Gowling WLG is committed to supporting the next generation of legal leaders in the life sciences sector. Our firm's $5,000 Life Sciences, Society and the Law student scholarship was created to do just that.

A companion to Gowling WLG's annual "Life Sciences, Society and the Law Symposium," the scholarship is awarded each year to the law student who writes the most distinguished paper exploring the evolving relationship between the life sciences and society from a legal perspective.

The winning paper will be decided by a panel of Gowling WLG life sciences lawyers and will be announced at the BIO International Convention in Boston on June 16, 2025. In addition to the $5,000 financial package, the author of the winning paper will be invited to participate in our symposium and recognized across Gowling WLG's various channels.

Gowling WLG gratefully acknowledges the leadership and generous funding contribution from Bayer Inc., both of which made this scholarship possible. The firm will be working closely with Bayer to promote broader interest in life sciences and highlight the opportunities for law students who are interested in pursuing a career in the sector.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • A law student enrolled in a JD/LLB program at an accredited Canadian law school
    Note: All applicants will be screened to confirm enrollment.
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Interested in pursuing a legal career in the life sciences sector

How to apply

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must provide the following in English or French:

  • Completed scholarship application form
  • Cover letter detailing applicant's interest in the life sciences sector
  • A 1,500-word paper exploring the following topic:

The patentability of methods of medical treatment in Canada has long been a contentious and complex issue, with courts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders divided over its implications. This debate has led to inconsistent rulings and uncertainty in the legal and medical communities. This year, the Supreme Court of Canada is poised to address this issue in a landmark appeal that could reshape the patent landscape for methods of medical treatment in Canada.

What are the social policy implications of the current method of medical treatment exception to patentability? Should the scope of the exception be limited or expanded, and if so why?

Application period

February 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025

Contact

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please send an email to scholarships@gowlingwlg.com.