Funded by the Government of Canada, the Queen’s Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships Program supports international research placements across the Indo-Pacific region for Master's students, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and tenure faculty whose research aligns with one of the program’s three research streams.
Through strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, the program furthers by advancing expertise in climate resilience, sustainable energy, advanced materials, water systems, resilient infrastructure, healthcare outcomes and expanding long-term global research collaboration.
Quick Facts
🌏 Indo-Pacific research placements
💡 Open to full-time graduate students, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and tenure faculty whose research aligns with one of the programs three thematic research streams
⏳ 1-4-month funded stays (cannot be extended)
🤝 Institutional partnerships
🔬 40 placements over 2 years
Why Apply?
🔬 Train in world-class labs not available in Canada
ʵ Build international research networks
🤝 Gain immersive cross-cultural experience
📚 Strengthen thesis or research programs
🌱 Contribute to global climate solutions and sustainable development
Placement Locations
1–4 month placements are available at approved universities (NGOs are not eligible host organizations) in the following countries:
- Australia
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Priority will be given to placements at universities with existing institutional partnerships; however, this is not a requirement.
Research Streams
Applicants apply under one of three thematic research streams and must select the stream that best aligns with the core objective of their research. The streams are thematic, not departmental, and applicants cannot apply to all streams.
Stream I - Development of Radiation‑Resistant Materials and Advanced Functional Materials
Stream I focuses on radiation-resistant ceramic materials critical to safe nuclear energy systems, including fission, fusion, and small modular reactors. Research outcomes support decarbonization, hydrogen technologies, and industrial clean energy transition. Participants train in advanced materials science, nuclear engineering, and simulation in laboratories unavailable in Canada.
Stream II - Engineering Solutions for Climate-Resilient Energy, Water, and Infrastructure
Stream II focuses low-carbon energy technologies, resilient and efficient water treatment and management systems, sustainable construction materials and processes, and innovative agriculture. Emphasis is placed on materials innovation, process design, system integration, and infrastructure resilience to support decarbonization, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation. Projects may also incorporate human factors, robotics, and assistive technologies to enhance performance and accessibility. Participants collaborate with local stakeholders to design practical technological responses to climate challenges.
Stream III - Global Healthcare in the Digital Era
Stream III focuses on conducting evidence-based, peer-reviewed research on healthcare-related problems and technologies between Queen’s and partner institutions in the Indo-Pacific. This stream emphasizes the advancement of healthcare outcomes, equity, and system resilience through the collaborative development and application of digital and technological solutions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a Master's student, PhD student, or postdoctoral fellow at ɫƵ
- Conduct research that aligns with one of the program's three research streams
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be eligible for international travel
- Obtain approval from ɫƵ
The program is committed to equitable access and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups in engineering. Please reach out if you are interested but unsure if you qualify (indopacific@queensu.ca).
Funding and Eligible Expenses:
Participants will receive funding for their placements. Placements can be from one month to four months.
Funding may be used for:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals and living expenses
- Visa costs
- Other research-related travel expenses
The program does not fund:
- Tuition
- Full degree programs abroad
- Tourism or personal travel
Participants are responsible for any additional costs beyond the awarded amount.
Reporting Requirements:
The following reports are required by funding recipients:
- Mid-placement progress update
- Final report within 30 days
Details on report requirements will be provided in the Award Notification email.
Apply
Applications for placements starting May 2026 - February 2027 are now open and will be received on a rolling admissions basis.
Confirm whether your project fits Stream I, Stream II or Stream III.
Required documents:
- 2–3 page research proposal/project statement
- Application form
- CV
- Letter of support from Queen’s supervisor
- Host invitation letter
Your research proposal (graduate and post doctoral applicants) must explain:
- Research objectives
- Background and rationale
- Methodology and feasibility
- Suitability of host institution and supervisor
- Relevance to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Expected research outcomes (publications, patents, technical reports etc)
Your project statement (faculty) must explain:
- Purpose of the visit
- Research objectives
- Suitability of host institution
- Planned activities (lab collaboration, workshops, joint publications, grant development, etc.)
- Expected outcomes (publications, patents, grants, long-term collaboration etc)
- Relevance to Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy
Select Your Applicant Category
Please choose the application form that corresponds to your role:
Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows
For Master’s students, PhD students, and Postdoctoral Fellows in Smith Engineering, apply as a Graduate Student / PostDoc.
Faculty Applicants
For tenure-track faculty members in Smith Engineering, apply as Faculty.
Application Committee evaluates application based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit
- Stream alignment
- Feasibility
- Collaboration potential
- Budget realism
Successful applicants will be notified via email and will receive:
- Award letter
- Funding agreement
- Reporting guidelines
- Travel checklist
Prepare to Go Abroad
The Government of Canada has developed three publicly available courses to better equip Canadian researchers with the knowledge and resources to protect their research. These courses must be completed by all participants prior to departure.
*Please register using GC Key option.
Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (INC101) is a self-paced, online course that explains how GBA Plus, as an intersectional analysis, goes beyond sex and gender to consider other identity factors that interact to shape social, health, and economic opportunities and outcomes. Participants will learn how to turn their GBA Plus insights into action by reflecting on recurring barriers to accessing programs and services and exploring ways to mitigate them
This module is for all anyone partaking in a global engagement opportunity. The aim is to help you understand how to ethically and respectfully engage in cross-cultural relationships, learning, and understanding.
The Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy (OCASP) applies to all members of the Queen’s Community (e.g., staff, students, and faculty) involved in university-sanctioned activities that take place off-campus.
- Use to register university-sanctioned off-campus activities.
- Read the Support when Travelling Domestically or Internationally Guidelines
- Currently Experiencing an Emergency Abroad? Contact International SOS (you will need the ) 1-215-942-8478 (collect calls accepted) Live chat using the free
- Check out the (Everyone should check this out...it has great info for all!).
We encourage you to explore the resources on the Identity Abroad page, which provides you with considerations, tips, services and supports.
The Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships program is funded by the Government of Canada.
