The Tibor Barsony Bursary
Award Value: $5,000 CDN
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Supporting Tomorrow’s Prevention Leaders
The Tibor Barsony Bursary recognizes outstanding Canadian students conducting research in gambling harm prevention. This annual award honours RGC’s founder and his lifelong commitment to turning personal experience into meaningful change.
In Tibor’s own words:
I turned my own experience into something positive. When I wasn’t trying to secure funding, I was first and foremost a counsellor. I wanted compulsive gamblers to know that somebody understood their struggle.
— Tibor Bursony
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from Canadian students conducting (or planning to conduct) research focused on gambling harm prevention.
You’re eligible if you:
- Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Are enrolled full-time in a recognized Canadian university or college program (undergraduate or graduate)
- Undergraduate applicants must have completed a minimum of 4 full-time academic terms
- Have a cumulative average of at least a grade of “B” or equivalent
- Are involved in (or intend to be involved in) gambling research focused on harm prevention (Note: Treatment-focused research is not eligible for this award)
- Have a research background in fields such as (but not limited to):
- Mental health and addictions
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Social work
- Related disciplines
We especially encourage applications from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. The complexity of gambling harm prevention benefits from multidisciplinary perspectives and fresh approaches.
What You Need to Apply
Your complete application must include:
- Research Proposal (600 words maximum)
- Description of your proposed research project
- Statement on how it will contribute to gambling harm prevention literature
- Explanation of how it differs from previously published work in the field
- Research Interests Summary (300 words maximum)
- Your gambling research interests and current/past involvement
- Academic Declaration (200 words maximum)
- Official transcripts from your current institution
- Updated CV or Resume
- Academic Transcripts
- Official transcripts from your current institution
- Two Academic Letters of Reference
- At least one letter must be from an individual familiar with your research capabilities and interests
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled full-time in recognized Canadian post-secondary programs (undergraduate with minimum 4 terms completed, or graduate level) with a minimum “B” average.
- What’s the difference between prevention and treatment research?
Prevention research focuses on strategies to reduce harm before problems develop — this includes education, early intervention, risk assessment, safer play strategies, and population-level approaches. Treatment research focuses on helping people who have already developed gambling problems. This bursary specifically supports prevention-focused work.
- Can international students apply?
No, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada enrolled in Canadian institutions.
- I’m just starting my gambling research. Can I still apply?
Yes! We welcome applications from students actively conducting research and those with clear intentions to engage in gambling harm prevention research. Your proposal should outline your planned research direction and how it will contribute to the field.
- What disciplines are eligible?
We encourage diverse disciplinary backgrounds including public health, psychology, mental health & addictions, health promotion, sociology, social work, and related fields. The key requirement is that your research must focus on gambling harm prevention.
- How will the award be distributed?
The $5,000 will be paid directly to you via cheque or EFT. Funds can be used for education-related expenses including tuition, fees, supplies, and/or living costs during your Fall 2026 term.
- Do I need to attend Discovery 2026?
While attendance is strongly encouraged for the winner announcement and networking opportunities, we understand circumstances vary. If you’re selected and cannot attend, we’ll discuss arrangements to provide a video acceptance that can be shared at the awards luncheon.
Ready to Apply?
The application deadline is January 30, 2026.
Join us in continuing Tibor Barsony’s legacy of evidence-based prevention research that protects individuals and communities from gambling-related harm.
Submit Your Application
Email: discovery@rgco.org
Subject: “Tibor Barsony Bursary”
Questions?
Contact Jennifer Reynolds, PhD at jenniferR@rgco.org