The Research Partnership Advancement Initiative is open to all Science faculty members working to develop new collaborative research opportunities with non-academic external partners (industry, community, NGO). This fund directly supports UBC's Partner for Purpose strategic direction, which calls on the university to expand the number and scope of strategic, reciprocal partnerships.
Funding criteria
The Dean’s Office will provide matching funds to support networking events, workshops or symposia that advance new external research partnerships between Science faculty and non-academic external partners (industry, NGO, community). The fund does not support the direct costs of research related to partnership activities, only initial outreach and engagement initiatives.
Funds can be used to support a range of outreach activities: whether organizing a small get-together of UBC researchers with industry partners, or larger symposia with external partners. UBC Science faculty and external partners must attend / participate in the proposed activity, and participation of graduate students, postdocs and other researchers is encouraged.
To qualify for funding from the Faculty, the applicant(s) must:
- Be a tenure track research stream faculty member whose primary appointment is in the Faculty of Science
- Be supported by matching funds from departments, another Faculty, industry, NGO or community partners
Funding must be used to support costs associated with hosting networking events, workshops or symposia including (but not limited to) venue costs, catering costs, and travel for external partners to attend and participate. Funds may not be used for faculty, staff or student travel. While it is anticipated that most events will be held on campus, with justification, off-campus venues can be considered to best engage research partners.
Funding levels
Applicants can request up to $4,000 from the Faculty of Science. Before applying for funding, external matching funds must be confirmed. The submission form linked below includes a question requiring applicants to upload confirmation of matching funds. Matching funds can be from departments, other Faculties, or external organizations, and must be at least 50% of the amount requested from the Faculty of Science.
Reporting
Award recipients are required to provide a brief report outlining the event outcome(s) and how the funds were spent.