Cross-Disciplinary Internship Program

Purpose

• The Cross-Disciplinary Internship (CDI) is a competitive program that provides salary reimbursement for full- or part-time students from non-physics disciplines to participate in astroparticle physics research. Eligible applicants may be enrolled at any post-secondary level, including college diploma, undergraduate, or graduate studies. The program connects students with leading astroparticle physics researchers across Canada, offering hands-on research experience and opportunities to develop interdisciplinary knowledge, research skills, and collaborative networks.

Value

• $12,000 CAN + $500 CAN from supervisor towards student opportunities

Deadline:

• January 30, 2026 4:00 pm (ET)

Eligibility

• Be enrolled in a post-secondary program outside of physics, including college diploma, undergraduate, or graduate programs
• Be eligible to work in Canada
• Demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement
• Show enthusiasm for discovery-based research and strong intellectual curiosity
• Intend to  return to their studies upon completion of the internship
• Be open to cross-disciplinary learning and engaging with astroparticle physics research

Indigenous Cross-Disciplinary Internship Applicants (I-CDI)

• This year, the program introduces an Indigenization Cross-Disciplinary Internship (I-CDI) stream, designed to foster meaningful, reciprocal knowledge exchange between Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives (IKP) and astroparticle physics. Applications are warmly welcomed from Indigenous postsecondary students (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) seeking to expand their skills and gain hands-on research experience beyond their degree programs. Applications submitted through this stream will be considered in addition to the national allocation of awards.
• Students who choose to self-identify may incorporate culturally grounded supports, such as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, and/or Indigenous student services. The Institute can assist in facilitating these connections and will provide honoraria of up to $500 CAD for these supports. These contributions complement academic supervision and support a holistic, culturally responsive training environment.

Application Process:

• Applicants must identify an astroparticle physics faculty member or postdoctoral fellow (the Supervisor) at their institution of choice who agrees to supervise the internship. The student and Supervisor must jointly develop a research proposal for submission as part of the application. Applicants are required to attach an unofficial transcript and submit the completed application as a single PDF document by the stated deadline.

Application Submission: 

• Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document and emailed to admin@mcdonaldinstitute.ca with the subject line “CDI Program – [Supervisor Last Name]” no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Notice of Decision: Early-mid February 2026 via email for competition applications.

For more information on this proogram visit the CAPR institute website.