Policy Spark research grants for climate policy. A series of photos show a smart thermostat, workers installing solar panels, a worker installing a heat pump, and a woman and a child sitting on a front stoop.

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Policy Spark grants reopen to support climate policy research  

PICS has opened its second funding call for Policy Spark Research Grants, which support rapid-turnaround research on emerging climate policy issues in British Columbia.

These $20,000 grants catalyze policy insights to 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.

Funding is open to faculty at PICS-affiliated universities (UBC, UVic, SFU and UNBC). Post-doctoral fellows and graduate students may participate as part of a faculty-led team.

Projects must align with one of six priority topic areas:

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

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual workshop on writing for decision-makers and will produce a mid-term update and a concise research report tailored to a policy audience.

Applications are open until May 31, 2026.

Policy Spark research grants for climate policy. A series of photos show a smart thermostat, workers installing solar panels, a worker installing a heat pump, and a woman and a child sitting on a front stoop.
Applications Open

Policy Spark Research Grant Program

Apply now for rapid-turnaround funding for research that addresses emerging climate policy issues in British Columbia.

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