PICS has launched a new pilot funding program designed to rapidly mobilize research that informs emerging climate policy decisions in British Columbia. 

The Policy Spark Research Grants program provides up to $20,000 for short-term research projects that generate credible, actionable insights for governments and other decision makers. The program aims to support evidence-based public dialogue and help shape climate policies on some of the province’s most pressing challenges. 

Policy Spark Grants are part of the PICS Decision Impact program stream, which connects academic expertise with real-world policy needs to help governments and organizations act with confidence in a changing climate. 

Funding is open to faculty at PICS network universities (UBC, UVic, SFU and UNBC).  
 
Projects must focus on one of the following themes: 

• Economic exposure to climate risks 

• Financial disclosures and risk materiality 

• Risk communication and behavioural shifts 

Successful applicants will participate in a virtual workshop on writing for decision makers and will produce a short mid-term update and a concise research report for a policy audience. Results from this pilot will help determine whether Policy Spark becomes an ongoing part of PICS programming. 

Applications are now open and due by January 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST).