The Policy Spark Research Grant program provides rapid-turnaround funding to catalyze policy insights that help B.C. build a cleaner and more competitive economy. The program aims to connect academic expertise with real-world policy needs to help governments and the larger public advance climate action in a credible and coordinated manner.

Policy Spark Grants are part of PICS’ Decision Impact program stream as part of PICS’ Strategic Plan. 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, and UNBC).

• 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:

• $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 six thematic areas outlined below: 

• Topic 1: Climate progress indicators 
• Topic 2: Beyond rebates for household and small business clean technology adoption 
• Topic 3: Gas utility transition and new revenue opportunities 
• Topic 4: Electrification of critical mineral mine operations 
• Topic 5: Social cost of carbon in decision-making 
• Topic 6: Quantifying co-benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. 

Please review the Guide for Applicants for details about each theme area.

PICS will 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 September 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 Sept. 31, 2026 for topic 2, and Jan. 31, 2027 for all other topics. 

• 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 August 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

Related: Read about the Policy Spark projects funded in our 2025 call:

News

PICS invests in climate research that protects B.C. communities, livelihoods

Research groups receive funding to study solutions to economic, financial, and communications risks.

Read more

Policy Spark Research Grants Application

Applications are open now and close May 31, 2026 at 11:59PM PDT.
Please review the Guide for Applicants prior to applying. 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.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

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.

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: Working title of research

Provide a short working title that clearly identifies the focus of your project.

1b: Select your topic focus area (see Guide for Applicants for more information) *

• Topic 1: Climate progress indicators
• Topic 2: Beyond rebates for household and smBusiness clean technology adoption
• Topic 3: Gas utility transition and new revenue opportunities
• Topic 4: Electrification of critical mineral mine operations
• Topic 5: Social cost of carbon in decision-making
• Topic 6: Quantifying co-benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in B.C.

(select one of the six options)

1c. 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.  

Principal any 1e. 

1d. 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.

1e.  Outline how anticipated findings could help address the selected 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.

1f. 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 seven-month funding period (July 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027 (with the exception of topic 2)) 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.

1g. 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.

1h. Describe your history of knowledge mobilization *

Provide 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.

1i. File upload (optional)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

You may upload a document referenced in 1h 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

Use of artificial intelligence in submission of application

PICS recognizes that generative AI may be a tool to applicants in the preparation of applications. Applicants should be aware that using generative AI may lead to the presentation of information without proper recognition of authorship or acknowledgement. PICS requests that if artificial intelligence is used, you briefly describe that use.

Please describe any other sources of funding that will be leveraged or contributed to this work.

Signature *

Clear Signature

*

• I confirm I have given PICS permission to contact me, by completing the email form below.

SubmitSave and Resume Later