Students pursuing graduate research in public health, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, epidemiology, medical sciences, environmental sciences, and other One Health-related fields can now apply for the Dr. Gregory D. Bossart Memorial One Health Scholarship 2026. Administered by the One Health Commission and funded by Georgia Aquarium, this prestigious international scholarship provides $5,000 USD to support outstanding graduate students conducting research using the One Health framework.
The scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, a renowned veterinarian, pathologist, and conservationist whose groundbreaking work advanced the understanding of the relationship between human, animal, and environmental health.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Organization: One Health Commission
- Funding Partner: Georgia Aquarium
- Scholarship Name: Dr. Gregory D. Bossart Memorial One Health Scholarship
- Study Level: Graduate
- Eligible Degrees: MSc, MS, MPH, MD, DVM, PhD or equivalent
- Scholarship Value: $5,000 USD
- Eligible Applicants: Students worldwide
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time)
- Award Announcement: On or before November 3, 2026 (One Health Day)
About the One Health Scholarship
The scholarship supports graduate students undertaking research that explores the connections between people, animals, plants, and the environment using a One Health approach.
Rather than funding a degree programme, the scholarship specifically supports a student-led research project. Applications are assessed based on the quality, scientific merit, and One Health relevance of the proposed research project.
The scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, whose research on marine mammals significantly contributed to understanding emerging diseases and environmental health. His pioneering Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) project demonstrated how dolphin health can serve as an indicator of human and ecosystem health.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients will receive:
- $5,000 USD scholarship award
- Funds paid directly to the student (not through the university)
- Financial support for:
- Research expenses
- Tuition
- Fieldwork supplies
- Laboratory or analytical costs
- Conference travel
- Other educational expenses related to the project
- International recognition from the One Health Commission and Georgia Aquarium.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled anywhere in the world in an:
- MSc
- MS
- MPH
- MD
- DVM
- PhD
- or equivalent graduate programme.
- Be conducting a research project that uses the One Health framework or addresses a One Health topic.
- Ensure the research project will not be completed before the scholarship is awarded.
Students accepted into an eligible graduate programme who have not yet begun classes may also apply if they can provide proof of admission and already have a clearly defined One Health research project.
Students studying professional MD or DVM programmes that are classified as undergraduate degrees in some countries are also eligible.
The following are not eligible:
- Bachelor’s or associate degree students
- Clinical residents not involved in research leading to an MPH, MS, or PhD
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Fellows who have already completed PhD research
- Students graduating before the scholarship is implemented.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit one merged PDF (in English) containing:
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- Project title page with project title, student name, and university.
- Project narrative (maximum 1,000 words), including:
- Abstract
- Background
- Project goals
- Research methods
- One Health framework explanation
- Scientific importance
- Budget showing how funds will be used
- Images with captions (optional; count toward the word limit)
- Word count statement
- References (not included in the word limit)
- Current CV.
- Letter confirming current enrolment or graduate programme acceptance and good academic standing.
- One recommendation letter from a faculty member or clinician familiar with the applicant’s work.
The merged PDF should be named:
First Name Last Name Bossart Application 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Scientific merit
- Overall significance of the project
- Likelihood of achieving research objectives
- Strength of the One Health framework
- Quality and clarity of the proposal
Projects originally designed around the One Health concept are expected to be more competitive.
Recognition and Awardee Responsibilities
Successful scholars will receive recognition through:
- The One Health Scholarship webpage
- The One Health Commission global listserv
- The One Health Happenings newsletter
- One Health Commission social media platforms
- Georgia Aquarium newsroom and newsletter
- A commemorative plaque honoring Dr. Gregory D. Bossart at Georgia Aquarium.
Award recipients must also:
- Complete at least two outreach activities within one year (such as a blog post, website narrative, scholarship impact story, or a minimum five-minute video).
- Submit a final report (maximum 1,000 words) within two years explaining how the scholarship funds were used and the project’s outcomes.
How to Apply
Applicants must merge all required documents into a single PDF and submit the application electronically through the official One Health Commission submission form before the deadline.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid technical issues. A confirmation email will be sent after successful submission. Questions can be directed to BossartScholarship@onehealthcommission.org.
Conclusion
The Dr. Gregory D. Bossart Memorial One Health Scholarship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for graduate students worldwide who are conducting innovative research that connects human, animal, and environmental health. Beyond the $5,000 USD award, recipients gain international recognition and become part of a global network advancing the One Health mission. If your research aligns with the One Health framework, this scholarship is well worth applying for before the July 31, 2026 deadline.
