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IDEAS Fund

Fuelling student innovation, development, and experiential activities in the Faculty of Science.

Students may apply as an individual or as part of a formal (e.g. student club) or informal (e.g. conference organizing committee) group.

  1. Individual application eligibility criteria

    • Current full-time or part-time University of Calgary undergraduate student
    • Enrolled in a degree program offered by the Faculty of Science
    • In good academic standing (GPA of 2.00 or higher)
    • Have not reached the maximum IDEAS Fund individual limit of $3,000 during their degree

  2. Group application eligibility criteria

    • A minimum of two students per group application. There is no maximum on number of students.
    • All students must be current full-time or part-time University of Calgary undergraduate students
    • A minimum 50% of students in the group application must be enrolled in a Faculty of Science degree program
    • All students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.00 or higher)
    • All students must not have reached the maximum IDEAS Fund individual limit of $3,000 during their degrees.

There is a broad range of activities that are eligible for funding through the IDEAS Fund. The intention of the IDEAS Fund is to enhance student experience and provide an opportunity for students to grow as leaders and contribute to the scientific community.

While the eligibility is broad, all activities must:

  • Further the student’s personal and/or professional goals
  • Aid in the student’s development as a scientist and/or leader

Some examples of eligible activity costs include transportation, accommodation, conference fees, registration fees, food costs, etc. For a list of ineligible expenses, please review the IDEAS Fund Terms of Reference.

Students have a maximum individual fund limit of $3,000 over the duration of a student’s University of Calgary undergraduate experience. Once a student has reached their maximum limit of $3,000, they are not eligible to apply for the IDEAS Fund.

Successful group applications count towards students’ individual limits. Group application fund amounts will be divided by the number of group applicants and applied to the students’ individual limits.

The IDEAS Fund is a competitive program. Not all applications will be funded. The IDEAS Fund will support:

  1. Individual applications

    • Canadian activities: Up to 50% of the total eligible costs of the activity or a maximum of $3,000.  
    • International activities: Up to 75% of the total eligible costs of the activity or a maximum of $3,000. 

  2. Group applications

    • Canadian activities: Up to 50% of the total eligible costs of the activity or a maximum of $5,000.  
    • International activities: Up to 75% of the total eligible costs of the activity or a maximum of $5,000. 

International travel is an eligible activity for IDEAS funding. All travel must register and be in compliance with University of Calgary Risk Management.

Students travelling internationally as part of their IDEAS Fund are responsible for registering travel and completing University of Calgary Risk Management travel requirements. Students must show proof of travel registration and/or approval prior to the date of travel to receive IDEAS funds. If a student does not complete the requirements before their travel, the IDEAS funds may be revoked.

If an application is successful, students are expected to commit to the following:

  • Submit a pre-activity reflection in Elevate prior to the activity start
  • Complete the IDEAS Fund Communications Package within one (1) month of activity completion
  • Submit receipts and/or proof of attendance within one (1) month of activity completion
  • The support of the Faculty of Science shall be acknowledged for all activities funded by the IDEAS Fund where printed or publicity materials are produced (brochures, announcements, etc.)
  • Review and adhere to the IDEAS Fund Code of Conduct
  • Activities that occur during the school term should not result in more than three (3) days absence from classes. Students are responsible for notifying their instructors of any absence and must ensure no required course components are missed because of their activity

Students who do not complete the expectations and commitments may not be considered for future IDEAS Fund applications.

Deadline to apply

The IDEAS Fund application is currently closed. The next application cycle will be open from October 1 – November 1. Activities with start dates between January 1, 2025 – August 30, 2025 will be eligible to apply.

How to apply

  • Log into Elevate via the following link:  https://elevate.ucalgary.ca
  • Click on Science Experiences found under Faculty of Science on the Dashboard 
  • Click View under Courses/Program and find the IDEAS Fund 
  • Start the application by clicking on "Answer Questionnaire". Note: Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to go back and edit it

Student profiles

Moksha (Komal) Gopal

Moksha (Komal) Gopal

BSc Mathematics, 2025

Being a two-time recipient of the IDEAS Fund, I had the opportunity to attend the ANEA-ASNA convention which is the biggest gathering of the actuarial community across Canada. It consists of a three-day jam-packed schedule starting with a career fair followed by coffee chats, interviews as well as some exciting social events. From making new connections to securing an internship, this conference has contributed enormously to my personal and professional growth. 

Malana Loxam

BSc Natural Sciences, 2025

I had a great time presenting at and attending the PTAC 2023 Methane Leadership Summit! I presented my PURE Summer Student Project from the Summer of 2022: “Application of methanotrophic biofilters to mitigate fugitive methane emissions,” to an international audience of industry professionals. It was also very insightful to learn about the differences between industry and academia and how to build connections between the two. Thank you Dr. Dinu Attalage and Dr. Cathryn Ryan for your support and supervision! Thank you to the people behind the IDEAS Fund and the Department of Science at the University of Calgary as well. 

Malana Loxam
Mahira Zabin

Mahira Zabin

BSc Computer Science, 2025

The IDEAS Fund has significantly supported my professional growth by providing me the opportunity to attend two pivotal conferences: CAN-CWIC in Toronto and the Grace Hopper Celebration, the largest gathering of women in technology. These experiences have been transformative. The networking opportunities allowed me to connect with some of the most brilliant minds in the field, opening doors to various internship opportunities for me. 

Black Science Student Network

Ivana Okaro, Veronica Tsegai, Asia Arush, Eyerusalem Tadese, Douye Igoniderigha, Misgana Abraha

The Ideas Fund enabled us to host the Black Science Student Network’s Inaugural Research Symposium, which was a vibrant celebration of scientific innovation and our brilliant community. Science students of diverse backgrounds gathered, united in their commitment to champion educational equity in our institution and beyond. Though prizes, headshots, and food were offered, the biggest takeaway of each participant was an undeniable sense of belonging, eagerness, and hope for a more equitable future. 

Black Science Student Network
Lillian Supo-Adekola

Lillian Supo-Adekola

Douye Igoniderigha

Douye Igoniderigha

Lillian Supo-Adekola

BSc Biological Sciences


Douye Igoniderigha

BSc Honours Neuroscience


With the support of the IDEAS Fund, Lillian and Douye were able to share their ongoing mission to cultivate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the University of Calgary; focusing their efforts on organizing a conference aimed at promoting mental health equity for racialized groups on campus grappling with the isolation of leaving their home country. They address a critical gap in understanding the mental health trauma faced by immigrant students and their families. The conference, hosted by the University of Calgary's New Doors for Newcomers in 2023, came to life in vibrant discussions that bridged diverse experiences with keynote speakers like Paula Calderon, Humaira Falak, and Noël Bahliby.

Building on this success, their current projects include initiatives to bring more black therapists to campus and create a website resource tailored for black students.