Each year the Osler Library offers awards and travel grants to local and international historians, physicians, graduate and post-doctoral students, and others whose research touches upon the history of medicine. We accept applications for the following awards/grants and kindly ask you to share this notice widely within your own networks, listservs, and social media outlets to help us spread the word. For research travel awards, the award will typically be made as a reimbursement for travel and travel-related expenses.
Please note that all research in this grant cycle must be completed during the next fiscal year, 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2027. We welcome all further inquiries at osler.library [at] mcgill.ca (osler[dot]library[at]mcgill[dot]ca).
Artist-in-residence
Michèle Larose – Osler Library Artist-in-Residence Programme
The award supports visual artists visiting the university to create works that address contemporary and/or historical subjects in medicine and the health sciences that are inspired by the rich and diverse collections held by the Osler Library and/or other sources at McGill, which may include McGill faculties and hospitals.
Learn more about the Michèle Larose – Osler Library Artist-in-Residence Programme
Student research awards
Molina Family Foundation Osler Library Medical Student Research Awards
The primary objective is to provide medical students with an opportunity to undertake a research-based project using the Osler Library’s resources. It is expected that the award will lead to scholarly output that will be of mutual benefit to the participant and the Osler Library.
Learn more about the Molina Family Foundation Osler Library Medical Student Research Awards
The Pam and Rolando Del Maestro Family William Osler Medical Student Essay Awards
Current and incoming medical students at McGill are invited to explore the historical, social, ethical, and humanistic side of their field thanks to an essay contest established by the Medical Students’ Osler Society and the Board of Curators of the Osler Library of the History of Medicine, and endowed through a generous gift by Pam and Rolando Del Maestro.
Learn more about the Pam and Rolando Del Maestro Family William Osler Medical Student Essay Awards
Travel awards and grants
Dr. Dimitrije Pivnicki Award in Neuro and Psychiatric History
Awarded to one or more students and/or scholars wishing to carry out research utilizing the rich archival and monographic holdings at McGill University, such as the Osler Library (including the Penfield Archive), the Montreal Neurological Institute, and the McGill University Archives. Awards totalling approximately C$13,000 are usually divided among a small number of scholars, whose individual awards depend upon need and duration of visit.
Learn more about the Dr. Dimitrije Pivnicki Award in Neuro and Psychiatric History
Dr. Edward H. Bensley Osler Library Research Travel Grant
Awarded to those whose project requires travel to Montreal to consult material in the Osler Library, such as rare books, archives, and artifacts. Each year up to C$5,000 in awards will be made available to one or more individuals who require a minimum of two weeks to carry out their research.
Learn more about the Dr. Edward H. Bensley Osler Library Research Travel Grant
Mary Louise Nickerson Travel Grant
This award is open to scholars who need to travel to Montreal to carry out research using Osler Library collections (e.g., rare books, archives, and artifacts). Awards totalling approximately C$13,000 are typically divided among a small number of scholars, whose individual awards depend upon need and duration of visit.