By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
The University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Population Medicine 2025, specializing in Public Health or Epidemiology.
📅 Application Deadline: Open until filled (early submissions encouraged)
🎓 Start Date: January 2026
💰 Funding: Minimum of $35,000 per year (for 3 years)
📍 Location: Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
🔗 Official Website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/
📘 Introduction
Are you passionate about public health, epidemiology, and climate change adaptation? 🌍
Here’s your golden opportunity to join one of Canada’s most prestigious veterinary and public health programs! The University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Population Medicine 2025, specializing in Public Health or Epidemiology.
This exceptional position offers an opportunity to make a real-world impact by developing community-based climate-adaptive strategies to tackle the growing challenge of rabies management in the Beaufort Delta region of Canada’s Northwest Territories.
📢 Overview of the PhD Project
The project, under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Grant (University of Guelph) and Dr. Juliette Di Francesco (Université de Montréal), focuses on:
💡 Project Title:
“Development and Implementation of Community-Based Climate-Adaptive Strategies for the Enhanced Co-Management of Rabies in the Beaufort Delta Region of the Northwest Territories.”
This collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative aims to create community-led rabies co-management systems that can adapt to the evolving risks posed by climate change.
The successful PhD candidate will work closely with Indigenous communities, government partners, and veterinarians to identify social, cultural, economic, and regulatory barriers to effective rabies prevention and develop innovative community-driven solutions.
🧠 Key Research Components
This PhD will cover the following major components:
- Community Engagement & Participatory Research:
- Work with Indigenous communities in Northern Canada.
- Conduct participatory workshops to co-develop rabies prevention strategies.
- Climate Change Adaptation:
- Explore how climate change influences zoonotic diseases such as rabies.
- Identify adaptive community-based indicators to monitor disease risks.
- Health Communication & Education:
- Develop community- and school-based educational materials.
- Promote awareness about the intersection of climate change, animal health, and human health.
- Capacity Building:
- Contribute to a Community Vaccinator Training and Certification Program.
- Empower local community members to play an active role in disease prevention.
🎓 Program Structure and Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | PhD in Population Medicine (Public Health or Epidemiology) |
| Supervisor | Dr. Lauren Grant (Primary Advisor) |
| Co-Supervisor | Dr. Juliette Di Francesco (Université de Montréal) |
| Start Date | January 2026 |
| Funding | Minimum $35,000 per year for 3 years |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled |
| Location | Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph |
| Fieldwork | Several short-term research stays (~3 weeks each) in the Northwest Territories |
💰 Funding Details:
Students receive at least $35,000 annually for three years (9 semesters). Additional funding can be secured through internal and external scholarships.
📍 Why Choose the University of Guelph?
The University of Guelph is globally recognized for excellence in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, and One Health research. The Ontario Veterinary College ranks among the top in the world for its focus on the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health.
Key reasons to study here:
✅ World-leading research in zoonotic diseases and climate change.
✅ Strong collaborations with Indigenous communities.
✅ Opportunity to gain hands-on experience through community-based fieldwork.
✅ Access to a multidisciplinary team of experts across Canada.
👩🔬 Eligibility Criteria
🎓 Educational Requirements:
- A completed Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related discipline.
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is a strong asset (but not mandatory).
💼 Preferred Background & Skills:
- Interest in climate change and zoonotic diseases.
- Experience or understanding of Indigenous communities in Northern Canada.
- Strong knowledge mobilization and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote environments.
🌎 Open to:
- Canadian citizens 🇨🇦
- Permanent residents 🏠
- International students 🌍
Applicants who are Indigenous or have prior experience working with Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
✉️ How to Apply
Prospective students must submit the following documents via email to Dr. Lauren Grant at laugrant@uoguelph.ca with the subject line:
📩 “PhD Application – Rabies Co-Management”
📑 Required Documents:
- Statement of Interest (max 2 pages) outlining:
- Relevant research and personal background
- Motivation and fit for the project
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Contact details for two referees:
- At least one academic reference
- Second can be academic or professional
🔗 Official Email: laugrant@uoguelph.ca
🔗 University Website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/
💬 Key Collaborators
This PhD opportunity is part of a larger collaborative effort involving:
- Dr. Naima Jutha, Chief Veterinary Officer, Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT)
- Chirag Rohit, Chief Environmental Health Officer, GNWT
- Christopher Paci, Aurora College
Students will also collaborate with two additional PhD candidates based at the Université de Montréal, ensuring a diverse, interdisciplinary learning environment.
💡 What Makes This PhD Unique?
🔹 Community-Driven Research: Work hand-in-hand with local communities to design practical, culturally appropriate solutions.
🔹 Climate-Focused: Address real-world health challenges driven by climate change.
🔹 Multidisciplinary Exposure: Engage with experts in epidemiology, veterinary science, Indigenous health, and environmental studies.
🔹 High Funding: Enjoy full financial support while conducting meaningful, impactful research.
📈 Career Prospects After Completion
Graduates from this PhD program can pursue high-impact careers in:
- Public Health & Epidemiology Research
- Veterinary Medicine and One Health Policy
- Climate Change Adaptation Planning
- Governmental and NGO Health Agencies
- Academic Research and Teaching
This program builds both academic expertise and field-based experience, opening doors to leadership roles in global health, epidemiology, and environmental science.
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❓ FAQs – Fully Funded PhD in Population Medicine 2025 at University of Guelph
1️⃣ What is the funding amount for this PhD program?
The PhD provides a minimum of $35,000 per year for three years (nine semesters).
2️⃣ Who can apply for this PhD position?
The position is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
3️⃣ Do I need to be a veterinarian to apply?
No. While a DVM degree is considered an asset, it is not mandatory. Applicants with a strong background in Public Health or Epidemiology are encouraged to apply.
4️⃣ Where will the research take place?
Most of the research is based at the University of Guelph, with several field visits to the Beaufort Delta region in the Northwest Territories.
5️⃣ When does the program start?
The start date is January 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
🏁 Conclusion
The Fully Funded PhD in Population Medicine 2025 at the University of Guelph offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine academic research, community engagement, and climate action.
If you’re driven to create sustainable health solutions that respect both scientific evidence and Indigenous knowledge, this program is your pathway to a transformative career.
📩 Apply today and become part of a visionary project shaping the future of public health, veterinary medicine, and climate resilience in Canada! 🇨🇦
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🧑🎓 Author Bio
Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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