Overview
The Burstow's York U. Scholarship in Antipsychiatry and Mad Studies supports graduate students conducting research and related scholarly and creative activities in the areas of Antipsychiatry and/or Mad Studies. Funds will support research on "resistance against psychiatry" in such areas as, but not limited to, critical mental health movements such as the psychiatric survivor movement, the mad movement, the neurodiversity movement and the social construction of mental illness. Proposed research shall be critical of contemporary mental health discourse and/or practice and/or critical of the medicalization of mental health. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum GPA of A.
Dr. Bonnie Burstow (1945-2020) was an author, U of T professor, activist, social justice advocate and trained psychotherapist. She is best known as an outspoken critic of psychiatry and did radical work in the area of antipsychiatry, a movement that began in the 60's comprising of academics, activists, and psychiatric survivors working to abolish psychiatry and eliminate violence against disenfranchised people. Dr. Burstow's other work included mobilizing to end antisemitism and violence against women.
Value and Duration
- Two awards of up to $2500 each (Subject to change)
- Non-renewable
Eligibility
- Applicants must be currently registered York University graduate students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of A.
- Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be enrolled in the Psychology program.
Deadlines
- Student deadline: January 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
How to Apply
Students must apply through the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) system with the following information:
Applicants must submit a complete application including a statement that outlines how their research is aligned with the scope of the award, a CV and transcripts.
Adjudication Description
The Award will be adjudicated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Committee.
Support
- If you require further assistance, please contact our Scholarship & Awards Coordinator visiting our FGS Staff Directory.