The Policy Sparks Grant program provides small, rapid-turnaround funding for research that addresses emerging climate policy issues in British Columbia. This program is designed to mobilize credible, actionable insights that inform public debate and support evidence-based decisions on the province’s most pressing challenges. This is a pilot grant program; we will be evaluating effectiveness and impact to determine if it will be an ongoing part of PICS’ programming. 

Policy Sparks Grants are part of PICS’ Decision Impact program stream. Through this stream, PICS works to bridge academic expertise and practitioner needs, helping governments and organizations act with confidence in a changing climate. 

Applications are now open, apply using the form below.

Eligible applicants:

Applicants must be faculty at PICS-affiliated universities (UBC, UVic, SFU, UNBC). We encourage faculty to leverage this funding call with their ongoing research and student projects. 

• Individuals may only participate in one application.  
• Post-doctoral and graduate students must have their faculty supervisor lead an application. 
• Adjunct faculty of a PICS-affiliated university are eligible to lead an application so long as they can hold research funds at their respective university. 

Grant size:

• Up to $20,000 per project (funds will be dispersed 75 per cent up front and 25 per cent upon approval of the midterm report). 
• Funds will be transferred to university accounts.
• University overhead is an ineligible expense for PICS funds. 

Eligible topics:

Research proposals must focus on one of three thematic areas outlined below: 

• Economic exposure to climate risks 

• Financial disclosures and risk materiality 

• Risk communication and behavioral shifts 

PICS is aiming to fund two projects per issue area. We will also aim for a balance across the PICS university network (UNBC, SFU, UBC, and UVic).

Expected Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: A two-page mid-term update should be submitted by May 31, 2026. A template will be provided to successful applicants. 

Deliverable 2: A concise research report (approx. 20 pages) written for a decision maker audience should be submitted by September 1, 2026 

• To support policy-relevant research outcomes, all applicants will be asked to participate in a half-day virtual workshop focused on writing for decision makers in May or June 2026. PICS will organize the workshop. 

• PICS retains first right to publish the research report developed through this work. The research team retains the rights to publish, re-purpose, and further develop the framework and or analysis afterwards. 

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below before you complete your application.

FAQs

Policy Spark Research Grants Application

Please complete the application below.
You can save your progress and resume later by using the “Save and Resume” option at the end of the form. Once you’ve filled out all the fields and are ready to submit, click the “Submit” button at the bottom. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a copy of your responses.
Applications close Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.

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Name *

First

Last

Please provide full contact information for the Primary Investigator (PI). This individual must have a faculty position at UNBC, SFU, UVic, or UBC.

Name history use

Title and institutional affilliation *

Email *

Part 1: Proposal

This section details the focus, intentions, and expected significance of your proposed research. Write for a general, policy-literate audience. Avoid technical jargon and use accessible language that clearly conveys the real-world importance of your work. You may cite relevant sources in any consistent reference format.

1a: Select your topic focus area *

• Economic exposure to climate risks
• Financial disclosures and risk materiality
• Risk communication and behavioral shifts

(select one of the three options)

1b. Outline your research question *

Briefly describe the central research question your project will address. Clearly state what you aim to learn or uncover through this work, and define the scope of inquiry so that it is feasible within the project timeline. The question should be specific, actionable, and clearly connected to the chosen thematic area.  

1c. Describe the methods you will use to answer this research question  *

Describe the approach you will use to answer your research question. Outline key data sources, analytical methods, or engagement activities that will guide your work. Indicate whether any research ethics approvals will be required. If relevant, explain how this project connects to your existing research or collaborations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate feasibility within the short project timeline and to highlight how the proposed methods will produce credible, usable findings.

1d.  Outline how anticipated findings could help address the select policy problem *

Explain how your anticipated findings could inform or support decisions related to your chosen policy issue. Describe the policy context or decision environment in which your research question sits — for example, a government process, community decision, or industry practice. Clarify how your work could provide timely evidence, analysis, or insight that supports practical action. You may also note who might use your findings (e.g., policymakers, local governments, industry groups, or community organizations) and how the results could be communicated or applied in real-world settings.

1e. Provide a timeline for the work *

Provide an outline of the key activities and milestones for your project. You may organize this by month or by project phase. The timeline should reflect the eight-month funding period (January 31 – September 1, 2026) and include major deliverables such as data collection, analysis, drafting, and submission of the final report. Applicants should demonstrate that their work plan is achievable within the timeframe.

1f. List collaborators *

List any collaborators involved in the project, including students, faculty, or practitioners. Briefly describe each person’s anticipated contribution (e.g., research assistance, data analysis, writing, or stakeholder engagement). Projects that support student learning and skill growth are encouraged.

1g. Describe your history of knowledge mobilization *

Provide up to three examples of how you have shared research findings or insights with non-academic audiences. Examples could include policy briefs, op-eds, workshops, public reports, blogs, or other accessible formats. You may include hyperlinks to op eds you have published, briefing notes you have written, or blog posts written for a general audience. You may upload a document if it is not publicly available.

1g. File upload (optional)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

You may upload a document referenced in 1g if it is not publicly available.

Part 2: PI Resume/CV

Resume/CV upload *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 6 files.

Please attach a resume or CV for the PI, including information on position and education, and highlighting awards, service and community engagement, publications, and other achievements relevant to the proposal.      

Part 3: PI Signature  

*

• I attest that all collaborators have read, contributed to, and approve of this application.

Principal Investigator name *

First

Last

Signature *

Clear Signature

SubmitSave and Resume Later