Call for Applications: Veterinary Student Scholar Program

The Morris Animal Foundation Student Research Stipend offers veterinary students up to $5,500 for short-term research projects focused on companion and wildlife health. The program provides mentorship, hands-on research experience, and financial support, enabling early-career veterinary researchers to advance animal welfare without additional funding constraints.

What is the Student Research Stipend?

The Morris Animal Foundation Student Research Stipend (VSS) is a funding opportunity for veterinary students to conduct short-term research projects that improve the health and well-being of companion animals (canine, feline, equid) and wildlife. The initiative emphasizes early-career development, hands-on experience, and mentorship in animal health research.

Key Features

• Funding Amount: Up to $5,500 stipend per student

• Project Duration: Typically 3–4 months

• Eligible Research: Companion animal and wildlife health studies only; human health or production animal studies are excluded

• Support Provided: Financial stipend for living expenses; mentorship and guidance from a qualified research mentor

• Limitations: Funds cannot be used for equipment, supplies, testing, publication fees, or institutional costs

Who is Eligible?

• Enrolment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary medicine program throughout the project duration

• Program Restrictions: Students in combined DVM/PhD programs or previous VSS recipients are not eligible

• Mentorship Requirement: A qualified mentor must oversee and guide the research project

• Institutional Limit: Each institution may submit up to two applications; students must be selected by their institution before applying

Why the Stipend Matters

The program provides veterinary students with:

• Hands-on research experience in companion and wildlife health

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced veterinary researchers

• Financial support to focus fully on research without budgetary constraints

• A pathway to contribute to advancements in animal welfare and health

• Preparation for future careers in veterinary research or clinical practice

How the Program Works

1. Institution Selection: Institutions identify and select eligible students to apply

2. Application Submission: Students submit proposals, including mentor confirmation

3. Funding Decisions: Awards are announced in March 2026

4. Research Period: Projects are conducted for 3–4 months, potentially extending through August 2026

5. Post-Project Reporting: Students may be asked to report findings or outcomes to the foundation

6. Administrative Processes: Animal welfare review and contracting may take several weeks after selection

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure project aligns with companion or wildlife animal health

• Identify a qualified mentor early to guide your research

• Clearly outline research objectives and methodology in your proposal

• Confirm institutional selection before submitting the application

• Plan for stipend-only funding; budget for living expenses only

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Current veterinary students enrolled in accredited programs, not in DVM/PhD programs or previous VSS recipients.
2. What research topics are eligible? Projects must focus on canine, feline, equid, or wildlife health.
3. How much funding is provided? Up to $5,500 per student for living expenses during the project.
4. Can funds be used for equipment or lab fees? No, the stipend covers living expenses only.
5. How long is the research period? Typically 3–4 months, potentially extending through August 2026.
6. Is a mentor required? Yes, each project must have a qualified mentor.
7. When will funding decisions be made? Decisions are announced in March 2026, with contracting and animal welfare review following.

Conclusion

The Morris Animal Foundation Student Research Stipend provides veterinary students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, mentorship, and financial support while advancing the health and welfare of companion animals and wildlife. By focusing on independent, mentor-guided projects, the program fosters early-career development and meaningful contributions to veterinary science.