Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Summer Scholars Program

Overview

The BBS Summer Scholars Program is a fully funded 12-week program that provides students with cutting-edge skills training, mentorship, and career-development opportunities in STEM. The program is open to students who live in Ontario (residents), are enrolled in a STEM postsecondary degree/diploma program, and who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQIA+.

Over the past 10 years, the number of students pursuing postsecondary education and receiving a STEM credential from a Canadian public postsecondary institution has steadily increased. Yet, there remain significant racial, ethnic, and gender gaps in students enrolled in STEM degree programs and who occupy STEM-related jobs in the workforce. The Biochemistry and Biomedical Science Department, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, and Canada’s Global Nexus are committed to inclusive excellence and creating opportunities for students underrepresented in STEM. Our mission is to engage, encourage, and assist students from equity-deserving groups to pursue biomedical research and careers in biomedical sciences.

We aim to support students that face barriers to engaging in academic research, as well as those who have not had opportunities to explore STEM-related career paths in their educational journey. This program supports them in their current academic program and future careers. No previous research experience or research project proposals are required. Highly motivated, passionate, and enthusiastic STEM students are strongly encouraged to apply.