PICS has opened the second year of the Uplifting Reciprocal Research (URR) Scholarship Program, which supports graduate students conducting research that supports the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC.
The program reflects a shared commitment between the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to advance First Nations climate priorities through capacity building, research, and educational opportunities.
The scholarship supports master’s and PhD students at PICS partner universities (UVic, UBC, SFU and UNBC) whose work advances climate change adaptation and mitigation while strengthening reciprocal, community-driven research relationships.
Scholarship recipients will receive:
- $10,000 per year for master’s students
- $20,000 per year for doctorate students
Preference will also be given to Indigenous scholars, with further preference for B.C. First Nations scholars, followed by scholars working in partnership with First Nations communities in B.C.
In addition to financial support, recipients will contribute to the broader climate action community by developing case study Knowledge Highlights that share experiences, teachings, and practices of reciprocal research and research co-development. Scholars will also be invited to participate in future PICS events and connect with other researchers working on similar projects—fostering collaboration and offering opportunities to share knowledge, lessons learned, and experiences.
With consent from their families, this scholarship is dedicated to Leona and Valerie Humchitt, from the Heiltsuk Nation, who were significant supporters of both climate action and education in First Nation communities.
Applications are open until June 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. PT.
Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program
This scholarship program supports graduate-level scholars whose work advances climate change adaptation and mitigation in collaboration with First Nations communities in B.C.
