S. Leonard Syme Training Fellowships in Work and Health

Note: The Syme Fellowships will not be offered in 2011.

In appreciation of Dr. Syme's contributions to the growth and development of IWH through his work as chair of its Scientific Advisory Committee (1995-2002), the Institute has established a research training fellowship program in his name.

Purpose and Term

The fellowships are for young researchers at the master's or doctoral level intending to study work and health. Preference will be given to candidates whose research interests include understanding the social determinants of health and illness in work environments, evaluating workplace interventions to improve health, and/or exploring the measurement issues associated with either of these two areas. IWH is particularly interested in candidates who show a commitment to research that promises to reduce work-related injury, illness and disability in Ontario. In the spirit of Dr. Syme's own contributions to research mentorship, candidates from any disciplinary background are eligible for training fellowships.

Based on the merit of the research, two types of awards may be offered: a major award of up to $15,000 and a minor award of up to $5,000. The term of an award will be 12 months. A major Syme Fellowship award is not normally held by a candidate also holding another major fellowship training award. Successful candidates will be expected to present some aspect of their research work at an IWH plenary during the course of the fellowship. They will also be invited to participate in other aspects of academic life at the Institute.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for the S. Leonard Syme Training Fellowships in Work & Health may apply prior to confirmation of acceptance to an MSc or PhD training program. Candidates who have partially completed their program of study will also be considered. Recipients of the award will typically be enrolled at an Ontario university that has a formal affiliation with the Institute for Work & Health (McMaster University, York University, University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto). Consideration may be given to applicants applying from other universities. IWH expects the candidate's supervisor or co-supervisor to be an Institute Scientist or Adjunct Scientist, although applications may be accepted by applicants who do not have a current affiliation with the Institute. Successful candidates without IWH affiliation will be assigned an IWH mentor.

Application Procedure

Applicants must provide:
1. A completed application form 
2. A 300-word statement of their research interests and a 200-word statement of their career objectives.
3. Undergraduate academic transcript (MSc candidates) or graduate academic transcript (PhD candidates) — official transcripts are not required.
4. A letter of reference from their research training supervisor (if identified).
5. A letter of reference from a current or recent academic supervisor (other than their research training supervisor).
6. A copy of their current CV.

Reference letters should be sent directly to the Institute or, if forwarded by the candidate, should be in an envelope sealed across the flap with the referee's signature.

If sending by mail, please do not staple materials.

Please forward materials by mail to the attention of:
Ms. Harriet South
Institute for Work & Health
481 University Ave., Suite 800
Toronto, ON M5G 2E9
Or by e-mail to: hsouth@iwh.on.ca 

Evaluation Process and Notification of Award

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of IWH scientific staff. The panel will make a recommendation for awards to the Institute's Scientific Director, Dr. Benjamin Amick.

Enquiries

Questions about eligibility or the application procedure should be directed to Ms. Harriet South, Institute for Work & Health.