Samit & Reshma Sharma Graduate Award in Vaccine & Infectious Disease Research

What you will need

• ✓ Reference letter from your research supervisor (maximum one page in length) attesting to the impact of your research
• ✓ Evidence of research productivity (at least one refereed publication or conference presentation)
• ✓ One-page outline of your thesis or project topic or area of major research
• ✓ Complete list of your publications, conferences, and poster presentations
• ✓ Supervisor's name and email address for the automated reference request

About this award

You can receive approximately $3,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a graduate researcher focusing on human or veterinary infectious diseases and vaccines, particularly those associated with the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO — the research center at the university dedicated to vaccine development). You must apply by November 2, 2026. When you apply, ask University of Saskatchewan how and when you will hear back — whether it is through email, the portal, or by phone. Ask University of Saskatchewan how many students usually apply, so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Saskatchewan during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Saskatchewan whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a continuing graduate student in a program focused on human and veterinary infectious diseases and/or vaccines with a minimum GPA of 80%. You qualify if you are a Master's student (either thesis or project-based) within the first 24 months of your program, or a PhD student within the first 48 months of your program. A priority is given to students pursuing a thesis-based MSc (Master of Science) or a PhD in human and veterinary infectious diseases and/or vaccines.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to graduate students
• ✓ Studying human infectious diseases, veterinary infectious diseases or vaccines

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Research ProposalAvoid writing a vague summary of your interests. Instead, provide a precise one-page outline of the specific thesis or project topic you intend to pursue. Draft your outline and have your supervisor review it for clarity before you upload it.
• ReferencesAvoid waiting until the last minute to enter your supervisor's details. Instead, notify your supervisor immediately that they will receive an automated email from the system. Confirm they have received the link and remind them that their submission must arrive by the deadline for you to remain eligible.
• StrategyAvoid omitting smaller achievements. Instead, list every refereed publication, conference, or poster presentation you have contributed to. Use the "Add Another Answer" link in the portal to ensure every piece of evidence is recorded.
• RealismAvoid assuming a high GPA alone guarantees the award. Instead, focus on proving your research productivity through your publications and the impact described in your supervisor's letter. Gather your peer-reviewed evidence early to ensure it meets the requirement of at least one publication or presentation.

Questions students ask

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