Scholarship Information
Harold E. Johns Studentship Program
Dr. Harold E. Johns (1915-1998) was a Canadian physicist noted for his extensive contributions to the field of medical physics. Dr. Johns invented and developed the Cobalt-60 machine, which had an immediate impact on cancer survival rates, enabling radiation medicine professionals to treat deep-set and difficult to access tumours. The machine represented a major technological advancement and his work launched the development of cobalt therapy for the treatment of cancer. This is still the primary mode for radiation treatment in many developing countries that lack access to more modern therapies. Dr. Johns’ work was influential in the early development of CT scanners and the definition of mammographic imaging. He also did significant work in showing the DNA damage in cells exposed to ultraviolet rays. His book, The Physics of Radiology, is considered to be the premiere text in the field of medical physics.
Dr. Johns garnered many awards and accolades throughout his career. He was an Officer of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal, and the first to receive the Medal of Honour from the Canadian Medical Association – the highest honour the Association can bestow on a person who is not a member of the medical profession. Dr. Johns was a true pioneer in the field of medical physics, and the Harold E. Johns Studentship Program is named in his honour.
The objective of the Harold E. Johns Studentship Program is to promote interest in the field of medical physics among undergraduate students, and to encourage these students to continue their studies and pursue careers in the field of medical physics in oncology in the Ontario cancer system.
COMP IDEA Student Travel Awards
The COMP Students Council (SC) believes that promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within medical physics is essential to promoting high-quality, patient-centered cancer care, fostering innovation, and advancing research and academic excellence. We recognize that marginalized and underrepresented communities face unique barriers to pursuing and succeeding within medical physics; and we are committed to offering EDI initiatives that advance and promote the representation and inclusion of these communities.
The COMP Student Council (CS) is excited to announce the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Travel Award to provide expense support for students who are members of underrepresented groups and that demonstrate financial need to attend the COMP Annual Scientific Meeting. The IDEA Travel Award intends to inspire the next generation of medical physicists by providing the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable experience, exposure, and mentorship from medical physicists, students, and other experts and professionals in medical physics.