The application for the 2024-2025 program is now closed.
Check out our Why apply? page to find out what previous participants found most valuable about this program.
What is the Graduate Award Program?
The Graduate Award Program (GAP) is a closed seminar series that introduces exceptional graduate students to the skills and background knowledge required to expand the policy impact of their research.
The series consists of three types of sessions:
- Talks by policy practitioners and academics about topics such as the relationship between evidence and policy and the realities of policymaking.
- Trainings to learn how to write for different audiences.
- Cohort discussions to synthesize these learnings and conceptualize applications to each member of the cohort's research.
This program is designed for graduate students without much previous policy training or experience, but whose research is relevant for making social policy change.
Who is an ideal candidate for the GAP?
The GAP is open to graduate students at McGill from any discipline. Ideal candidates are:
- Working on interdisciplinary dissertation topics related to understanding how social conditions impact population health and welfare.
- Motivated to develop practical skills to increase the policy relevance and impact of their research.
- Looking to expand the reach of their research findings beyond academic networks.
- Able to articulate how engaging in cross-disciplinary discourse will be of great value to their research.
- Dedicated and enthusiastic discussion participants who are keen to share their ideas in group settings.
What do students do?
- Attend biweekly seminars and workshops at the School of Population and Global Health (SPGH), located at 2001 McGill College.
- Complete assigned preparatory readings and prepare discussion questions for talks led by experts.
- Supported by training sessions and resources, produce:
- One op-ed or conversation piece;
- One policy brief, either about your own research or the research of a faculty member;
- One poster for presenting your research to the faculty, students, and broader intellectual community of the Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy.
- Attend other seminars and events at the SPGH.
- Use the student work space at the SPGH.
Where and when does it take place?
Seminars and workshops take place on alternating Thursdays from 11:30-1 at the School of Population and Global Health (2001 McGill College) from September to April.
How much is the award?
Participants receive a $4,000 award.
How many awards are available?
6 fellowships will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year.
How can I learn more?
Reach out to Kate, the Student Affairs Administrator at the Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy: studentadmin.ihsp [at] mcgill.ca
Program Description
The Graduate Award Program at Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy (DEEP) provides graduate students with the skills needed to bridge the gap between research and practice. It is open to outstanding graduate students whose current or proposed dissertation topics are interdisciplinary and connected to understanding how social conditions impact population health and welfare.
Through seminars and workshops held every two weeks, students will enhance their knowledge of research in health and social policy across disciplines and develop communication skills to share research findings to a wide audience. Each student will present their work to an interdisciplinary cohort and gain expert advice and feedback from a diverse group of researchers. Students are encouraged to use office space available at the School of Population and Global Health.