The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) is a leading institution dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research that enhances the health and longevity of the aging population. As of 2025, MIRA offers a variety of funding opportunities aimed at supporting students, early-career researchers, and professionals engaged in aging-related studies. These programs provide financial assistance and foster innovative research collaborations, making them highly relevant for individuals seeking to contribute to the field of aging research.
About the Fellowship/Scholarship Programs
MIRA’s funding initiatives are designed to support ambitious research projects that aim to improve the lives of older adults. The institute collaborates with various partners, including the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging (LCMA) and the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre, to fund interdisciplinary research across all six faculties at McMaster University. These programs are recognized for their global reach and prestige, attracting applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ across MIRA’s funding programs:
- MIRA Graduate Scholarship Program: Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants entering the first year of a master’s program or the first or second year of a PhD program at McMaster University between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Applicants must have a supervisor who is a MIRA member and involve a mentor from a different faculty to promote interdisciplinary research.
- MIRA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: Candidates must have completed a PhD and propose interdisciplinary, impact-driven research in aging. The application requires a principal supervisor and two additional mentors from different faculties at McMaster University.
- MIRA Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship (USRF): Open to full- or part-time undergraduate students registered for courses in the fall semester of 2024. Applicants must have a MIRA member as a supervisor and can undertake a full- or part-time summer research project between May and August 2024.
- MIRA Graduate Student Professional Development Awards: Available to graduate students working with MIRA researchers to support activities such as presenting at conferences, attending training programs, or participating in research activities at other locations.
- envisAGE Call for Innovations: Targets Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with academic researchers and community labs to integrate AgeTech solutions addressing challenges of aging.
Application Process
To apply for MIRA’s funding opportunities, follow these steps:
- Identify the Appropriate Program: Review the eligibility criteria and objectives of each program to determine the best fit for your research interests and career stage.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather all required documents, including research proposals, CVs, transcripts, and letters of support. Ensure that your research aligns with MIRA’s mission and, if applicable, the mandates of co-funding partners.
- Secure Supervisors and Mentors: For programs requiring supervision, identify and confirm participation from MIRA members and mentors from different faculties to support your interdisciplinary research.
- Submit Application: Complete the application form specific to the chosen program and submit all materials by the specified deadline. Applications are typically submitted through MIRA’s online application portal.
- Await Notification: After submission, applications undergo a review process. Successful applicants will be notified according to the timeline specified for each program.
Required Documents
While specific requirements may vary by program, commonly required documents include:
- Cover Letter: Outlining your research interests, career goals, and how the program aligns with them.
- Research Proposal: A detailed plan of your proposed research, including background, objectives, methods, anticipated outcomes, and relevance to aging.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, and publications.
- Academic Transcripts: Official records of your academic performance.
- Letters of Support: Endorsements from your supervisor and mentors, confirming their support and the feasibility of your research plan.
- Additional Documents: Some programs may require specific forms or additional information, such as budgets for research expenses or details of professional development activities.
Focus Areas / Fields of Study
MIRA supports aging research across a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
Quick Summary Table
Feature | Details |
Program Name |
|
Host Country/Region | Canada |
Funded By | McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging (LCMA), and various partners |
Eligibility | Varies by program; includes undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) |
Financial Support | Varies by program; includes scholarships, fellowships, professional development funding, and matching funds for innovations |
Fields of Study | Aging research across disciplines, including but not limited to health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and business |
Application Deadline | Varies by program; refer to specific program details below |
Official Website |
FAQs
MIRA offers scholarships for master’s and PhD students focusing on interdisciplinary aging research at McMaster University.
Eligibility varies by program but includes undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, as well as SMEs collaborating on AgeTech solutions.
Identify the suitable program, prepare required documents, secure a MIRA member as a supervisor, and submit your application by the specified deadline.
Support ranges from $15,000 for master’s students to $18,000 for PhD students, plus potential additional funding from co-funding partners.
Yes, MIRA scholarships are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants.
MIRA supports interdisciplinary aging research across various disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and more.
Typically, applications require a cover letter, research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, and letters of support from supervisors and mentors.
MIRA offers Graduate Student Professional Development Awards to support activities like conference presentations and training programs.
Visit MIRA’s official funding opportunities page for detailed information on available programs and application guidelines
