Astronomy Access Initiative 2024

The Centre for Research in Astrophysics of Quebec (CRAQ) is opening the 2024 Astronomy Access Initiative competition. This grant is intended for students from groups traditionally marginalised in astrophysics research who wish to pursue a master’s degree under the supervision of a CRAQ faculty member, starting in the summer or fall of 2024. This grant is part of the CRAQ’s efforts to develop a more diversified, equitable and inclusive environment to make it a richer and stronger Centre.

To be eligible, the candidate must identify with at least one of the following marginalised groups: women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, members of visible minorities, racialized groups, or any other minority group likely to experience discrimination in society. These groups have been established following the recommendations and practices of organizations such as the FRQ and NSERC.

The deadline to submit your application is December 5, 2023, and applicants will be notified on December 22, 2023.

Terms and conditions of the award and use of the award.

The selection and announcement of the recipient of the grant will be made prior to the admission process to graduate studies for the semesters in question. At that time, the grant is conditional upon the student’s subsequent admission to an M.Sc. program of study at a CRAQ institution and upon confirmation of supervision by a CRAQ member. Once this condition is met, normally in the spring of 2024, the grant will be confirmed. 

The grant, in the amount of $10000 per year for two years, is not an additional sum of money given to the student; rather, it will be used to pay for a portion of the normal funding offered to M.Sc. students by the supervisor, thus reducing the amount to be paid from their research funds. Therefore, upon receiving a conditional grant, the recipient is encouraged to mention this in their discussions with prospective supervisors.  

One grant will be given in the 2024 competition. An individual cannot receive this grant more than once. 

This grant cannot be combined with a major award from a granting agency (e.g., FRQNT or NSERC). If a recipient is also offered such an external scholarship, then the CRAQ scholarship will be offered to another candidate.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Interest and motivation to pursue studies in astrophysics: 30%
• Experiences and accomplishments relevant to astrophysics research: 30%
• Capacity for engagement within or outside of academia: 30%
• Academic record: 10%

How to apply?

Interested applicants must complete the online application form and attach the following items before December 5, 2023:

• A cover letter (1 page maximum)
• A CV
• A transcript (an unofficial version is sufficient)

For any questions, contact frederique.baron@umontreal.ca