Action supports grad students

On May 1, 2023, students, faculty and staff are participating in nationwide action to urge the federal government to increase funding for graduate students and post-doctoral scholars.

Demonstrations like the one at UVic, starting at 10 am at the library, and other advocacy efforts aim to keep pressure on the federal government to invest in research and innovation at universities as an essential support for Canada’s long-term economic prosperity and the impact this research can have on people, place and planet.

Graduate and postdoctoral students are integral part of the research ecosystem, yet the federal grants for these individuals have stagnated and lag other parts of the world.

The walkout organized by Support Our Science notes the majority of national awards are below minimum wage and are inadequate.

While UVic offers scholarships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships to help students pay for their studies, it recognizes more support for graduate and post-doc students is needed.

The university continually advocates for underfunded students and research support with the federal government and encourages others to recognize the importance of this work.