The CSMB provides support to student activities and provides travel awards for those trainees attending the CSMB annual conference.
The CSMB works to build the next generation of researchers for academia, industry and the entrepreneurial enterprise.
Learn more about the CSMB
Contents
CSMB Trainee Seminar Series
The Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) hosts a monthly virtual seminar series showcasing the research of Canadian scientists and trainees across the molecular biosciences.
Held on the third Tuesday of each month (9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET) from October through May, each seminar features:
- A 15-minute presentation from a trainee, and
- A 30-minute research talk from a principal investigator (PI)
This series provides a platform to highlight emerging and established researchers, foster connections within the Canadian scientific community, and promote excellence in molecular biosciences research.
Seminars are open to all and free to attend, though registration is required. Please note that seminars are conducted in English only.
View the seminars on the CSMB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@csmb-scbm-ca
CSMB Trainee Ambassador Program
The CSMB Trainee Ambassador Program, launched in 2024, was created to strengthen the organisation’s visibility, deepen community engagement, and cultivate a network of passionate representatives who champion CSMB missions and initiatives. Designed as both a leadership and outreach platform, the program empowers selected ambassadors to serve as CSMB points of contact within their local communities.
Ambassadors play an active role in promoting awareness of the CSMB’s work, events and activities, and facilitating outreach to potential members. Through their participation, they help expand the reach of CSMB’s programs, contribute diverse perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange among trainees. The initiative also provides ambassadors with opportunities for professional development, networking, and leadership growth, reinforcing CSMB’s commitment to nurturing emerging voices and strengthening the Society’s broader impact.
Since its inception, the Trainee Ambassador Program has reflected CSMB’s dedication to inclusivity, partnership, and innovation. By engaging individuals from varied backgrounds and areas of expertise, the program continues to build a vibrant community of representatives who help advance shared goals and inspire continued growth within the organisation and beyond.
CSMB Trainee Ambassadors 2025-2026
- Ashraf Kadar Shahib – University of Manitoba
- Elizabeth Tsyben – University of Ottawa
- Michelle Tomczewski – University of Waterloo
- Paula Pineda Sánchez – University of Manitoba
- Talar Ghadanian – McGill University
How to apply
To be eligible, you must be a CSMB trainee member with a current paid CSMB membership enrolled at a Canadian institution. Leadership experience is an asset but is not required. To apply, please fill out the application form here: https://forms.office.com/r/MLpUaey3S2.
For any inquires, please contact CSMB trainee committee members Chris-Tiann Roberts (rober199@myumanitoba.ca) or Tiara Mulder (tiara.mulder@dal.ca).
CSMB support for graduate student activities
Two deadlines per year:
February 15 – for activities spanning March 15 of that year to March 14 of the next year
and
October 15 – for activities spanning November 15 of that year to November 14 of the next year.
The CSMB will provide financial support to graduate student groups and societies representing trainees in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or genetics for a variety of activities. CSMB will also support student-related activities, such as workshops, that are part of larger conferences or meetings. Examples of supported activities include (but are not restricted to) the following:
Scientific Symposium Days, with invited scientists speaking on subjects in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology or cell biology.
Student Research Conferences, where students display their research work as posters, or give oral presentations.
Career Fairs or Career Workshops in areas related to biochemistry, molecular biology or cell biology.
- The society will support to a maximum of $1000 per event, on a competitive basis.
- The application consists of a form and a sponsor letter. Details are on the application page
Awards are intended to support groups organizing the types of events described above. These awards do not support travel to a meeting for an individual student. For CSMB conferences, travel awards are administered separately based on submitted abstracts.
Both applicant and sponsor must be CSMB members.
Preference will be given to student groups who have not been funded in the last year.
Successful applications will be asked to provide a “summary of activities” upon completion of the proposed activity. Details will be provided upon notification of award.
View list of supported activities in past competitions
CSMB Support for undergraduate activities
One deadline per year: For events in Sept 2026 through Aug 2027 the application deadline is Oct 15 2026.
The CSMB may provide financial support to undergraduate student groups and societies representing trainees in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or genetics for a variety of activities. Examples of supported activities include (but are not restricted to) the following:
Student Research Conferences, where students display their research work as posters, or give oral presentations.
Career Fairs or Career Workshops in areas related to biochemistry, molecular biology or cell biology.
- The society will support to a maximum of $1000 per event, on a competitive basis.
- The application consists of a form and a sponsor letter. Details are on the application page
- The sponsor and the student applying on behalf of the student group or event, must be CSMB members
- Preference will be given to student groups who have not been funded in the last year
- Successful applications will be asked to provide a “summary of activities” upon completion of the proposed activity. Details will be provided upon notification of award.
CSMB Trainee Travel Awards
This bursary fund is designed to encourage student & postdoctoral fellow participation in the annual meeting, by assisting to defray the cost of attending these meetings at distant locations. The awards, valued at $100 – $1000 depending on distance travelled, will be offered to attend the annual meeting. The awardee’s supervisor and awardee must be members of CSMB. Here is information on how to join CSMB. If you register for the CSMB annual meeting, you will automatically be considered for these awards – there is no need to apply. The student or postdoctoral fellow must be the first author of an abstract submitted for presentation at the annual meeting. Travel bursaries will be presented to the respective winners at the conference banquet.
