The Graduate Fellows program supports graduate students from across the University of Toronto who are working on urban-focused research projects. Graduate Fellow positions are open to U of T students who are pursuing a PhD or master’s degree and who have a passion for urban issues.
Graduate student fellows may work on an independent project or a component of their degree-based project (thesis or dissertation). Candidates are welcomed from across all disciplines – from the fine arts to social sciences to the natural and applied sciences. Because of the School of Cities’ focus on knowledge mobilization, we are keen to assist with projects of an applied, translational, or policy-oriented nature. Preference is given to students who are at least two years into their graduate work.
The Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship will be granted to one applicant each year, who will receive approximately $4,000 for a proposed research project on the basis of academic merit. Preference will be given to students researching actionable ideas that address urban challenges and who demonstrate leadership in extracurricular activities. The recipient of the Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship will present their research at a seminar convened by the School of Cities at the end of the grant period.
Applicants to the School of Cities Graduate Fellows program should indicate their interest in being considered for the Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship during the application process and should adapt their research proposal to emphasize its actionable ideas and their extracurricular engagement. Shortlisted candidates for this extra fellowship grant will be invited to an interview.
The Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship supports graduate students with a passion for urban issues
In July 2025, the School of Cities launched its first named fellowship thanks to a generous gift from Jonathan and Erin Gouveia. The annual award will support U of T graduate students driving bold, urban-focused research.
Introducing Benjamin Owens, the 2025-26 Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellow
Benjamin Owens has been named the inaugural Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellow. A PhD student in Geography & Planning, his research explores the intersections of housing, work, and youth homelessness in urban contexts.
Thematic priorities for graduate fellows
Fellows can opt-in to meet approximately twice with a supporting faculty mentor based on the thematic focus of their research, but this is not a requirement. Students are encouraged to engage in the workshops offered. Workshops are chosen based on student interest, and range in topics such as writing, data visualization, social media, and policy briefs.
Themes include:
- Urban humanities
- Community development, social movements, and participatory methods
- City and regional governance and economies
- Urban natural environments and ecosystems
- Urban landscapes and the built environment
- Fiscal health and governance challenges
- The recipient of the Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship may work on any of the above themes and will be mentored by Professor Karen Chapple. The recipient will be expected to participate in activities organized for all grantees.
Graduate fellows receive:
- $2,000 toward their research (in two installments throughout the period of the fellowship)
- An extra $1,500 for proposing and executing a knowledge mobilization project. This additional piece is optional, and the extra funding is only available to those who successfully apply for it and complete the project on time. Examples of a knowledge mobilization project include articles / blog posts; workshops / events; websites / webpages; maps / infographics; policy briefs; podcasts, videos; exhibitions; mobile apps. Think creatively and suggest a knowledge mobilization format that fits your research! (see some examples from last year)
- Consideration for a further cash award for a knowledge mobilization submission that best builds engagement, connectivity, relevance, and understanding to their research. The prizes include $2,000 for 1st prize, $1,000 for 2nd prize, and three honorable mentions of $500 each. Exhibition of knowledge mobilization projects is voluntary and will take place at the Community Showcase in April 2028.
- The recipient of the Jonathan and Erin Gouveia Fellowship will receive an additional $4,000 (approximately) and will be expected to present their research at a seminar convened at the end of the grant period.
- Recognition for U of T Co-Curricular Record (CCR) for 3 competencies (upon completion of the Graduate Fellows program)
What we look for:
- Demonstrated creativity, impact and knowledge mobilization (as relevant) of the proposed project
- Demonstrated viability of the proposed project (i.e., based on research already in progress or connected to an active research team)
- Potential to reach broad audiences with implications for motivating public policy, professional practice change, or community action.
- The rigour of the proposed methodological approach
- A connection to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Questions?
Feel free to contact us at education.sofc@utoronto.ca