The University of British Columbia has announced the upcoming application cycle for its Public Scholars Award, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support doctoral students integrating public impact into their academic research.
Applications for the 2026/27 cohort will close on 22 May 2026. Funding decisions are expected to support students through the 2027 academic cycle.
Funding Supports Doctoral Research with Public Benefit Focus
The Public Scholars Award provides financial support of up to $10,000 per recipient. The funding is designed to help doctoral students pursue innovative or collaborative research projects that may not be fully covered by traditional academic funding structures.
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- International doctoral students
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program and demonstrate how their research contributes to broader public benefit and engagement.
Objectives of the Public Scholars Initiative
The Public Scholars Initiative is designed to reshape how doctoral research is conceptualized by encouraging students to connect academic inquiry with societal needs.
- Integration of public-facing scholarship into doctoral work
- Collaboration across academic and non-academic sectors
- Development of career-relevant research skills
- Increased accessibility of academic knowledge to public audiences
The initiative supports approximately 30 new scholars annually at the Vancouver campus and around 5 scholars at the Okanagan campus.
Award recipients can use the funding in a variety of ways depending on their research needs and project design.
Approved uses include:
- Research-related expenses
- Travel for fieldwork or professional development
- Collaborative or interdisciplinary project costs
- Student stipends (when alternative funding is insufficient)
- Community engagement activities linked to research outputs
In addition, scholars already in the program may apply for a one-time renewal of up to an additional $10,000, subject to continued eligibility.
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
The award is open to doctoral students across all faculties at UBC, provided their research demonstrates a clear connection to public engagement or societal impact.
Selection criteria typically include:
- Academic excellence and research quality
- Clarity of public benefit and impact
- Innovation and interdisciplinarity
- Feasibility of proposed activities
- Contribution to community engagement and knowledge mobilization
The initiative strongly encourages applicants to link their doctoral research to broader societal challenges, including health, environment, technology, social equity, and policy development.
Competitive Selection Process Across Faculties
The Public Scholars Award is highly competitive, with funding available for a limited number of applicants each year.
The selection process involves:
- Faculty-level review of applications
- Evaluation of research quality and public engagement potential
- Cross-disciplinary adjudication panels
- Final selection of award recipients across participating faculties
Successful applicants are selected from across disciplines, ensuring a diverse cohort of scholars engaged in public-impact research.
Strengthening Public Engagement in Graduate Research
The Public Scholars Initiative reflects a broader institutional commitment to rethinking the role of doctoral education in society.
By encouraging students to integrate public engagement into their academic work, the program supports:
- Community-based research collaborations
- Policy-relevant academic outputs
- Public communication of scientific findings
- Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange
The initiative aims to ensure that doctoral research contributes not only to academic advancement but also to real-world problem solving.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
The university has outlined the following key dates for the upcoming cycle:
- Application deadline: 22 May 2026
- Funding period: 2026/27 academic cycle
- Expected award value: up to $10,000 per scholar
Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials early due to the competitive nature of the program.
Advancing Public Scholarship in Higher Education
The Public Scholars Award underscores the growing emphasis on public-facing research within global higher education systems. By funding doctoral projects that extend beyond academic boundaries, the program supports a new generation of researchers committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches.
The initiative continues to position UBC as a leader in promoting engaged scholarship that bridges academia and public life.
