Call for proposals launched for expanded Queen Elizabeth Scholars program

OTTAWA– The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is expanding, allowing more advanced scholars to benefit from the life-changing global experiences that the program offers. Universities Canada launched a call today to universities from across the country to submit new project proposals by November 25, 2016.

Contributions from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) led to the $12.5 million expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program. Created to improve global talent exchange between Canada and other nations, the program helps develop the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders by providing enriched academic, professional and cross-cultural experiences and by facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.

“Extending the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to include early career researchers reflects the growing significance of the program as a platform for international engagement and grows Canada’s global footprint,” says Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “The first cohort of Queen Elizabeth Scholars is an impressive group, and this next phase holds great promise. I look forward to seeing how they’ll contribute to building a more innovative, prosperous and inclusive Canada.”

Participating scholars will have access to the advanced education, training and mentorship vital to cutting-edge innovation. They will engage in local development with industry, government, and civil society organizations.

“We are delighted that IDRC’s $10 million contribution will expand the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to provide new learning opportunities for doctoral, post-doctoral, and early career scientists from low- and middle-income countries, as well as in Canada,” says Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre. “These students will become the leaders of tomorrow who will influence the change that will improve the lives of people throughout the world.”

“SSHRC is proud to be partnering on the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to give students additional research and training opportunities in the humanities and social sciences, such as working with Indigenous communities across the world,” says Ted Hewitt, President of SSHRC. “The program will contribute to building and sustaining a strong research environment, here and abroad, preparing students to succeed within and beyond academia.”

“We are delighted to support the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program, which helps young Canadians across the country grow as leaders and global citizens through their enriched experiences,” says Scott Haldane, Rideau Hall Foundation President and CEO. “It is through leading programs such as this one that Canada will make advancements as a nation in the key areas of learning, leading and innovation.”

“Globalization has had a profound impact on how we share ideas and engage in our communities. The expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program will provide even more opportunities for a global exchange of talent, and is a prime example of leadership coming together from all sectors and all over the world to have impact,” says Andrew Chunilall, Chief Operating Officer with Community Foundations of Canada. “This call will invite a new wave of activation between community foundations and local universities as we continue to explore ways to connect our communities with others globally.”

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and Canadian universities. It was first introduced by the Governor General of Canada David Johnston and former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien. There are currently more than 500 Queen Elizabeth Scholars from 36 Canadian universities across the country.

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Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:

Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]

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