Celebration of Excellence in Humanities & Social Sciences
This in-person ceremony is to celebrate and honour our award-winning students and faculty in academic disciplines that foster creativity, critical thinking, and exceptional communication. The event is by invite only and will take place on (to be announced) .
The Office of the Deans oversees the following prize categories:
The Zobel Award Conference (up to $1,100)
ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award ( up to 2 prizes of $2,467.50) - deadline March 31, 2026.
Dr. Alicja and Dr. Gosia Zobel Student Conference Fund
The application deadline is March 31, 2026.
Application Form for the Student Zobel Conference Fund
Return application to (kelseyverboom@trentu.ca)
The donor’s vision in establishing these funds is to support undergraduate and graduate students to expose their thinking and research to a broad audience, to develop their critical thinking skills by inviting questions and challenges, to help them network with their peers to expand their thinking, to advance their research skills and credibility, and to raise the profile of Trent University.
Dr. Alicja Zobel and Dr. Gosia Zobel wish to support students to attend conferences to advance their studies in science, philosophy, or women’s studies and related fields. They are especially interested in the intersection of science, politics and critical thinking. They see science as important for activism and policy work: e.g. water quality, conservation, improved animal welfare standards on farms.
It is important to the donor that awardees speak at the conference (either through an oral presentation or a poster presentation), as well as engage with peers to challenge the way they think. Recipients are also encouraged, with the support of this fund, to engage with the local university or research centers associated with the conference. The funding will cover costs (outlined under Terms of Reference) to attend and present at a conference and meet with peers.
Note: In the spring of 2026, the total undergraduate prize will have a value of up to $1,000.
Terms of Reference for the 2026 Student Zobel Conference Fund.
ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award
Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2026
Trent University is excited to have the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) supporting our Humanities and Social Sciences students through the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Award.
The ROMA Award will recognize two returning full-time Trent Humanities and Social Sciences students with an award of $2,467.50 per student. Students are eligible to apply if the following apply:
- You are a full-time Trent University student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
- You are a resident of Ontario and are originally from a rural community outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
- You are a first-generation university student (first in your family to attend university).
- You are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
- You are or will be a returning full-time student with a cumulative GPA of 80% or higher.
To apply, applicants must complete the following:
1. Complete the application form and write a 500-word letter addressing the question: What are the key issues in your rural community? Please explain how your undergraduate degree will prepare you to help address your community’s issues. Remember to include the name of your community in your letter.
2. Complete your OSAP application and submit the required paperwork to OSAP by July 31, 2026.
Submit the application form and 500-word letter by email to Kelsey Verboom (kelseyverboom@trentu.ca) by the deadline of March 31, 2026.
Successful applicants will normally be notified in August.