Life Sciences Ontario Announces Recipients of the 2020 Scholarship Program

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a time when the world is facing unparalleled uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it has become increasingly apparent how integral the life sciences sector is to our society. The life sciences sector is at the forefront globally in combating the spread and developing vaccines and treatments to slow the pandemic. Earlier this year, Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) announced the expansion of the Life Sciences Ontario Scholarship program, now in its second year. The aim of this program is to help guide the minds of the future generation as they navigate their careers by pairing each student with an experienced professional from the sector.

Year two garnered an overwhelming response of over 500 applications, with a mix of applicants from colleges and universities across the province. Through our selection committee, we carefully selected 37 awardees from the University of Ottawa, University of Guelph, University of Toronto, University of Toronto-Mississauga, University of Toronto-Scarborough, McMaster University, Western University, Ryerson University and Queens University. The winners will receive a one-time payment of $3,000 and will be entered into a mentorship with an experienced professional from one of our sponsor companies.

This scholarship and mentorship program would not have been possible without our generous partners: Astellas Pharma Canada, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Gilead Sciences Canada Inc., GSK, Horizon Therapeutics, Janssen, Novo Nordisk, Roche, Sanofi and Takeda.

“As the organization dedicated to growing Ontario’s life sciences sector – we understand the importance of supporting the next generation of life sciences professionals. Our members share our passion and, through their support, we are pleased to once again deliver this important scholarship program to students across the Province.” – Jason Field, President and CEO, LSO

“Congratulations to the 37 bright young leaders who have won this year’s Life Sciences Ontario Scholarship Program,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “We know they will have an important role to play in keeping our health care system strong and pursuing valuable research in their fields of study. I wish them all the best as they continue their training and follow their future career paths.” – Premier of Ontario, Hon. Doug Ford

“Extremely excited to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Life Science Scholarship Program. There was an overwhelming number of applicants, so each and every one of you has shown your exemplary academic and community involvement. This is an excellent opportunity for you to receive scholarship funds and even more importantly you will have the ability to receive one on one mentoring in an industry that has shown great leadership throughout COVID-19. Congratulations and well done!” - Parliamentary Assistant - Economic Development, MPP Nina Tangri

For more information please contact, Life Sciences Ontario at [e-mail].