The Visiting Fellowship Program provides promising young scientists and engineers with the opportunity to gain research experience by working with research groups or leaders in Canadian government laboratories and research institutions. Fellowships are awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second and third year, at the discretion of ESS.

The program objective is:

• To help young scientists and engineers in the development of skills by placing them for temporary periods with well established research groups in Canadian laboratories.

Eligible applicants must have obtained a doctoral degree from a recognized university within the last five years prior to the date of application. Candidates currently enrolled in a doctoral program may apply provided that they expect to complete all requirements for their degree - including their thesis defence - within six months of submitting their application.

The program is open to all candidates of all nationalities. However, two-thirds of the fellowships are awarded to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Most fellowships have an annual value of $42,761 (95% of the base salary of a RES 1) plus a travel allowance for the fellow, as well as for his or her spouse and children. In exceptional cases and at the discretion of the supervisor, a higher stipend may be offered. The maximum amount that can be given is is 95% of a RES 2 which totals $53,097 (95% of the base salary of a Research Scientists 2). Renewals for a second or third year ar possible at the discretion ESS and depending upon funding availability.

Renewals for a second or third year ar possible at the discretion ESS and depending upon funding availability.

The selection committee, appointed by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), will rate candidates according to the following criteria:

• Academic excellence
• Research ability or potential
• Communications skills
• Interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Justification for location of tenure
• Potential benefits to ESS

Candidates wishing to apply for a Visiting Fellowship must submit an Application for an NSERC Scholarship or Fellowship (Form 200), which is available from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council. There are no deadlines for application to the program. Applications are reviewed and processed as they are received.

You may apply only once in a one-year period.

Decisions are announced up to four months after receipt of the application.

For more information on the Visiting Fellowship Program, contact Joanne Laplante

Information is also available from the NSERC Web site.