[Morris Animal Foundation](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org)

August 6, 2025 (Round 1) | November 2025 (Round 2, projected)

$5,500 stipend per award; project duration typically 2–3 months

Supports veterinary students to conduct mentored research advancing the health of dogs, cats, equids, or wildlife.

Each institution may nominate up to two student projects per round.

--- ## Description The Veterinary Student Scholar (VSS) program from the Morris Animal Foundation is designed to foster the next generation of veterinary researchers. This competitive program provides currently enrolled veterinary students with the opportunity to conduct mentored clinical or basic research projects that advance the health and welfare of dogs, cats, equids, or wildlife. The program emphasizes scientific merit, animal health impact, and robust training experiences, while maintaining high ethical and animal welfare standards. Projects must align with the Foundation's mission and policies, and proposals are subject to rigorous scientific and animal welfare review. --- ## Due Dates - **Round 1 Deadline:** August 6, 2025 - **Round 2 Deadline:** November 2025 (projected; confirm on the [program page](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/apply)) Applicants are typically notified of proposal status 3–4 months after submission. --- ## Funding Amount - **Stipend:** $5,500 per student for the research period (2–3 months) - **Use of Funds:** Stipend is for student living expenses only; funds cannot be used for project costs, equipment, supplies, publication, or indirect costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary medicine program (AVMA accreditation not required) for the duration of the project. - Students in combined DVM/PhD programs are not eligible. - Previous VSS stipend recipients are ineligible. - Each institution may submit up to two applications per round; applicants must confirm nomination with their institution before applying. - Applicants must have a qualified mentor for the proposed research. - Projects must focus on advancing canine, feline, equid, or wildlife health (not human or production animal health). - Research and financial transactions must comply with U.S. trade and economic sanctions; projects involving Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Crimea region of Ukraine are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - **Submission Platform:** [Fluxx Portal](https://maf.fluxx.io/) - Both the student and any other submitter must have validated Fluxx accounts (allow up to 2 business days for activation). - **Application Components:** - Online application form (contact and project info) - Full proposal document (using Foundation template), including: - Title page - Project summary (student-written) - Cited references (AMA format) - Animal Involvement Justification Form (and client consent if applicable) - Permits (if applicable) - Institutional letter (confirming student’s good standing) - Mentor letter (addressing student’s qualifications and training plan) - Student biosketch - All documents must be combined into a single PDF for upload. - **Deadline:** Applications must be received by 4:59 PM ET on the due date. - **Review Process:** Proposals undergo administrative and scientific review, followed by animal welfare/ethics review if recommended for funding. --- ## Additional Information - No institutional approval is required for application submission. - The Foundation will not fund projects involving euthanasia of animals for research purposes. - Research in a country different from the student’s institution requires an in-country mentor (to avoid "parachute science"). - Successful applicants must provide documentation of necessary permits. - There are two application rounds per year; check the [Apply for a Grant](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/apply) page for the current calendar. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application (PDF)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/FY26_VSS_Proposal-Guidelines_R1.pdf) - [Morris Animal Foundation: Apply for a Grant](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/apply) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/grants-scientific-programs-faqs) - [Grant Writing Resources & Tips](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Grant-Writing-Resources-and-Tips.pdf) - [Health Study Policy](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Health-Study-Policy.pdf) - [Fluxx Applicant User Guide](https://maf.fluxx.io/) - [Stay Connected/Sign up for RFP updates](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/stay-connected) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:info@morrisanimalfoundation.org) | | Application/Grant Support| [grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org) | | Phone | +1 800-243-2345 | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/contact-us) |

Veterinary Student Scholar - Morris Animal Foundation

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