McMaster welcomes the 2025 recipients of Canada’s prestigious Vanier and Banting awards for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers.

“The announcement of Vanier and Banting recipients is always such an exciting time for the School of Graduate Studies and the broader university community,” says Steve Hranilovic, vice-provost and dean of Graduate Studies.

“These are individuals who balance outstanding achievements in scholarly research with an inspiring ability to lead.”

Vanier Scholars and Banting Postdoctoral Fellows are recognized for their academic and research excellence, as well as their leadership skills — qualities that enrich McMaster’s vibrant graduate and postdoctoral community.

“These individuals are the next generation of world-class researchers and leaders. They have the potential to make such a positive difference our world,” Hranilovic says.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for them.”

2025 Banting Postdoctoral Fellows

Anish Arora

Arora’s research focuses on advancing equity across health-care systems, by training clinicians to engage in in more inclusive communication with diverse patients.

He is completing his postdoctoral work under the supervision of Hsien Seow in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Click here to learn more about Anish Arora.

Alexander Matheson

Matheson’s work on respiratory imaging combines his expertise in computational physics, imaging processing and MRI physics and programming.

At McMaster, he will explore the use of pulmonary structural and functional MRI to predict the progression or exacerbation of lung disease.

2025 Vanier Graduate Scholars 

Zoryana Babiy 

Babiy’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of mindfulness interventions to help new mothers who are experiencing postpartum anxiety.

She is completing her PhD in the Faculty of Science, under co-supervisors Sheryl Green and Benicio Frey. Click here to earn more about Zoryana Babiy.

Shraddha Mishra 

Mishra’s research addresses the gaps in the Ontario Health Teams network, leading to more inclusive and context-appropriate community participation across Ontario and in health networks beyond the province.

She is completing a dual MD/PhD, with her PhD work (Health Policy) under the supervision of Mike Wilson. Click here to learn more about Shraddha Mishra.

Wesley Sanchez 

Sanchez’s research aims to build a bridge between the everyday language of chemistry and the mathematical description by developing new ways to describe chemical bonds.

He is completing his PhD in the Faculty of Science under the supervision of Paul Ayers. Click here to learn more about Wesley Sanchez.

About these awards 

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship was launched in 2008 and aimed to attract top-tier graduate researchers from around the globe. Recipients of the award receive $50,000 annually for up to three years.

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship launched in 2010, set on attracting the best national and international postdoctoral talent. Fellowship recipients receive $70,000 annually for up to two years.

Both programs are now closed to new applicants.