Solutions Scholars

Expected outputs of research projects are flexible, and can range from an academic publication, to a policy memo, to a new course curriculum, i.e., some sort of external-facing product that helps addresses climate change mitigation, adaptation, or education related to mitigation and/or adaptation.

In addition to conducting a one-year research project related to one of the focal areas, Solutions Scholars are expected to participate in Climate Solutions Research Collective activities, such as attending sponsored seminars, workshops brown bag discussion sessions.

Absolutely. We are encouraging applicants to think broadly about how their research and expertise can fit in with one of the two focal areas, regardless of geography. Climate change is not just a BC problem, but a global issue, so by no means does the work need to be limited in scope to just BC or Canada. 

For the inaugural competition, applicants may only need to identify a single supervisor, e.g., their thesis supervisor. As the applications are being reviewed, the cross-Faculty steering committee will help identify a second supervisor. If applicants already have a second supervisor in mind, please make sure to include them in application.

Not necessarily, as long as the second supervisor’s discipline of research is substantially different from your own.

Yes, as long as it is justified within the application. The Climate Solutions Research Collective wants to promote inter-campus collaboration between the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

No. The primary purpose of the Collective is to bring connectedness between to climate solution researchers across UBC. Therefore, the co-supervisor must be from UBC. Applicants are, however, encourage to mention any outside collaborators from relevant communities, levels of government and other non-academic institutions.

Yes, as long as it aligns with one of the focal areas, evaluation criteria, and parameters of the Solutions Scholar program. Applicants who wish to use part of a pre-existing project should make sure to consult with their research supervisor on the appropriateness of project for this scholarship.

Yes, provided that the project being proposed is still research-based, with a tangible outcome at the end.  Students from course-based graduate programs should make sure that the one-year term of the project aligns with their course load and program requirements.

Projects need to contribute towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and/or education related to adaptation or mitigation. Therefore, curriculum-based projects that have the potential to significantly impact understanding of climate change solutions are eligible.

No. The topic name is just an umbrella term meant to encompass multiple aspects of warm weather phenomena. Projects can be focused on one or both aspects of this focal area.

Reporting requirements for this award are not yet finalized, but will be announced to Solutions Scholars at a later date. However, students awarded scholarships are encouraged to plan regular check-points with their supervisors to discuss project progress and feasibility.

Yes, but the maximum length of the proposal remains 2 pages.

Yes.

The stipend will be paid put over the year, in alignment with the HR policies of your department.

The Scholarship will typically go from September 2023 to September 2024. No one semester or half-year awards are available.