Amgen Scholars: A Biotechnology Launch Pad

The future looks bright for aspiring Canadian scientists.

Launching in 2019, the Amgen Scholars Canada program is inviting fifteen Canadian undergraduate students from across the country to participate in innovative biomedical research with world-renowned faculty at the University of Toronto. Over the course of the 10-week program, this select, diverse group of Amgen Scholars will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities where they will work alongside some of the best and brightest to hone the skills required for careers in science.

“The world needs more talented scientists who are continually innovating, and Canada is an ideal incubator for thought leadership and scientific discovery,” says Francesco Di Marco, Amgen Canada vice-president and general manager. “We are excited to foster science education in Canada, and to collaborate with the world-class researchers at the University of Toronto through the expansion of this proven, successful Amgen Foundation program.”

As the fields of biotechnology and biomedical research continue to evolve, the Amgen Scholars program is helping catalyze the next generation of Canadian scientists, and is equipping young talent with the skills and experiences to launch their careers.

Beginning in 2019, 15 Canadian undergraduate students will be welcomed to Toronto for a fully funded, 10-week, hands-on research placement at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. A key focus of this program is to engage and include diverse students from historically-marginalized backgrounds, and those who have tended to face barriers to careers in science and medicine.

While 2019 will be its first year in Canada, the Amgen Scholars program has operated since 2006, based at top research universities in the United States, Europe and Asia, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Close to 4,000 Amgen Scholars have participated to date.

This program reflects Amgen Canada’s deep commitment to science learning, and has been made possible by a multi-year, $74 million commitment from the Amgen Foundation. As a company, Amgen believes that investing in the future of science is critical in winning the fight against serious illness. The world needs more talented, innovative scientists who can develop the new therapies and medicines of the future.

The University of Toronto is now accepting applications for the 2019 Amgen Scholars Canada program, until Feb. 1, 2019. For more information, or to apply, visit the website.

For more information, visit: https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-brings-prestigious-amgen-scholars-program-canada