Fostering collaboration is a central priority in UBC’s strategic plan. The Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) program was jointly created by the Vice-President Research & Innovation and the Provost & Vice-President Academic to enable the formation and growth of interdisciplinary research excellence clusters.
A research excellence cluster is defined as a network of researchers spanning multiple disciplines at UBC that supports the formation and maturation of interdisciplinary teams that foster partnerships and collaborations, develop new research questions, directions and themes in research creation, addressing key societal and cultural problems that transcend traditional boundaries, offering training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and integrating principles of equity, diversity and inclusion within their activities
These grants are specifically targeted to catalyze activities that facilitate the advancement of research, thereby enabling clusters to produce a greater impact. They are intended to leverage external funding opportunities, facilitate partnerships, and to enhance research training. Researchers from all disciplines are invited to apply for funding.
GCRC competitions are open to clusters led by researchers at our Vancouver campus and affiliated hospital sites.
2025/26 Competition
- There will only be one competition in the winter for 2025/26 GCRC.
- New clusters and eligible clusters funded by previous GCRC competitions are invited to apply.
- Clusters will no longer be divided into emerging and established categories; a cluster will be designated as either new (i.e., never received GCRC funding) or as returning (i.e., previously funded through GCRC funds)
- New clusters will receive up to $100,000
- Returning clusters will receive up to $200,000
- Grant terms for both cluster categories are for either one or two years.
- New cluster applications will be adjudicated in a separate pool from returning clusters, and will be assessed based on the relative maturity of their collaboration.
- Clusters are limited to three cycles of funding, i.e., have received GCRC funding through three competitions, regardless of cluster category. Note: Clusters that have previously received three or more cycles of GCRC funding, whether they are currently or not currently funded, are no longer eligible to apply for future GCRC funding.
- There will be greater emphasis on the funding goals clusters will work towards. Furthermore, once funding goals have been achieved, GCRC funding will conclude, to make opportunities open to others.
- In addition to our standard review panels (STEM, health, and social sciences, humanities, and creative and performing arts), we will include a fourth panel for interdisciplinary clusters that span two or more of these domains.
Application Components
- Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Cluster Lead Applicant Information
- Proposal Narrative
- Budget Justification
- Trainee Stipend (optional)
- Outcomes Report
- Research Project Information Form
Key Dates
- Information Sessions (optional – register here)
- 18 October 2024 | 10am – 11:30am
- 22 October 2024 | 10am – 11:30am
- NOI Deadline
- 1 November 2024
- Help Session for applicants (optional)
- 14 November 2024
- Full application deadline
- 8 January 2025
- Anticipated start date and funds distributed:
- Early April 2025
Full information including eligibility and details, FAQ, and more can be accessed here