Black and Indigenous Summer Research Internships
The Dean of Science invites Black and Indigenous undergraduate science students (cu_people_degree in Science, Health Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, and/or Statistics) to apply for paid summer research internships. These opportunities are designed to advance academic and professional growth while contributing to the vibrant diversity of our scientific community. BISRI students will be paid a minimum of $8,736.00 over 12 weeks ($20/hour @ 35 hours/week) to work with a Faculty of Science professor and their research team.
This initiative will follow the strategic directions of the specialized program for Black and Indigenous students under the NSERC USRA scheme (see below for more information).
Information and Application Procedures
To be eligible for BISRI, students must be enrolled in Science at Carleton (full- or part-time), have earned ≥ 2.0 credits, have a cumulative GPA ≥ 10.0 (an “A-” average), and self-identify as Indigenous and/or Black. The deadline to apply is February 25, 2026.
Applicants will be asked to provide a Statement of Interest, detailing why they want to do research, identify the professor they wish to work with, explain why they want to join the professor’s research program, and describe what they will work on. They will also be asked to provide a Statement of Impact, outlining how the internship aligns with their career and life goals.
We look forward to working with individuals who are not only passionate about science but also bring diverse perspectives to enrich our research environment.
Applicants will be notified of the results by mid-March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the position be remote or on campus?
A: It can be either, and depends on the nature of the work. This should be discussed with the supervisor. However, you cannot do this job remotely outside of Ontario or Ottawa-Gatineau.
Q: If I am an International Student, am I eligible to hold a BISRI?
A: Yes.You are able to work full-time hours during the summer.
Q: I am a transfer student, and I do not have first year standing, am I eligible?
A: Yes, if this is your first year at Carleton and you have 2nd year standing because of CEGEP or AP/IB credits, you are eligible. Download your audit from Carleton Central and consult with odscience@carleton.ca. You can view your audit on the main menu of Carleton Central under the option ‘MyAudit’.
Q: If I am a first year Black or Indigenous student, should I apply for BISRI or DSRI?
A: We encourage you to apply for both opportunities. If you are successful for both, you will need to turn one of them down.
Q: If I am eligible for a NSERC/USRA can I apply for both?
A: We encourage you to apply for both opportunities. If you are successful for both, you will need to turn one of them down.
Q: I am short ~0.5 credits from eligibility, can I apply?
A: No.
Q: When I hit submit I receive a message that says “Based on your credentials you are not an eligible candidate for the BISRI”
A: Make sure your email address is typed correctly without quotation marks or dots between your first and last name. If this persists, please email odscience@carleton.ca.
Q: Can adjunct researchers supervise me?
A: Yes, under very specific circumstances. Adjunct researchers who are able to provide the designated stipend are able to supervise BISRI students (typically with a unit-based co-supervisor).
Q: Do I have to maintain a 10.0 CGPA for the winter semester?
A: No, this is based on your first term grades. However, we strongly encourage you to keep up your grades as you will be eligible for subsequent awards (e.g., NSERC USRA).
Q: How many International student spots are reserved for International students?
A: We do not ask whether a student is domestic or International; all applicants are evaluated equally.
Q: Could a student outside of Science (she is enrolled with FASS) but doing research with a Faculty member in science apply? Or do they have to be enrolled in a science program?
A: student needs to be enrolled in a Science program to be eligible for BISRI. They may still be eligible for NSERC USRA.
Q: I am considering applying for both the DSRI and BISRI but I wanted to ask if I needed to work with the same professor for both applications or if I could use different professors for the applications.
A: Yes you can apply with 2 different supervisors.
Q: Can you apply for this internship if you are planning on graduating this spring, or is this opportunity only available to people who will be current students during the time of the internship.
A: You are eligible to apply for the BISRI internship even if you are pending Spring graduation.
Q: I am a CO-OP student who is eligible to apply this term, can this count towards my CO-OP work term?
A: Yes, but let us know at odscience@carleton.ca.Please note that in order for a BISRI to count as a Co-op Work Term, it must be a minimum of 12 weeks in duration.
Q: Can I apply if I do not identify as Indigenous or Black?
A: No. However, you may be eligible to apply for a Dean’s Summer Research Internships or an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award.
Q: What is the financial contribution from the supervisor to support a BISRI student?
A: $1600 for 12 weeks work at 35 hrs/week earning $20/hr.