SPARK: Student Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge in Women’s Health
About SPARK
The Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), in collaboration with the Women’s Health Research Club (WHRC) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), proudly presents the Student Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge in Women’s Health (SPARK). This distinctive volunteer program connects post-secondary students and recent graduates (up to 2 years after post-secondary graduation) with WHRI-led projects and opportunities, providing valuable experience in women’s health research.
Who is the SPARK Program for?
For Students
The SPARK Program is for interested students who are seeking research and work experiences in women’s health research. All post-secondary students and recent graduates are invited to complete this survey to register them in the SPARK Program.
The data collected includes academic background, academic affiliation, research interests, availability, and consent to be contacted for opportunities. This data forms our SPARK Program and allows us to match research interests and availability, with relevant opportunities.
For WHRI Members
WHRI members (including clinical faculty) who are affiliated with a post-secondary institution can submit a brief description of their research project, outline time commitments, and specific requirements by emailing whrivolunteers@cw.bc.ca.
How does the matching process work?
Students will first apply to the SPARK Program by providing their first and last name, email, institution attended, degree being pursued (e.g., BSc, BA, MSc, MA), area/major, year of study, type of volunteer research experience sought, availability in hours per week, earliest start date for volunteering, and whether they are interested in a short-term volunteer placement.
Once an opportunity is received, it will be shared with members of the SPARK database via our administration team.
After candidates are notified of a SPARK opportunity, they can apply and inquire about the opportunity directly with the WHRI member.
Connect with Us
If you have any questions or feedback about the SPARK program, please contact us at WHRIvolunteers@cw.bc.ca. Supporting trainees is a core part of the WHRI, integrated through our dedicated Strategic Framework for Trainees and Mentorship. The SPARK program was created to connect students interested in women’s health research with relevant volunteer opportunities.
Stay updated on this exciting program by following WHRI and WHRC on Instagram.
Thank you for your interest in the SPARK program!