Congratulations to our recipients of the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral (CGS-D)! The CGS-D are administered jointly by Canada’s three granting agencies CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC and are awarded to high-calibre Doctoral level scholars to help develop their research skills and assists in the training of highly qualified personnel.
The Tri-Agencies, along with the Government of Canada made the funding announcement on July 9 in Vancouver:
- Government of Canada announces support for over 9,700 leading researchers and projects nationwide – Canada.ca
- NSERC – Latest News – Government of Canada empowers next generation of research leaders through scholarships and fellowships
We are pleased to announce that Avneet Dhillon and Janna Griffioen received CIHR Doctoral awards, and Astou Thiam received a SSHRC Doctoral award. As recipients of these awards, Avneet, Janna and Astou have the opportunity to fully concentrate on their Doctoral studies for the 2025-26 academic year.
Starting 2025, the Canada Graduate Scholarships were streamlined into a new harmonized talent program called the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). Applications for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarships-Doctoral are now open, and the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship-Master competition is expected to run in December 2025.
Avneet Dhillon
I’m part of the Connections Lab led by Dr. Skye Barbic, where our work focuses on mental health and substance use, health systems, and Integrated Youth Services (IYS). My research explores how we can use implementation science to bring mental health and substance use standards into routine practice. Specifically, I’m examining how co-design processes which include working collaboratively with youth, caregivers, and service providers, can support more effective and meaningful implementation. At its core, implementation science is about finding the most effective ways to translate research and evidence-based practices into real-world healthcare settings so that proven interventions don’t take 17 years to reach the people who need them the most. To bring this work to life, I’ll be using a combination of approaches including large-scale population data analysis, evidence reviews, and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Wining the CIHR Doctoral Award will allow me to focus on my research. I’m excited to use this opportunity to build meaningful partnerships, share knowledge, and stay fully engaged both within my lab and through the new collaborations that will emerge as we move implementation forward.
I was invited by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, to represent myself as a researcher for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. I’m grateful and proud to be part of such an announcement and to share my work on Implementation Science, Integrated Youth Services – Foundry and advancing mental health and substance use care for young people across Canada.
Outside of academia, I’m passionate about music, live concerts, and exploring art and design around the city! I also dedicate a lot of my time to fitness and have recently started training in kickboxing and Muy Thai.
Janna Griffioen
I am part of the CEDAR Brain Injury Lab, based at the Rehabilitation Research Lab at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. In our lab, we conduct research in partnership those who have lived experience of brain injury. Currently, I am leading a multi-site implementation study of a peer support program for people with acquired brain injury. After several years of working in this area, I have seen the impact this program can have on social connection and quality of life outcomes. I feel incredibly grateful for everyone who participates and shares their experiences with us.
I received the Canadian Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (CGS-D) from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). This award provides support allowing me to focus fully on my research. With this funding, I’m able to dedicate more time to engaging with community partners and participants, strengthening the impact and relevance of my work.
Outside of academia, you can find me on a bike, board, skis, or volleyball court. I also run a book club and help organize beach volleyball events. Staying connected to community – both inside and outside of research – is something I value.
Astou Thiam
My lab is a fulfilling and safe study environment within the department of occupational science and occupational therapy, and under the supervision of the fabulous Dr. Suzanne Huot. I am currently exploring the experiences of West and Central African immigrants in Metro Vancouver through a hospitality lens. I am convinced that it is of paramount importance to understand the facilitators and barriers to meaningful occupational engagement of West-Central Africans. Some important facts are: 99% of Canada’s population increase is attributable to immigration; Global migration is both the cause and the result of social changes; Africans now rank second among newcomers to Canada.
Thanks to the SSHRC CGSD, I will be able to disseminate widely our findings around the world. Furthermore, the award will support to map out occupational science within and outside UBC faculty of Medicine.
Outside of academia, I enjoy community engagement, physical activity, watching comedy-drama telenovelas, technology and discovering new things.