Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters

To apply to the GCRC competition, the Primary Applicant (cluster lead) must log in to VPRI’s online application system UBC Research + Innovation Apply using their campus wide login (CWL), and follow the instructions provided. A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted by Nov 2, 2026 to qualify for the GCRC competition.

References and figures are not required, but may be included in the application as optional uploaded PDFs. These uploads must strictly adhere to the formatting requirements stated in the application or they will not be reviewed. 

No. In the interest of fairness and conciseness, these materials will not be reviewed. 

Yes. A completed Research Project Information Form (RPIF) signed by the lead applicant’s Department Head, and if applicable, Centre Director and/or Dean must be included with the GCRC application. ORS signature is NOT required. 

Yes. If the research area or requested review panel is changed, please email Stacey Herzer with the changes to ensure appropriate reviewers are secured.    

Appropriate metrics vary widely across areas of scholarly activity and should reflect the nature of the proposed cluster. Examples of research excellence could include attracted research funding, significant awards and honors, number of students/trainees in recent years, notable discoveries/impact, significant community partnerships, knowledge exchange activities with non-academic audiences, artistic exhibits, performances etc.

Leveraging external funding is a key goal of the GCRC program. Clusters are asked to provide detail on their grant application plans, expected timelines and long-term funding goals.  We appreciate that there are limited external opportunities which mimic the GCRC program, but encourage applicants to think broadly about how to leverage GCRC support, e.g., large team grants, such as SSHRC Partnership Grants, an NSERC CREATE grant, an NFRF Transformation Grant, industry partnerships, donations through not-for-profit foundations, etc.

Any Vancouver-based UBC faculty member eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding. PIs can only lead one cluster grant at any given time.  

Clusters who have previously received three GCRCs, regardless of cluster category or years funded, are no longer eligible for the GCRC competition.

We do not limit the involvement of researchers in multiple clusters. However, faculty members proposing to take on significant responsibilities in more than one cluster will need to justify their time commitments in both proposals. 

No. Researchers can only apply as the nominated lead on one application per competition, and can only lead one cluster at any given time. 

Yes. Inter-institutional and inter-sectoral collaboration is encouraged, but the proposal must bring together scholars within UBC as well.

Yes, and strengthening/formalizing relationships may be part of the proposal, but potential collaborators and partners should be clearly differentiated in the proposal from those who are secured or confirmed.

Yes, provided they have not previously received GCRC funding more than two times.

Yes, clusters that received GCRC funding less than three cycles are invited to reapply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. They are required to submit the outcomes report from their most recent GCRC as part of their application, and will be assessed on whether proposed outcomes were achieved, in addition to the merit of the new proposal. Any currently held GCRC funding must expire by March 31, 2026 to be eligible for the 2026/27 competition.

Activities that are intended to solidify cluster formation or catalyze further development of a cluster. Common expenses include: the costs of cluster meetings, workshops, and/or conferences, salaries for a cluster administrator/coordinator/grant facilitator, and community & stakeholder engagement. Direct costs of research are ineligible expenses.

Up to $30,000 of the GCRC for new clusters and up to $60,000 of the GCRC for returning clusters can be used to support students/trainees to conduct cluster-related research projects. This must be applied for using the Trainee Stipend form at the time of application. Trainees must be supervised or co-supervised by a UBC faculty member, and be enrolled at UBC (undergraduate and graduate students). 

Costs associated with publishing research outputs are considered direct costs of research, and as such, are not eligible expenses for these funds. However, non-academic publications (e.g., a cluster annual report for stakeholders) are considered eligible expenses.

Early career researchers and scholars looking for support related to publishing should consider applying to the Scholarly Publication Fund or Open Access Fund for support.