How to Apply

Who Should Apply?

QuantOmics welcomes applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, Molecular Genetics, and Health Sciences (with quantitative training). No prior knowledge across all three domains is required — the program builds cross-disciplinary literacy from the ground up.

Already working with a QuantOmics faculty member? Students and postdoctoral fellows supervised by a Co-Applicant or Collaborator are eligible and encouraged to apply, provided their research aligns with one or more QuantOmics research streams. Contact your supervisor to initiate a nomination.

Training Levels

Funding

QuantOmics trainees receive a CREATE supplement from NSERC on top of their institutional stipend and supervisor funding:

The supplement also covers travel to symposiums and IEEE workshops, mobility placement costs, and program course fees. Partner universities provide additional cash contributions on top of the NSERC supplement — discuss the full package with your prospective supervisor.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis aligned with each partner university’s admissions cycle:

1. Identify a Supervisor — Browse the research team and contact a faculty member whose work aligns with your background. A confirmed supervisor is required for admission.
2. Apply to the University — Apply through the standard graduate admissions process at your supervisor’s institution.
3. Indicate QuantOmics Interest — State your interest in the QuantOmics CREATE program and your confirmed supervisor in your application.
4. Nomination — Once admitted, your supervisor nominates you to the Steering Committee for formal program enrollment.
5. Onboarding — Accepted trainees complete an orientation and gain access to the collaboration portal, courses, and mentorship trio.

Applications can be made through any of the seven partner institutions: Toronto Metropolitan University · McGill University · Queen’s University · Université Laval · University of Saskatchewan · University of Toronto · University of Alberta

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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

QuantOmics is committed to recruiting a diverse cohort. We actively address access barriers and retention bottlenecks through anonymized screening, unconscious bias training for all Steering Committee members, and targeted outreach through the Black Professionals in Tech Network, Native Women’s Association of Canada, Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology, and Indigenous Student Services offices.

Target EDI outcomes: at least 40% of graduate trainees identifying as women or non-binary; active recruitment from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities; at least 30% from groups underrepresented in STEM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I’m already enrolled in a graduate program? Yes — students already enrolled at a partner university can be nominated at any point by a participating faculty member.

Is there a separate QuantOmics application form? No. Admission is through the standard graduate admissions process at your chosen institution, followed by supervisor nomination.

Can international students apply? Yes. International students are eligible and encouraged to apply through any partner institution.

What if I want to change streams after joining? Cross-stream mobility is actively encouraged. Trainees can take courses and pursue projects in complementary streams in consultation with their mentorship trio.