In 2026, the Climate Solutions Research Collective is expanding how we support faculty in engaging in climate solutions research!
Through these initiatives, we are evolving how we deliver programming that meets the Collective’s objectives of 1) fostering engagement among UBC researchers interested in all aspects of climate solutions; 2) encouraging new interdisciplinary collaborations on climate challenges at local, national, and international levels; and 3) supporting students and faculty in applying expertise towards climate solutions and raising external awareness of that work.
In order to meet these objectives, we are introducing the Catalyst Awards and the Future Canada initiative.
Introducing the NEW Climate Catalyst Awards
The new Climate Catalyst Awards provide seed funds for developing, supporting and strengthening collaborative research on climate solutions across all disciplines at UBC. Awards can fund new interdisciplinary solutions-focused climate research projects, raise external awareness of timely research, and/or bring people together to help launch or catalyze a new idea or research initiative. Successful applications will showcase how the award will advance climate solutions via research or related engagement.
The new awards have two streams which will open for applications in April 2026 - please check them out!
1) Early Career Researcher Stream
The objective of this award is to support Early Career Researchers (ECR) in developing their research program and building their academic networks. Applications must be research or engagement related - applicants may propose a wide range of activities for consideration.
Value: $10,000
Call for applications in April 2026
2) Knowledge Exchange Stream
This stream is designed to provide flexible funding that promotes convening opportunities amongst UBC researchers and/or their external partners related to solutions-oriented climate research. Applicants may propose a wide range of activities in order to meet the award objectives. Some administrative support may be provided to successful applicants. Funds must be used to support a meeting or other activity within 12 months of receipt.
Value: $2,500 to $5,000 (based on proposed budget)
Call for applications in April 2026
Future Canada Initiative and Solutions Scholars Program
With the introduction of new ways to engage in scholarship through the Catalyst Awards, the Collective is adapting how faculty mentors engage with the Solutions Scholars program. Rather than submitting individual project ideas, faculty are now invited to contribute to a shared project through the Future Canada Initiative.
Through this initiative, teams of faculty and students will be producing a series of reports assessing national pathways to a prosperous low-carbon future for Canada for key sectors and activities.
Faculty are currently being invited to express their interest in joining the initiative and serving as project mentors. Graduate students will be invited to contribute to the initiative by applying for the Solutions Scholars program later in the term.
See details about the program including how faculty members can submit expressions of interest
| Live Q&A Session (Zoom) | Monday February 9, 4-5 pm | Register for live zoom session here |
| Q&A Recording Available | Wednesday February 11 | To be notified when recording published, please register for the event |
| Deadline for Expression of Interest | Friday February 27 | Send email expressing interest to climate.collective@ubc.ca |