DENVER/December 1, 2025 – Morris Animal Foundation is now accepting applications for its Veterinary Student Scholar (VSS) program, a competitive opportunity that allows veterinary students to conduct mentored research advancing the health and welfare of companion animals, equids and wildlife.
The program supports students enrolled in accredited veterinary medicine programs worldwide. Each institution may nominate up to two students to submit proposals for this round. Selected students will receive a stipend of up to $5,500 to support living expenses during a 3-4 month research project, helping them focus on learning and scientific discovery.
Applicants must be in good academic standing through the duration of their project (which may extend through August 2026) and must have a qualified mentor to guide their research. Students in combined DVM/PhD programs or those who have previously received a VSS stipend are not eligible.
The initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to training the next generation of veterinary researchers and has provided opportunities for students in countries including the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mexico, Ghana, Brazil, Uruguay, and Kenya.
Applications must be submitted by 4:59 p.m. ET on January 14, 2026.
Applicants must register and submit proposals through the Foundation’s SmartSimple grants portal. Please allow 2–3 business days for account validation. For detailed instructions and access to the application system, visit our Apply for a Grant page.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
- Daniella Chusyd, PhD
- Erin Graham, DVM, DACVP (Anatomic)
- Sally Bornbusch, PhD
- Talon McKee, CVT, MPVM
- Leena Adel Mohammad Awawdeh, PhD
- Amin Azadian, PhD
- François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, PhD, FHEA, Dip. ACVIM (LAIM)
- Raghavendra Amachawadi, BVSc, MS, PhD
- Kara Lascola, DVM, MS
- Martha Mellish DVM, DACT
- Orsolya Balogh, DVM, PhD, DACT
- Joshua Butcher, PhD, MS
- Margaret Driciru, PhD, BVM, MSc, PGD WHM
- Theodora Tsouloufi, DVM, PhD, DACVP, AFHEA
- Emi Barker, PhD, DipECVIM-C
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, investing more than $170 million in over 3,200 studies to date across species including cats, dogs, horses and wildlife. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Lindsey Washington
