WAFAR IGNITE Undergraduate Internship Program

Decorative image of an overhead view of people in different coloured coats on ice floes in the Arctic.

2026 Summer Intake

WAFAR is Western's catalyst for interdisciplinary and internationally engaged research.

Since 2021, it has provided seed funding for internationally partnered research programs tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Last year, it supported Western professors Ryan Liss, Valerie Oosterveld and Bipasha Baruah and they created a unique research program – Possibilities for Peace – focused on interdisciplinary solutions to mitigate the potential for war in the 21st century.

In 2026, WAFAR IGNITE will fund up to six meritorious undergraduate students to build on this research through a focus on Arctic Sovereignty.

IGNITE

Undergraduates who receive a WAFAR IGNITE award will work alongside faculty mentors and receive a research-intensive peer-to-peer experience while undertaking novel research related to Arctic Sovereignty. Projects will be developed with your peers, in collaboration with WAFAR advisors. Selected candidates will undertake a 14-week program that includes: 1) Research, Leadership and Mindfulness modules, 2) Innovation and Partnership modules, and 3) research, communication and dissemination on the current topic.

  • Due Date: February 28, 2026 5 p.m. EST
  • Awards Announced: March 6, 2026 5 p.m. EST
  • Funding Period: May 4 - August 14, 2026
  • Funding Amount: $10,000
  • Research Topic for 2026: Arctic Sovereignty

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students from any faculty or school at Western are eligible.
  • Applicant review, evaluation and timelines for notification of award are undertaken by WAFAR.
  • Students must be registered in an undergraduate degree program (including JD, MD) at Western in at least two terms immediately previous to the award start date. 

Expected Outcomes

  • Development of transferable skills, including: critical thinking, leadership, innovation training, mentorship, data analytics, mindfulness, communication strategies, presentation skills and international outreach.
  • IGNITE awardees will be provided a range of professional development sessions (leadership, innovation, mindfulness) to support their research and career development, and will gain exposure to new approaches to research translation.
  • At the end of the summer, students and faculty will share their research with the broader campus community.

Funding and Term

  • Each IGNITE award is valued at $10,000 for a full-time, face-to-face, peer-to-peer, in-office commitment over a 14-week period, from May 4 - August 14, 2026. 

Application Requirements

Please send the following to wafar@uwo.ca:

  • Transcript (informal)
  • One-page Letter of interest: How will this opportunity enhance my undergraduate learning experience? 
  • Academic Curriculum Vitae