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Become an ICES Student

Embark on a transformative journey as an ICES student, collaborating with renowned ICES scientists and gaining access to cutting-edge research programs and data, unlocking new horizons in your graduate program—reach out to like-minded ICES scientists today.

Overview

ICES students conduct their work within an ICES research program and must have an ICES supervisor who is a full status ICES scientist. Students interested in accessing ICES data as part of their graduate program requirements are encouraged to contact individual full status ICES scientists who share similar research interests.

ICES students may be granted direct access to individual-level ICES data through either the ICES Research Analytic Environment (RAE) (remote or on-site access) or the ICES Data Safe Haven (DSH) (remote access). Currently, remote data access through these routes is limited to those who are physically in Canada.

Note: As ICES is not a degree-granting institution it does not directly admit students or offer coursework, nor does it evaluate the coursework or degrees of other institutions. For questions about international coursework and/or Canadian educational requirements, contact the relevant Canadian university for assistance.

Timelines for Student Applications

  • Six months before the estimated ICES project start date: When the student begins writing their proposal, their ICES supervisor is encouraged to contact their ICES program lead to discuss whether other current ICES projects are similar to or overlap with the proposed research.
  • Three months before the estimated ICES project start date: The full ICES student application package should be submitted to allow time for orientation, project approval and project staffing.
  • Please review the ICES student project initiation activities and timelines for additional details.

ICES Student Applications Must Include

  • A completed ICES Student Application form.
  • A one-to-two-page proposal which outlines their ICES research plans.
  • A completed Project Activation Worksheet (PAW), which can be obtained from the appropriate research program coordinator (for applicants to ICES Central or the Kidney, Dialysis & Transplantation Research Program) or facility administrator (for applicants to a specific ICES site).
  • A letter from the applicant or applicant’s supervisor confirming the source of funding to cover the ICES staff time to create the project data set(s) and provide support during the student’s project. Funds from a for-profit entity cannot be used to support research using ICES data, regardless of whether the entity’s products/services are involved. However, student salary awards from for-profit entities are acceptable under certain circumstances as determined by ICES.
  • While not required at the application stage, an ICES Project Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) may also be submitted as part of the ICES student application materials.
  • A completed Conflict of Interest Declaration Form which requires review of the ICES Conflict of Interest Policy.

Conflicts of Interest

Individuals who have conflicts of interest that limit their ability to participate in research at ICES and/or which pose a reputational risk to ICES, as determined by the chief executive officer, will not normally be accepted as an ICES student. Employees of private sector entities who wish to use ICES data for graduate research may do so under the following conditions:

  • The request for ICES data access must be in fulfillment of the academic requirements of a graduate degree.
  • If approved, such access will be granted not as an ICES student but as a third-party researcher through ICES Data & Analytic Services (DAS).
  • Should the request involve direct access to individual-level ICES data, such access will only be provided via the ICES Data & Analytic Services Environment (IDAVE).
  • Funds used to cover the costs of accessing data on IDAVE for student projects must meet ICES requirements for the funding of ICES research.
  • Any ICES scientists who are involved in the data request must be made aware of the potential for conflicts of interest to ensure they can meet their obligations as ICES scientists.

Discover ICES Research Programs

Learn more about the various research programs at ICES. For general inquiries, or to apply to become an ICES student, please contact the appropriate research program coordinator.