Resilience, Leadership and Vision: Meet BioTalent Canada’s 2025 I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ Recipients

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three future bioscience leaders from across Canada are being celebrated as the recipients of BioTalent Canada’s second annual I.D.E.A.L. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Leadership) Scholarship™. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to support their post-secondary studies and shape a more inclusive and innovative bio-economy.

Now in its second year, the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ continues to celebrate the resilience, achievements and future potential of students who are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive bioscience sector. BioTalent Canada’s labour market research reveals that Indigenous workers and persons with disabilities each represent only about 1% of the bio-economy workforce—far below their share of the sector’s overall labour market. The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ helps address these gaps by supporting students who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the sector.

“The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship isn’t just about helping students, it’s about building the workforce Canada’s bio-economy needs to stay innovative and globally competitive,” said Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada.

The 2025 I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ recipients are:

Thunder Crowshoe (Piikani Nation, Blackfoot) — Indigenous category

“Living with chronic illness and navigating systemic barriers hasn’t been easy, but it has strengthened my resolve,” said Thunder Crowshoe. “I want to ensure that future scientists see diversity as essential to research excellence and that our labs and classrooms are places where everyone can thrive.”

Thunder was recognized for his resilience and commitment to inclusion. He has overcome systemic racism, and the challenges of Crohn’s disease while remaining dedicated to his education. Drawing strength from his culture and community, he continues to advocate for inclusive spaces where every student and scientist can thrive.

Gayoung Park — Newcomer category

“This scholarship fuels my mission to turn my own challenges into opportunities for others,” said Gayoung Park. “It’s not enough to invite people in. Real inclusion ensures they feel they belong.”

Gayoung stood out for her deep empathy and initiative, turning her own experience as a newcomer and English language learner into meaningful support for others. By creating academic opportunities for immigrants, adult learners and seniors in her rural community, she has demonstrated leadership grounded in compassion and belonging.

Yusuf Patel — Persons with a disability category

“I believe small changes in accessibility can have a huge impact on people’s lives,” said Yusuf Patel. “My goal is to make sure no student feels excluded because of their health or circumstances.”

Yusuf was chosen for his leadership and advocacy in building more inclusive learning environments. From founding an after-school chemistry support group to mentoring younger students and advancing accessibility initiatives, he has shown a strong commitment to ensuring all students feel valued and supported, regardless of their circumstances.

Recipients were evaluated overall on their leadership, advocacy, and contributions to IDEA values through initiatives such as:

• Leading diversity-focused projects in schools, clubs or community organizations
• Promoting a sense of belonging and inclusivity among peers
• Taking active steps to remove barriers for equity-deserving groups in bioscience

Beyond the life-changing impact for students, the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ benefits employers in Canada’s biosciences sector by nurturing a more diverse, dynamic talent pipeline. Employers that invest in inclusive leadership are better positioned to attract and retain top talent while driving innovation and global competitiveness.

“These students are more than scholarship recipients, they are the future innovators who will push Canada’s bio-economy forward,” said Henderson. “By removing barriers and celebrating their achievements, we’re not just supporting individual success stories, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive industry that benefits everyone.”

The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ offers both financial support and an investment in the next generation of scientists, innovators and leaders who will shape Canada’s bio-economy. By celebrating the achievements of this year’s recipients, BioTalent Canada is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive industry, fueling discovery and progress. Their journeys are a reminder that when barriers are removed, innovation and excellence can flourish.

To learn more about the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™, visit biotalent.ca/IDEALScholarship.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy contributors with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:

• Great Place to Work^® since 2019 and one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada^®
• The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
• 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
• One of Canada’s Best Places to Work by HRD Canada for 2024
• 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter since 2023

For more information, visit biotalent.ca.

About the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship

The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ aims to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility leadership (IDEAL) within the realm of bioscience. Designed to inspire and support equity-deserving groups in embarking on their post secondary journeys, this program not only seeks to diversify Canada's bio-economy but also to amplify enrollment in bioscience programs nationwide. Through targeted support and a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship promises to empower and uplift individuals from diverse backgrounds, driving forward the future of biotechnology in Canada.