Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements for Current CGS Holders - SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR
The CGS-MSFSS Program supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences at recognized universities abroad. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGSMSFSS recipients contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian universities and affiliated research institutions and universities, or other research institutions outside of Canada.
Funding supplements are available to active CGS master’s, CGS doctoral or eligible Vanier CGS holders to help offset the costs of undertaking research studies outside Canada for a defined period.
Up to $6,000. Supplements are non-renewable. The defined research study period abroad to be covered by the supplement must be for a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months.
Applications deadlines are usually in late September, late January and late May each year.
Note:
Only CIHR is holding a February competition (not SSHRC and NSERC).
Current deadline:
January 30 (winter deadline)
and
May 31 (summer deadline)
October 1 (fall deadline)
Applications are to be submitted to the Yeates School of Graduate Studies.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada by the application deadline;
- Be registered at an eligible Canadian institution at time of application;
- Undertake your proposed trip abroad no earlier than the competition deadline date;
- Not hold or have held any other foreign study supplements during the course of your graduate studies; and
- have accepted or hold one of the following:
- a master’s- or doctoral-level Frederick Banting and Charles Best CGS (CIHR);
- a master’s- or doctoral-level Alexander Graham Bell CGS (NSERC);
- a master’s- or doctoral-level Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS (SSHRC); or
- a Vanier CGS.
Natasha Mills
Coordinator, Scholarships and Awards
Yeates School of Graduate Studies
natasha.mills@torontomu.ca
Recipient profiles
Our Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement holders share how the award has helped them pursue their research abroad.
Eve O'Dea Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management MA student and SSHRC CGS Master's Award recipient
"With funding from the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I will be supported in my travels to Los Angeles and my residency at the UCLA Film and Television Archive."
"My research involves the application of established archival and management standards in the keeping of queer moving picture materials. My time at the Archive will also provide me with the valuable experience of working within one of the most respectable moving picture collections in the world, in a city where films are such a major part of its history and culture."
Philippa Nesbitt, Communication and Culture PhD Candidate and SSHRC CGS Doctoral Award recipient
"My PhD research explores the changing climate of diverse representation in the North American fashion industry, and the way that this is experienced by disabled models working in the industry today. With the support of the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I will be able to conduct my research in New York City, the centre of mainstream fashion and diversity in North America."
"This opportunity will allow me to connect with disabled models who are actively making changes in fashion today, and industry insiders who are responsible for the decisions that may allow for greater change in the future. Being generously hosted by Parsons School of Design will also give me the opportunity to connect with influential scholars in the field of fashion studies working at Parsons and the many other revered universities in New York."
"I am grateful for this opportunity to engage in change-making research between Canada and the US, to strengthen my doctoral research, and to establish new relationships within the fashion industry and transdisciplinary academic fields abroad."
Ron Buenaventura, Philosophy MA student and SSHRC CGS Master's Award recipient
“I am extremely grateful for having been awarded the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, which will allow me to work with Dr. Phillip Mitsis at New York University (NYU) on Epicurean ethics.
“My research focuses on the tension between Epicurus's apparent other-regarding valuation of friendship and his overall commitment to hedonic egoism. Epicureanism spans Dr. Mitsis's life's work, and the opportunity to work under his direction will undoubtedly enrich the quality of my thesis going forward.
“As well, I am thankful to be hosted by NYU’s Department of Philosophy. The opportunity to work with the finest academics globally is in itself an invaluable prospect.”
Helen Lee, Film + Photography Preservation and Collections Management MA student and SSHRC CGS Master's Award recipient
“Analogue films that are created through experimental photochemical processes require specific preservation paradigms. My MRP researches the example of eco-processing – a filmmaking method that substitutes toxic photochemistry for organic alternatives – and explores how the unique qualities of these works can be most effectively preserved so that they remain lasting touchstones of cultural heritage.
“With the support of the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I was able to develop my research by partaking in the International Federation of Film Archives Restoration Summer School in Bologna, Italy. The knowledge I gained through this experience was invaluable to my project. I am sincerely grateful to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for the opportunity.”
Bernoulli Andilab, Mechanical Engineering PhD and NSERC CGS Doctoral Award recipient
“I am very grateful to have been awarded the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement. This award will enable me to spend a term at the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras (IIT-M). At the IIT M, I can further enrich the quality of my research through the use of their state-of-the-art electron microscopy and materials characterization facilities. My research focuses on the development of novel lightweight and high-strength cast aluminum alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries. Increased usage of lightweight structural materials in the transportation sector is important for reducing CO2 emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. This is a great opportunity for me to develop relationships with researchers in India, learn from their expertise and improve my analytical and experimental skills with the use of their facilities. I am looking forward to this valuable international experience.”
Farokh laqa Kakar, Civil Engineering PhD and Vanier NSERC CGS Doctoral Award recipient
"Is North American sludge (poop) different than Europeans? Which one produces more energy? These are the questions I will investigate through the application of resource recovery technologies on sludge from these two continents. During my PhD, I have been studying the potential of methane and organic acids recovery through anaerobic digestion and vacuum fermentation technology using sludge in North America towards a circular economy. Now it is time to head to Italy and see how the European sludge will perform.
“I am grateful to the NSERC - Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement Award that allowed me to think about such a novel idea and realize it. I believe for any graduate student, getting international experience is a unique experience and eyeopener to the world. Getting international experience not only adds to one’s technical knowledge and expertise but also teaches one about research culture in different corners of the world and much more. So look for it!"
Katey Park, Psychology PhD
“We know that viewing #fitspo on social media lowers body satisfaction. However, does viewing fit bodies also motivate individuals to participate in exercise? I am delighted to have been awarded the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, where I can answer these questions under the supervision of Dr. Scott Griffiths. I will be travelling to the University of Melbourne, Australia, where I will be trained on Ecological Momentary Assessment strategies using smartphone technology to assess exercise behaviour and motivation.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the ability to make international collaborations and to learn from esteemed researchers in the field of body image. I am confident that this experience will advance my skills as an early career doctoral researcher and provide fruitful avenues for further Australian collaborations. Thank you!”
Charlie Wall-Andrews, Management PhD
“The Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement allowed for the opportunity to engage with scholars in a new environment, and gather feedback on my research. Additionally, I was able to broaden my network, and have access to new resources to support my research.”
Payam Emadi, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering PhD and NSERC CGS Doctoral Award recipient
“My research is focused on improving the properties of lightweight metals to promote their widespread use in industry. Increasing the use of light structural metals is critical for achieving emission targets and decreasing our carbon footprint. With support from the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I hope to spend a summer at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. Using their state-of-the-art electron microscopy and materials characterization facilities, I hope to develop and examine a novel magnesium-based alloy for use in the transportation and aerospace sectors. This is an incredible opportunity for me to be trained in the use of modern characterization equipment, improve the quality of my dissertation and strengthen my analytical skillset. I am extremely grateful for this award.”
Cole Anderson, Film + Photography Preservation and Collections Management MA
Bev Fredborg, Psychology PhD
“I am incredibly grateful for the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement as this award will allow me to attend the laboratory of Dr. Martin Bohus in Mannheim, Germany. There, I will conduct important research on predictors of treatment response for individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who have completed dialectical behaviour therapy, the gold-standard treatment for individuals with this disorder.
“The educational opportunities I will receive in the Bohus lab are of extreme value, both in shaping my career path as a clinician-scientist-in-training, as well as in informing my work on my PhD dissertation. Moreover, it will help me form meaningful relationships between researchers in Toronto and in Germany, which should prove fruitful for years to come.”
Alexandra Gooding, Film + Photography Preservation and Collections Management MA
“I am grateful to have been awarded the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, which will significantly aid me in completing my thesis research and work placement at the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) Library department at Cambridge University Library, England.
“My research focuses on the historic photographic representation of the circum-Caribbean and how that region is visually represented and made accessible in institutional collections. My thesis critically examines the geographic vocabularies prescribed by international archival description standards and how their rigorous nature often inhibits accurate and consistent descriptions of this complex region, thereby hindering users’ intellectual access to Caribbean-related materials. I will be using the RCS’s photograph collection as a case study to develop my research while simultaneously assisting with the preservation and cataloguing of their photographic materials.”
Amber Grant, Environmental Applied Science and Management PhD
“My PhD research explores whether and how environmental justice goals are being defined, pursued and implemented in community tree-planting plans and programs in Philadelphia, Pa. With support from the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I will be able to work with Dr. Lara Roman at the U.S. Forest Service in Philadelphia.
“This opportunity will allow me to build and strengthen relationships with urban forest practitioners and community members who are actively engaged in urban tree-planting and tree care work. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Roman, an expert and prolific author in urban forest management and ecology.
“I am grateful for this meaningful opportunity to collaboratively engage in transdisciplinary research abroad, strengthen my doctoral work and establish lasting relationships with the urban forest community in Philadelphia.”
Stephanie Hill, Communication and Culture PhD
“My research examines private companies as actors in communication about political controversies, and particularly considers their effectiveness and appropriateness in providing or removing a platform for different kinds of political speech. Research of this kind requires a range of case studies and the support of the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement enables me to spend a semester studying under the supervision of Dr. Robin Mansell at the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, U.K. Studying in England provides an opportunity to expand my analysis beyond North America, to include the perspectives of professionals engaging with a uniquely challenging political crisis, and to draw on the expertise of internationally renowned academics in my field. I’m looking forward to incorporating new perspectives into my research and learning from colleagues in England and across Europe.”
Vathsala Illesinghe, Policy Studies PhD
“At a time when there is a greater demand for global, cross-national perspectives in migration studies, research in this domain must transcend borders, make room for a wide range of perspectives, languages, cultures and be open to bold, new forms of inquiry. The Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement allows me to take on this challenging task. It provides an additional source of support for a period of fieldwork in South Asia to understand women’s pre-migration experiences, to gather perspectives of stakeholders in the country of origin and to collaboratively co-create and disseminate knowledge ensuring its reach beyond Canada. With the generosity of this supplement, there is an opportunity to explore future research collaborations and begin some of the work that goes beyond a PhD dissertation. Creating space for South Asian women’s transnational organizing and activism would be the most significant and overarching long-term outcome of the work supported by this award.”
Tamara Meixner, Psychology PhD student, 2017 CIHR Doctoral Award recipient
"Being awarded a Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement will allow me to spend summer 2018 at Yale University conducting research alongside Dr. Nancy Suchman and her team. In the United States, Dr. Suchman is a leader in the development and evaluation of attachment-based parenting interventions for mothers with substance use and psychiatric disorders.
"This opportunity to expand and strengthen my clinical research abilities will both facilitate the completion of my ongoing doctoral work here at TMU and shape my future thinking and contributions to the field.
"I am grateful for this exciting training endeavour and hope that it will be one of many research partnerships between Ryerson and Yale."
Fiona C. Thomas, Psychology PhD student
"As a recipient of the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I have had the opportunity to conduct my PhD dissertation research in Sri Lanka. My research is focused on the risk and resilience factors of comorbid psychopathology in return migrants in post-conflict Northern Sri Lanka.
"I partnered with researchers and clinicians from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, and from the University of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. During my time in Sri Lanka, I worked closely with local researchers to ensure that my research questions were appropriate for the political climate of post-war Sri Lanka. I also provided qualitative data collection training to research assistants based in Northern Sri Lanka and collaborated with them to translate questionnaires and conduct interviews with participants.
"I am grateful for this novel global mental health opportunity and hope that it will lead to additional future international collaborations for Ryerson."
Eli Vandersluis, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering PhD student
"My research focuses on improving the thermal conductivity of cast aluminum automotive components, with efforts towards enhancing engine efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. With support from the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement, I will be able to spend summer 2019 enriching my work at Technion in Israel, a world-renowned expert in the advanced characterization of materials.
"While there, I will have the opportunity to expand my knowledge of materials analysis techniques and make use of their state-of-the-art, high-resolution apparatus. The data generated during my studies abroad will complement and strengthen my findings as well as add much depth to my research scope.
"I look forward to this valuable international experience, and I am excited to perform significant and stimulating work that will support my project objectives."
Richard Zeifman, Psychology PhD student
"I am grateful to have been awarded the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement. This award will allow me to spend the summer conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at Imperial College London.
"Dr. Carhart-Harris is an expert in psychedelic drugs and is conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing psilocybin (a psychedelic drug) and escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI) as interventions for major depressive disorder.
"During my time in London, I will be contributing toward this trial and exploring the impact of psychedelics on suicidality. This opportunity will allow me to explore psychedelics as a potentially novel intervention for suicidality, as well as collaborate and establish important relationships with research and clinicians at Imperial College London."
Christopher Raghubar, Building Science MASc student, 2017 NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's (CGS-M) recipient
"The Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement has allowed me to receive critical and comprehensive feedback from experts in the field of thermal engineering – specifically, heat transfer and energy storage.
"Although challenging at times, my studies at the National Institute of Applied Science (INSA) in Lyon, France have been extremely rewarding and have improved the quality of my research in terms of both novelty and rigorousness, pushing me to thoroughly evaluate, refine and execute my research scope.
"Studying at INSA has also enabled me to meet various students from around the world, travel to several destinations, and enjoy the European quality of life."