The University of Guelph is a leader in One Health education, research and training. Full- and part-time research positions are available for both graduate and undergraduate students through four competitive and unique programs.
Students gain valuable research experience while working under the supervision and mentorship of University of Guelph faculty. Visit the sections below for full eligibility criteria and information about the application process.
Building Arts and Social Science Capacity in One Health
Graduate Student Funding Initiative
The Building Arts and Social Science Capacity in One Health student funding initiative is intended to strengthen opportunities to integrate arts and/or social science perspectives in One Health research projects. Up to $5,500 is available as graduate student salary support (GRA) for a One Health initiative or pilot project during the academic year.
This funding initiative supports a project that draws on/centres arts or social science approaches, methods, and/or disciplines.
Applicants (U of G faculty) must submit a project proposal, including:
- Description of proposed research or learning experience.
- Timeline and intended outcomes.
- A description of the student’s role.
Value and Duration
Student Salary Support: $5,500
Travel Support: $500
A total of $5,500 will be provided for student salaries and benefits. This is based on a minimum hourly rate of $25.00 for a maximum total of 200 hours (10 hours/week, maximum, for up to 20 weeks). Student wages must align with the type of work performed (these are considered Level 2 positions), as described in the University of Guelph Student Wage Guidelines. A higher hourly rate or any additional hours over the 200 hours will be paid by the faculty member. All awarded funds must be spent within the academic year in which the award is received.
In addition to the salary, the student may submit receipts for travel or conference registration fees related to their project to the One Health Institute for reimbursement of up to $500.
Eligibility
FACULTY
Priority will be given to:
- Early career/pre-tenure researchers who can clearly demonstrate shared research activities arising from this collaboration.
- A faculty member who has not previously received an award administered by the One Health Institute.
The project must centre arts or social science approaches, methods, and/or disciplines, and demonstrate a clear:
- relevance to One Health research and/or teaching.
- outline of the role of the student in the project.
Faculty advisors must:
- Be available to supervise the research student for the entire award period.
- Provide an advisory and mentoring role to motivate and guide the student and to foster an interest in research.
A maximum of one project per faculty member will be approved.
Registered in full-time studies throughout their engagement with this funding initiative.
STUDENT
Faculty do not have to apply with the name of a student, but the graduate student chosen to receive the funding must:
Be eligible to work as part of their degree.
Travel Support: $500
A total of $5,500 will be provided for student salaries and benefits. This is based on a minimum hourly rate of $25.00 for a maximum total of 200 hours (10 hours/week, maximum, for up to 20 weeks). Student wages must align with the type of work performed (these are considered Level 2 positions), as described in the University of Guelph Student Wage Guidelines. A higher hourly rate or any additional hours over the 200 hours will be paid by the faculty member. All awarded funds must be spent within the academic year in which the award is received.
In addition to the salary, the student may submit receipts for travel or conference registration fees related to their project to the One Health Institute for reimbursement of up to $500.
Schedule of Dates, Selection Criteria, Reporting
Schedule of Dates
| Date | Action Due |
| July 28, 2025 | Call for project proposals opens |
| September 5, 2025 | Project proposals due |
| October 3, 2025 | Successful proposal(s) announced |
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of faculty affiliated with the One Health Institute and relevant social science departments. Selection will be based on:
- Relevance to One Health.
- Originality and thoughtfulness.
- Feasibility.
- Potential for impact on the student’s academic and professional development.
Reporting & Acknowledgement
Award recipients will be asked to submit a brief impact report (350–750 words) within three months of completing the funded activity, including key outcomes and plans for next steps.
Recipients will be recognized at relevant events hosted by the One Health Institute and may be invited to share their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Building Arts and Social Science Capacity in One Health student funding initiative?
This initiative aims to encourage graduate engagement with One Health by supporting a project that draws on/centres arts or social science approaches, methods, and/or disciplines.
Who is eligible to apply?
Faculty members in good standing who have sufficient operating expenses to cover the research project described in their application are eligible to apply for this program.
Students must apply directly to the successful faculty member. The faculty recipient will be solely responsible for student selection.
How are students paid?
Students are hired into the faculty member’s home department and paid a minimum of $25/hour per the terms of this funding initiative. Faculty members may choose to supplement this hourly wage at their discretion.
Students will be paid bi-weekly by the hiring department.
What qualifies as “project-related travel”?
Eligible expenses include conference registration fees, transportation to/from conferences, and accommodation, up to a maximum of $500.
Student travel must be approved by the faculty member, and the expenses approved by the One Health Institute (onehealth@uoguelph.ca) prior to purchase.
How is student travel reimbursed?
Travel expenses are reimbursed separately from salary support. Travel expenses must be submitted through Concur, the University of Guelph’s expense claim system.
How are faculty reimbursed?
At the end of each semester in which the award is held, the One Health Institute will reimburse faculty recipients according to the coding provided, to a maximum of $5,500/graduate student.
Recipients will be recognized at relevant events hosted by the One Health Institute and may be invited to share their work.
Robert W. Woolner Award
Undergraduate Summer Studentship
This studentship provides University of Guelph undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students with the opportunity to engage in full-time, 14.2-week summer research projects that align with One Health principles.
Applicants (U of G faculty) must submit a project proposal, including:
- Description of proposed research or learning experience.
- Timeline and intended outcomes.
- A description of the student’s role.
Value and Duration
Student Salary Support: $9,500
Travel Support: $500
A total of $9,500 will be provided for student salaries and benefits. This is based on a minimum hourly rate of $17.50 for a maximum total of 497 hours (14.2 weeks). Student wages must align with type of work performed (these are considered Level 2 positions), as described in the University of Guelph Student Wage Guidelines. A higher hourly rate or any additional hours over the 497 hours will be paid by the faculty member. In addition to the salary, the faculty advisor for each approved position will receive $500 in operating support. Students must be present for 35 hours per week during the entire 14.2 week period of the research project. As students will receive 4% vacation pay on their hourly rate, it is expected that they will work full-time (35hrs/week) for the entire 14.2 weeks. In addition to the salary, the student may submit receipts for travel or conference registration fees related to their project to the One Health Institute for reimbursement of up to $500.
Eligibility
FACULTY
Priority will be given to:
- Early career/pre-tenure researchers.
- A faculty member who has not previously received an award administered by the One Health Institute.
The project must be interdisciplinary in nature and center a One Health approach.
Faculty advisors must:
- Be available to supervise the research student for the entire 14.2-week reporting period.
- Provide an advisory and mentoring role to motivate and guide the student and to foster an interest in research.
A maximum of one project per faculty member will be approved.
STUDENT
Faculty do not have to apply with the name of a student. The student chosen to receive the funding must be a full-time University of Guelph student registered in Phase 1 or 2 of the DVM program, or after 2nd or 3rd year of a related University of Guelph undergraduate program.
Schedule of Dates, Selection Criteria, Reporting
Schedule of Dates
| Date | Action Due |
| October 6, 2025 | Call for project proposals opens |
| December 12, 2025 | Project proposals due |
| January 14, 2026 | Successful proposals announced |
| January 15, 2026 | Faculty member recipient may begin advertising opportunity |
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of faculty affiliated with the One Health Institute and relevant social science departments. Selection will be based on:
- Relevance to One Health.
- Originality and thoughtfulness.
- Feasibility.
- Potential for impact on the student’s academic and professional development.
Reporting & Acknowledgement
Award recipients will be asked to submit a brief impact report (350–750 words) within three months of completing the funded activity, including key outcomes and plans for next steps.
Recipients will be recognized at relevant events hosted by the One Health Institute and may be invited to share their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Robert W. Woolner Award?
This studentship provides University of Guelph undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students with the opportunity to engage in full-time, 14.2-week summer research projects that align with One Health principles.
Who is eligible to apply?
Faculty members in good standing who have sufficient operating expenses to cover the research project described in their application are eligible to apply for this program.
Students must apply directly to the successful faculty member. The faculty recipient will be solely responsible for student selection.
How are students paid?
Students are hired into the faculty member’s home department and paid a minimum of $17.50/hour per the terms of this funding initiative. Faculty members may choose to supplement this hourly wage at their discretion.
Students will be paid bi-weekly by the hiring department.
What qualifies as “project-related travel”?
Eligible expenses include conference registration fees, transportation to/from conferences, and accommodation, up to a maximum of $500.
Student travel must be approved by the faculty member, and the expenses approved by the One Health Institute (onehealth@uoguelph.ca) prior to purchase.
How is student travel reimbursed?
Travel expenses are reimbursed separately from salary support. Travel expenses must be submitted through Concur, the University of Guelph’s expense claim system.
How are faculty reimbursed?
At the end of each semester in which the award is held, the One Health Institute will reimburse faculty recipients according to the coding provided, to a maximum of $9,500/undergraduate student.
Recipients will be recognized at relevant events hosted by the One Health Institute and may be invited to share their work.
Canadian One Health Training Platform on Emerging Zoonoses
COHTPEZ is a six-year, bilingual national training program co-led by the University of Guelph and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The program aims to build a connected community of researchers and professionals equipped to address emerging zoonotic diseases through a One Health approach. Training focuses on health sustainability, disease prevention, and pandemic preparedness, preparing participants to respond to current and future zoonotic threats.
