Top Researchers Recognized: UBC’s Young Researchers Shine

In late August, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships recognized six UBC postdoctoral researchers with each award amounting to $140,000 in funding over two years. As the most prestigious of such awards in Canada, the funds are awarded “to the very best postdoctoral researchers” nationally and internationally.

In early December, 32 UBC doctoral students are awarded Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, the most of any Canadian institution, allowing them to continue research in fields as varied as cancer research, music therapy, genomics and sports-related head trauma. Vanier scholars receive $50,000 a year for three years.

The Vanier and Banting awards are meant to support graduate student and early career researchers and make Canada a magnet for the best and brightest international talent.

In 2014, the federal funding for the two separate programs totaled more than $34 million for 166 Vanier scholarships and 70 Banting fellowships. Of this prestigious roster, UBC takes a hefty share: 38 doctoral and postdocs equaling $5.7 million in funds.