Eligibility & Evaluation Process
Applicant
To be eligible to apply, you must
- Have applied, or be in the process of applying for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the doctoral level at York University. You must be registered as a new doctoral student in the program to hold the scholarship;
- Your application must be supported by a VISTA Core or Associate Member who would become your supervisor. If your primary supervisor is an Associate Member, a Core Member must also be identified to co-supervise;
- Conduct research in the vision sciences that is aligned with the VISTA program.
Program of Study Eligibility
VISTA Core and Associate Members will generally have an appointment in one or more of the following graduate programs:
- Psychology
- Kinesiology & Health Science
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
- Biology
- Physics & Astronomy
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Philosophy
- Science & Technology Studies
- Digital Media
- Film
- Visual Arts
The applicant must conduct research that is considered to be original, autonomous and leads to the completion of a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital and/or exhibit that is merit/expert-reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for completion of the program. The topic of the thesis research must fall within VISTA’s mandate, which is to support fundamental and applied vision research that combines biological and computational perspectives and has translational potential for health, industry, or other applications.
Selection Process
The VISTA Training Committee at York University is responsible for coordinating the selection process for the VISTA Training Scholarship applications, and for performing the preliminary review and ranking. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will review and make decisions on awards, and will communicate the results to the Training Committee.
Selection Criteria
The merit review of VISTA Training Scholarship applications will be carried out by the VISTA Training Committee and will be based on the following criteria:
| Criteria | Description | Weight |
| Academic Excellence | As demonstrated by past academic results, transcripts, awards and distinctions.
Indicators of Academic Excellence: § Academic record (first class average) § Scholarships and awards held § Duration of previous studies § Type of program and courses pursued § Course load § Relative standing (if available) |
30% |
| Research Potential | As demonstrated by the applicant’s research history, his/her interest in discovery.
Indicators of Research Potential: § Quality and originality of contributions to research and development § Relevance of work experience and academic training to field of proposed research § Judgment and ability to think critically § Ability to apply skills and knowledge § Initiative, autonomy and independence § Research experience and achievements relative to expectations of someone with the candidate’s academic experience |
30% |
| Excellence of the Research Proposal and Training Plan | As demonstrated by the proposed research, its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field, and any anticipated outcomes.
§ Research proposal is of high quality on a topic that aligns with VISTA’s mandate and addresses an important question in the field. § Significance, feasibility and merit of proposed research § A focus on fundamental and applied vision research that combines biological and computational perspectives and has translational potential for health, industry, or other applications will be given priority. § Priority will be given to applications that include cross-disciplinary co-supervision and proposals that include a current or potential future VISTA partner (private, academic or public sector). |
30% |
| Innovation, Leadership & Initiative | As demonstrated by the applicant’s past professional and relevant extracurricular interactions and collaborations.
Indicators of innovative activities and initiative: § Work and collaboration experience § Leadership experience § Project initiation, development and management § Involvement in academic life § Volunteerism/community outreach § Entrepreneurial activities § Social or technological advancements |
10% |
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