Nova Scotia Bird Society Ian A. McLaren Memorial Scholarship
The 2023-2024 scholarship cycle is closed. No more applications will be accepted at this time.
In 2023, the Nova Scotia Bird Society (NSBS) established the Nova Scotia Bird Society Ian A. McLaren Memorial Scholarship in honour of past NSBS president, ornithologist, and conservationist Ian A. McLaren (1931-2020). This scholarship is intended to support a student attending a Nova Scotian post-secondary institution conducting original research related to Nova Scotian birds (broadly construed). This scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in either graduate or undergraduate programs at a Nova Scotian post-secondary institution. One scholarship will be awarded per year, award values are $2,500 for graduate students and $1,000 for undergraduate students.
To be considered for this award, prospective applicants are required to submit a complete application, consisting of:
- Application form/cover page
- Research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
Each application cycle (1 application cycle per academic year), one $2,500 scholarship shall be awarded to the top applicant. In exceptional circumstances where more than one applicant merits an award, up to two scholarships may be awarded. Successful graduate applicants shall receive a full award of $2,500; if a successful applicant is an undergraduate student, they shall receive a partial award ($1,000).
All applications will be evaluated by the Nova Scotia Bird Society Scholarship Subcommitee, consisting of several members of the ornithological/scientific community in Nova Scotia. Application evaluation will emphasize the research proposal, including significance and originality of the scientific question, clarity of the objectives, and feasibility of the research plan.
More information and all relevant documentation is included in the documents on this page. Any additional questions related to the application process can be addressed via e-mail to
Complete applications should be sent VIA E-MAIL in ONE PDF FILE to:
NSBS Scholarship Subcommittee
Application documents: