At the Canadian Dam Association, we are dedicated to fostering excellence in the education of emerging professionals. Each year, we award two prestigious scholarships designed for graduate students with a focus on dam safety and management.These scholarships go beyond monetary support; they represent a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedication and enthusiasm invested in advancing knowledge and innovation in this vital field.
Whether you are striving to expand your expertise, engage in groundbreaking research, or contribute to the elevation of dam management practices, these scholarships are accessible to you. We offer two distinct scholarships: the CDA Student Award of Merit for Master’s level candidates and the CDA Gary Salmon Memorial Scholarship for PhD students. Both awards recognize outstanding work in areas such as dam engineering, dam safety, and management of dams, spanning fundamental research to practical applications. The scope of eligible topics includes a wide variety of dam types — concrete, earthfill, tailings dams—and encompasses all related associated structures and environmental considerations, as well as overarching engineering and risk management practices.
Winners of these scholarships gain not only recognition but also the invaluable experience of attending the CDA's annual meeting, where they receive their awards in person. This event provides a unique opportunity to network with esteemed professionals, learn from workshops, and participate in field tours hosted by CDA members and sponsoring partners. It is an exceptional chance to connect with leading specialists and engage with a community committed to excellence, inspiring you to potentially become involved with one of our active committees.
In the following year, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to present their research in an online webinar, reaching a wide audience of professionals both in Canada and internationally—an experience that many aspiring scholars did not have 20-30 years ago!
The application deadline is June 15, 2026. For more details, please visit the CDA's website and submit your applications.
Seize this opportunity — the scholarships are within your reach!
Caius Priscu, Ph.D, P.Eng (BC)
Past Chair,Scholarships Review Panel
Pathma Wedage, Ph.D, P.Eng (AB)Chair, Scholarships Review Panel
