Awards, Prizes & Studentships

Awards recognizing academic achievement

Douglas Russell Memorial Book Prize
Douglas Russell was a longtime member of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. In his memory, the department has established a prize to be awarded to the student with the highest aggregate mark in Biochemistry's second year courses, BIOC2300 & 2610.

Kilmer Macmillan Memorial Book Prize
This prize is awarded to the science student who attains the highest aggregate mark in Biochemistry's third year courses, BIOC 3300, 3400, & 3700.

Peter Dolphin Memorial Prize in Biochemistry
In memory of Dr. Peter Dolphin, this prize is awarded annually to the fourth year student who is judged to have the best overall performance in the honours research project (BIOC 4604/4605).

Ron Hayes and Dixie Pelluet Bursary in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
This bursary is to honour the memory of Ron Hayes and Dixie Pelluet by providing an annual bursary to a student enrolled in a BSc program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Eligible recipients will have completed at least one year of study in their undergraduate program at Dalhousie. The bursary recognizes both academic excellence and financial need. Apply through the general online bursary program. Deadline: October 15.

Awards recognizing student achievement, non-monetary

Macpherson Award & Seminar Series
Dr. Macpherson taught biochemistry at Dalhousie University for sixteen years and played a major role in the development of the Medical School. The Macpherson Award in Biochemistry recognized an undergraduate student who has shown the greatest competency in the biochemistry component of the undergraduate medical curriculum up until 2010. It has since evolved into a departmental seminar series. The Macpherson Seminar Series was established in 2018 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Dalhousie Medical School and the 200th anniversary of Dalhousie University. The Seminars are given annually by graduates of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology who have distinguished themselves in their careers since leaving Dalhousie. The Lecture Series is named in honour of Dr. Lloyd B. Macpherson, a previous member of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.

Society of Chemical Industry Student Merit Award
This award may be made to the honours graduate in Biochemistry with the highest standing in the final year. A minimum of 75% is required.

University Medal in Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology offers a medal to the top First Class Honours graduate in the Biochemistry program. The awardee will be the one who has attained the high scholastic standard of the department.

Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Prize
The prize is a non-monetary recognition of contribution to research. The aim of the prize is to provide a non-GPA-based recognition of an undergraduate's learning experience outside of the classroom. The prize is also recognition of valuable contribution to research. The prize is awarded annually upon graduation to eligible students. Students with at least eight months of summer research experience while registered in a BSc 120 credit hour major or BSc Honours program at Dalhousie University may seek to be nominated from one or more faculty members. The supporting letter(s) should describe the student's research contributions and the duration of time spent in each laboratory.

Undergraduate Research Prize faculty support letter 2017 [PDF - 236 kB]
Undergraduate Research Prize student application form 2017 [PDF - 235 kB]

Summer studentships and award competitions

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) Atlantic Region Studentship
"Undergraduate Students, Medical Residents or students registered in a Graduate Program at any university in Atlantic Canada commencing the following September who are interested in working in the field of breast cancer research are invited to apply for a Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region Studentship Award. This award is available for students taking part in breast cancer related research projects in disciplines including, but not limited to: basic sciences, informatics, epidemiology, outcomes, socio-behavioural and clinical training."

CCNS Norah Stephen Oncology Scholar Awards
"Undergraduate Students, Medical Residents or students registered in a Graduate Program in Nova Scotia commencing the following September are invited to apply for a Norah Stephen Oncology Scholar Award funded by Cancer Care Nova Scotia (CCNS). These student research awards are designed to foster an interest in the field of oncology. Each year, a number of awards, each valued at $6,500, are presented to students taking part in cancer-related research or clinical training and experience projects."

CIHR Training Award
If you are in your last year of undergraduate study, you might consider competing for this award with Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Applications are received by the department and then forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. An official transcript for inclusion with the application package is required. Last years deadline was in December.

Dalhousie Cancer Awareness and Research Society Summer Studentship

"Undergraduate students currently enrolled at Dalhousie University and interested in pursuing cancer research in the summer are invited to apply for the Dalhousie Cancer Awareness and Research Society Summer Studentship. This is an award funded through the hard work of a group of dedicated students and the generous support of the local community."

Joyce Kennedy Adult Learner Award
This award is open to mature students studying full or part-time towards an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate. These adult learners are presented with a plaque and are acknowledged at a reception during the Atlantic Provinces Association for Continuing University Education (APACUE) annual Forum and AGM. Annual deadline is October 31st.

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (URSA)
This award provides financial support to work in a biochemistry research lab for 16 weeks over the summer. Generally, this award requires a competitive GPA of 3.7 or greater. Application deadline for our department is Friday, January 26, 2024.