Veterinary Student Scholar

Morris Animal Foundation offers the Veterinary Student Scholar (VSS) program to support aspiring veterinary researchers by funding mentored research focused on improving the health and welfare of dogs, cats, equids, or wildlife. This competitive program provides stipends to veterinary students engaged in either clinical or basic animal health research. Selection is made through institutional nomination and final evaluation by the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board. Projects must align strictly with the Foundation’s mission; proposals targeting human or production animal health are ineligible. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited veterinary medicine program for the duration of the proposed research period, which typically spans 3 to 4 months. Students in combined DVM/PhD programs or previous VSS recipients are not eligible. Each institution may submit a maximum of two applications, and a qualified mentor is required for each applicant. The program offers stipends of up to $5,500, which are intended exclusively for student living expenses during the research period and cannot be allocated for research-related institutional costs or indirect expenses. Proposals undergo administrative and scientific reviews, followed by an animal welfare review for projects recommended for funding. Applicants will be notified of proposal status within 3–4 months following the submission deadline. Contracting typically begins in April, and funded research must commence within six months of award finalization. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s SmartSimple grants portal. Applicants must register, complete the full proposal using the provided template, and invite their mentor and institutional signatory through the portal. The mentor is required to upload a confidential letter directly, and institutional approval must be received electronically before the final deadline. Application components include project details, impact assessment, animal involvement justification, biographical data, letters of support, and, if applicable, a client consent form for studies involving client-owned animals. All funded studies must comply with the Foundation’s Health Study Policy, which prohibits euthanasia for research purposes and requires careful consideration of animal welfare and ethical standards. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation’s FAQ and support documents for guidance throughout the submission process. Submissions will close at 4:59 PM Eastern Time on January 14, 2026. Another VSS grant round is expected later in 2026.

Follow the detailed instructions in the proposal template; adhere to word and page limits; engage mentors early; institutional approval must be finalized before the deadline.