Government of Canada announces the 2010 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars

Leading doctoral students choose Canadian universities and confirm Canada as a destination of choice for higher learning

(OTTAWA, May 13, 2010)— The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, officially announced the 2010 recipients of Canada’s most prestigious scholarship for doctoral students—the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. This year’s 174 Vanier scholars come from across Canada and from around the world, with some of the most talented doctoral students from the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa choosing Canadian universities for the next stage of their studies. Vanier scholars receive $50,000 annually for up to three years, and each was chosen as a result of their demonstrated leadership skills and high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health research.

“The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program is an important part of the Government of Canada’s science and technology strategy,” said Minister Clement. “By helping our universities attract and retain the world’s top doctoral students, the program is helping us develop and apply leading-edge knowledge, grow a world-class workforce, and position Canada as a true destination of choice for the world’s top students and researchers.”

Vanier scholars are first nominated by a Canadian university and the nominations are evaluated by selection committees struck by Canada’s three research granting agencies. An international, blue ribbon selection board then selects Vanier scholarship recipients and recommends them for funding. The board includes members recognized around the world for their expertise and leadership in their respective areas, and is chaired by Laurent Beaudoin, chairman of the board of Bombardier Inc.

“With the combined Vanier scholars of 2009 and 2010, we now have 340 of the world’s finest doctoral students who have chosen a Canadian university. This proves just what a valuable program this is,” said Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. “We need to compete with the world for the most promising discoverers and innovators, and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program makes this more possible than ever.”

“The benefits of the Vanier scholarships will go far beyond the three years of the individual scholarships,” said Alain Beaudet, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. “Many of the Vanier scholars will become this country’s next generation of university researchers and educators, improving our quality of life through their research, innovation and teaching. Those Vanier scholars who return to their home countries after their studies will help forge stronger international ties for intellectual exchange and business development.”

“There is no question that the Vanier program is helping to reposition Canada and Canadian universities in the minds of graduate students the world over,” said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. “People are taking a second look at what Canada has to offer in terms of scholarships, but also in terms of world-class universities and high quality of life.”

A complete list of the 2010 Vanier scholarship recipients is available online at: http://www.vanier.gc.ca/psac-psac-eng.shtml.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award to assist them during their studies at Canadian universities. The program is administered jointly by Canada’s three research granting agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The program honours distinguished Canadian soldier and diplomat Major-General the Right Honourable Georges Philias Vanier (1888-1967), who served as governor general of Canada from 1959 to 1967.

For more information, please contact:

Lynn Meahan Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry Tel.: 613-995-9001
Trevor Lynn Manager, Communications Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Email: trevor.lynn@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Tel.: 613-992-7302 Cell: 613-302-9879	Taylor Paxton Media Relations Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Email: taylor.paxton@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Tel.: 613-944-1758