Who is Eligible?

Full-time students at a recognized Canadian university or college, normally at the Master’s or PhD level, whose research contributes to barren-ground caribou conservation and management in Canada. Exceptional undergraduate, internship, northern trainee proposals or postdoctoral researchers conducting relevant research may also be considered.

What are the Board’s research priorities?

Applications must show how the work addresses one or more of the Board’s priority research areas:

• Population monitoring and herd dynamics
• Caribou health
• Habitat protection and land-use pressures
• Indigenous knowledge integration
• Climate and cumulative effects
• Harvest management
• Community-based monitoring and stewardship

Is preference given to any applicants?

Yes. Preference may be given to students from communities within the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou range, to research focused on these herds and their habitat, and to projects with meaningful community engagement such as research shaped by community priorities, involving local knowledge holders or community researchers, or sharing findings in ways communities can use.

How can the funding be used?

Funding should primarily be used to supplement stipend or salary support. Other uses can be considered (e.g. travel, community engagement, etc.).

What is expected of recipients?

Recipients are expected to present their research plan to the Board, provide updates as requested, present final results at a BQCMB meeting (virtually or in person), and share a short plain-language summary of your research.

How are applications assessed?

ACUNS screens applications, then a BQCMB Scholarship Committee reviews them, and the Board makes the final decision. Criteria include alignment with Board priorities, sound methods (Indigenous, land-based, community-led and/or Western science), feasibility, ethical community engagement, potential impact on management, and openness to Board mentorship.

What does the Board offer beyond funding?

• Mentorship and networking
• Help connecting with communities
• Data access where appropriate
• Logistics support
• potential board liaison or participation on an advisory committee where appropriate