David Suzuki Fellowships

Research. Collaborate. Inspire.

David Suzuki has spent a lifetime at the forefront of environmental activism. Renowned for his ability to make the complexities of science exciting and easy to understand, he’s inspired millions of people around the world to take meaningful action to protect the planet. And he continues to help new generations understand their interdependence with nature.

Building on David’s legacy, the David Suzuki Fellowship program will help the next generation of leaders tackle complex environmental problems. Successful fellows will embody David’s research excellence and his ability to motivate people to make a difference.

Current Fellows

Fellowships

The David Suzuki Fellowship program empowers emerging scholars to tackle complex environmental problems. It reduces financial barriers, provides mentorship and fosters leadership and creativity so fellows can conduct research and engage and inform the public and policy-makers.

Award

Up to three fellowships are available. Each will be for one year and will consist of:

  • A $30,000 to $50,000 stipend, plus a pre-approved travel and research budget
  • Mentorship from David Suzuki Foundation senior staff
  • Access to office space at any Foundation office

*Stipend will be commensurate with education level attained and experience.

Research theme

For 2019-20, the overriding research theme is innovation and impact. The specific research idea should be connected to an issue the David Suzuki Foundation currently works on.

We’re looking for scholars to share their brightest, most effective and creative ideas to solve our greatest environmental challenges.

Program structure

The program is designed so fellows can keep one foot in research and the other in learning communication and public engagement strategies. The aim is for fellows to stay true to David Suzuki’s model of communicating rigorous science in a way that is easy to understand and act on.

  • Over half of the fellow’s time will be spent on completing a one-year research project. The fellow and Foundation mentor(s) will determine specifics based on the fellow’s research interests (as outlined in their application). The research could include building on the fellow’s graduate research findings, publishing/co-publishing academic research and/or doing a distinct piece of research.
  • Up to half of each fellow’s time will be spent on professional development within the David Suzuki Foundation. This may include (but is not limited to) learning and developing skills in government relations, communications and community engagement. During this time, fellows may produce policy briefs and opinion articles, conduct media interviews, contribute to social media, etc.

*This breakdown is subject to change, pending research focus specifics and interests.

Eligibility

Eligibility:

  • Received master’s degree or PhD (any discipline) prior to start of fellowship
  • First Nations, Inuit or Métis applicants must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree and/or have significant lived experience in connection to community, culture and traditional ecological knowledge
  • Preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in French and English

Selection criteria

Successful applicants will be inspiring environmental leaders who embody David Suzuki’s solutions-focused scientific curiosity, research excellence, ability to bring clarity to complex issues and dedication to motivating people to take action for the planet.

Application:

The application process is a four-stage process: 1) research idea exploration, 2) detailed research proposal, 3) phone interview and 4) in-person interview. 

The first stage is now open and closes on February 1, 2019.
Applicants selected to move to the next stage will be notified in February 2019.

Stage 1 – Research idea exploration

  • CV including list of publications, grants, experience, presentations, etc. (max two pages)
  • Letter of interest (max 1,000 words). This must include 1) a clearly defined research idea for the fellowship, 2) how proposed research connects to an issue or project that the David Suzuki Foundation currently works on and 3) anticipated impact of research to help solve an environmental challenge

Apply

Before applying, please ensure you have thoroughly read the eligibility section of the website.

Application Form

Supporters

The David Suzuki Fellowships were launched in 2016 to celebrate David Suzuki’s 80th birthday.

Thank you to all our major founding donors. You are empowering the next generation of environmental leaders!

  • Kate Alexander and David Daniels
  • Jennifer C. Allen
  • Ross and Trisha Beaty
  • Donald Bigioni
  • Stewart Brown
  • Michael Budman and Diane Bald
  • Donette Chin-Loy Chang
  • France Chrétien-Desmarais and André Desmarais
  • John A. Fraser
  • Adam Gawn
  • Denyse and Don Green
  • Rohan Hazelton
  • Genuine Health Inc.
  • The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
  • Rogers Helene L Joy
  • Elizabeth and Rudy Kerklaan
  • John and Marcy McCall MacBain
  • Carol Newell
  • Rudy and Patricia North
  • RBC Foundation
  • John and Carryn Ruffolo
  • Leonard Schein
  • Jane Silverstone-Segal and Herschel Segal
  • Arran and Ratana Stephens
  • Judy and Isaac Thau
  • The Trottier Family Foundation
  • Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese

To find out about making a donation to support the David Suzuki Fellowships, please contact Harpreet Johal, Senior Public Engagement Specialist at hjohal@davidsuzuki.org.