, enhancing transparency and showcasing program impact.
Students participating in the program have access to supplemental skills development workshops and career mentorship, broadening their professional opportunities.
Alberta Innovates monitors and reports on program impacts, incorporating feedback from student surveys conducted up to five years post-completion.
Institutions administering the program must ensure promotional materials acknowledge Alberta Innovates' financial support.

grant_single_labels|contact

Noor.Al-Zanoon@albertainnovates.ca

780-429-7652

Apply to this program

Unlocking Alberta's Health Research Potential with Summer Research Studentships

The Summer Research Studentships (SRS) program provides an essential platform for undergraduate students in Alberta's post-secondary institutions to engage in health research and innovation. The program offers experiential learning opportunities to cultivate the next generation of leaders capable of driving significant advancements in healthcare technologies.

Empowering Future Health Innovators Through the Summer Research Studentships

The Summer Research Studentships program, spearheaded by Alberta Innovates, is a pivotal initiative designed to bolster Alberta's health research and innovation ecosystem. By targeting undergraduate students enrolled in Canada, this program facilitates their involvement in impactful projects over a four-month period within post-secondary institutions in Alberta. This experiential learning promotes skills acquisition, comprehensive understanding of health innovations, and essential networking opportunities that elevate their career prospects in burgeoning fields such as digital health and technology-enabled health care.

As economic growth increasingly hinges on the successful integration of emerging technologies in health care, the SRS program serves as a catalyst for attracting top-tier talents to Alberta's research environment. Through structured engagement in research projects, workshops, and mentorship programs, students not only glean valuable insights into practical applications of their academic theories but also build lasting professional relationships. This holistic approach ensures students can transition effectively from academic knowledge to practical, operational skills that are essential in today's fast-evolving health sector.

Equally significant is the collaborative nature underscored by the program, leveraging a network of academic institutions like the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, among others, to foster environments where students can thrive. These partnerships not only highlight Alberta Innovates' commitment to nurturing an innovative workforce but also position Alberta as a competitive destination for research and development talent. This strategically elevates the province’s standing in both national and international markets by anchoring new talent directly within its growing economic framework.

Funding for the SRS program is variable, and specific financial details are determined in collaboration with participating universities, ensuring tailored support that meets the diverse needs of each institution and their student populations. This financial model enables a dynamic and adaptable approach to resource allocation, promoting sustainability and maximizing the potential impact of allocated funds.

The intake for this program operates on a continuous basis at multiple institutions throughout Alberta, allowing for extensive participation and fostering a broad spectrum of research initiatives. Students interested in applying must navigate the application process coordinated by their respective institutions, with guidance and oversight provided by Alberta Innovates to ensure alignment with program objectives and integrity in the competitive selection process.

By investing in these experiential learning opportunities, the SRS program not only enhances individual student development but also strengthens Alberta's economic landscape through innovation-driven growth and resilience. Ultimately, it empowers a new generation of thinkers, researchers, and practitioners to spearhead innovative health solutions, ensuring that Alberta remains at the forefront of health research and technology acceleration globally.