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 Details (Closed)
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.
Reminders for this year’s competition due to approved program revisions
- 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 and Selection Process
Online Application Process
To apply to the GCRC competition, the 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 to submit a brief notice of intent (NOI) to apply. Once the NOI is submitted, applicants will receive access to the full application. When the full application is initiated, the cluster lead may invite co-applicants with a CWL to contribute using the “add collaborator” button located in the left side block. Applications can be saved and completed at a later date before final submission, and can be downloaded as a PDF at any time. Each section must be marked as complete before the lead applicant can submit the application. Sections marked as complete can be re-opened for editing, prior to submission, by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the section and selecting “edit task”. Note: only the lead applicant will be able to submit the NOI and full application, and will receive a confirmation message upon successful submission.
A completed and signed Research Project Information Form (RPIF) must be uploaded as part of the application.
Researchers are invited to submit an application that demonstrates how the requested funding will be used to create and/or advance a research excellence cluster. Clusters should seek to generate new opportunities for collaborative research, scholarship and/or artistic creation. The outcomes achieved with GCRC funds may vary among applications (e.g., new partnerships, international collaborations, community engagement, etc.), but a strong case should be made for the value of those outcomes to the proposed research cluster and demonstrate how GCRC funding will be used to achieve them. Clusters must also provide detail on their pursuit of extramural funding opportunities that will enable their future sustainability.
Applications include the following components:
- Notice of Intent (NOI) due Nov 1, 2024
- An administrative NOI is required to enable the recruitment of reviewers and coordinate potentially overlapping applications. It is not adjudicated. Once the cluster lead submits the NOI, the full application will become available, and is due 11:59 pm Jan 8, 2025. Details of the full application are below.
- Cluster Lead Applicant Information
- Proposal Narrative
- Describe the research themes, new directions for research, scholarship and/or artistic creation that form the basis for the proposed cluster (800 words max).
- Complete the table of confirmed team members, collaborators, and partners (min 5 people, max 15 people).
- Describe the role confirmed team members, collaborators and partners will have in the cluster, including objective measures of the team’s excellence in research, scholarship and/or artistic creation (1000 words max).
- Returning clusters will have additional space to provide evidence of previous teamwork among cluster team members (e.g., collaborating on team grants, co-publishing, and co-supervising students), and how this will enable the proposed research goals to be met (600 words max). Note: this section will only be visible after the applicant marks the first section "Applicant Information" complete.
- Describe the cluster's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as it applies to cluster membership, proposed activities and research themes (400 words max; please refer to our updated GCRC EDI Guide for Applicants).
- Articulate the cluster's goals and expected outcomes, including funding goals for future sustainability and a project timeline (800 words max).
- Describe the cluster’s knowledge exchange activities, including the change or impact desired resulting from the cluster’s research, and identify target audiences and potential collaborators (400 words max; for additional knowledge exchange resources please see the knowledge exchange resource guide).
- 1 page max for references and 1 page max for figures and tables uploaded as PDFs (both are optional and have strict formatting instructions that must be adhered to or they will not be reviewed).
- Budget Justification (800 words max)
- Trainee Stipend (optional, 500 words max)
- To enhance training as part of cluster activities, new clusters may apply to use up to $30,000 of their cluster grant for trainee stipends. Returning clusters may apply to use up to $60,000 of their cluster grant for trainee stipends. These training activities must support research projects that advance the cluster’s goals and outcomes.
- Applicants must provide a brief description of the research project(s) and role(s) that the trainee(s) will play in support of your cluster goals and proposed outcome, and how this will mutually benefit both the cluster and the trainee(s); and
- Provide a brief description of the access the trainee(s) will have to research training support, mentorship and career development.
- Outcomes Report (required for all previously funded clusters for their most recent GCRC). Note: The outcomes form will be visible upon marking the first section "Applicant Information" complete. All sections can be marked as complete then re-opened for editing if needed by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the section and selecting “edit task”.
- Completed and signed Research Project Information Form uploaded as a PDF. Lead applicant, Department Head, and if applicable, Centre Director and/or Dean's signature required. ORS signature is NOT required.
Eligibility
The lead applicant must be a UBC Vancouver faculty member eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding. Clusters may include non-faculty researchers, and we encourage clusters to include researchers from both UBC campuses, and affiliated hospital sites, as appropriate. Researchers may be members of more than one cluster, but can only be the nominated lead on one application per competition.
Currently and previously funded clusters whose project term lengths have ended or will end by March 2025, and have received fewer than three GCRCs in their lifetime are eligible to apply.
All clusters must apply as either a new or returning cluster, and must choose a one- or two-year project term. The two-year term is designed to allow more flexibility for planning and spending the awarded budget. Please note that there is no budget increase if a two-year term is chosen. Applicants selecting a two-year budget term will not be eligible to apply to a potential 2026/27 GCRC competition.
Clusters that have achieved their stated funding goal(s) and have been awarded major external funding grants (e.g., SSHRC Partnership grants, NSERC CREATE grants, NFRF Transformation grants, CFREF) are no longer eligible to apply for GCRC funding.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Stacey Herzer (stacey.herzer@ubc.ca) to discuss it.
Direct costs of research are ineligible. Clusters may choose to use a portion of their funding to support trainees by completing the trainee stipend section of the application.
Grant Details
Lead applicants from all disciplines are invited to apply. Applicants will be asked to identify their proposed cluster as either new or returning for adjudication. Proposals for new clusters will be adjudicated separately from returning ones.
General characteristics and potential catalytic activities for clusters are presented here for illustrative purposes:
General characteristics | Examples of catalytic activities |
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A total funding envelope of $3.5M is available for this competition.
- New clusters may request grants up to $100,000 per proposal.
- Returning clusters may apply for grants up to $200,000.
Applications must include a strong budget justification that aligns specific activities with goals and expected outcomes. GCRC review committees will carefully consider each budget item and have the option to recommend funding of only partial budgets, if required.
Successful applications
All applicants will be notified of the competition results by the end of February 2025, and grants will commence in April 2025. Funding must be spent within one year of receipt, or if a two-year term is chosen, clusters must spend at least 30% of their budget by the end of the first year. Successful applicants are required to submit an outcomes report no later than 60 days after the end of the grant. No extensions will be permitted.
Successful clusters can receive free website support through the Office of the VPRI (provision of a website with a UBC domain, website content development support, and hosting costs) and access to additional communications support. They will also gain specialized access to expertise in knowledge exchange, innovation and commercialization. Applications that request funding for these activities must specify why additional support in these areas is required.
VPRI website support will be offered for up to two years after the GCRC grant end date. Afterwards, clusters will be responsible for the cost and maintenance of their website should they choose to keep it active.
Successful clusters will be expected to attend cluster events facilitated by the VPRI Office.
Review Process
Applicants are required to select one of four interdisciplinary review panels (STEM, Health, Social Sciences, Humanities and Performing & Creative Arts, or Interdisciplinary). We recognize that clusters may include members and activities that work across more than one stated research areas. Applicants are asked to try their best to assign their application to the review panel that best represents the primary research theme and activities of the cluster. Cluster research that spans more than one research domain equally are encouraged to select the Interdisciplinary review panel. If you are uncertain as to which panel you should apply, please contact the Manager, Internal Research Competitions: Stacey Herzer (stacey.herzer@ubc.ca) in advance of submission to discuss.
Peer-review panels will review applications and make decisions based on merit and the ability to best demonstrate how GCRC funds will be used to develop or expand a research cluster.
Assessment criteria — all applications:
- Proposed research addresses one or more complex and important questions facing society, and funding the cluster has the potential for transformative impact
- Proposed collaboration involves multiple disciplines, partners, and/or sectors
- Research team demonstrates evidence for excellence in research and/or artistic creation
- A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion reflected in cluster membership and proposed activities through the following:
- The creation of diverse teams that plan to include a range of gender and sexual identities, career stages, and groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education
- A commitment to the equitable development and support of all team members
- The design of cluster activities that ensure team members, collaborators and partners have equal opportunities and access to resources, feel they belong, and are adequately supported and integrated into the team
- For additional resources, see the GCRC EDI Guide for Applicants, the EDI Best Practices Guide (developed for the SSHRC New Frontiers in Research Fund competition), and the Support of Researchers – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion webpage on the VPRI website.
- Proposal explains the funding goals of the cluster that will enable it to leverage GCRC funding to attract further external funding opportunities
- Proposed knowledge exchange activities support the stated societal or cultural impacts, and meet the needs of, and involve the targeted stakeholders
Returning clusters — additional criteria:
- Demonstrated track record of teamwork (e.g., co-publications, co-supervised students, team grants, etc.) and how this enables proposed research goals.
- Evidence of previous knowledge exchange accomplishments and a solid plan for future activities (e.g., community engagement, policy impact, commercialization, etc.)
- The extent to which the outcomes of the previous grant have been met or exceeded. If proposed cluster goals have not been met, divergences from expected outcomes and progress towards completing goals need to be well justified.
Trainee Stipend (optional) — additional criteria:
- Proposal describes the research project(s) and role(s) that the trainee(s) will play in support of cluster goals and proposed outcomes, and how this will mutually benefit both the cluster and the trainee(s)
- Proposal describes what the trainee(s) will receive with respect to research training support, mentorship, and career development
Competition Timeline
Sept 26, 2024
Competition Launch
Oct 18, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am
GCRC Competition Information Session (Optional)
Oct 22, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am
GCRC Competition Information Session (Optional)
Nov 1, 2024, 11:59 pm
Deadline to submit a notice of intent
Nov 14, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Help Session for GCRC applicants (Optional)
January 8, 2025, 11:59 pm
Deadline for submitting applications, including completed and signed RPIF, to Research + Innovation Apply
April 1, 2025
Funds will be disbursed in early April with a project start date of April 1, 2025.
FAQs
Application Process and Format
How do I submit an application?
- To apply to the GCRC competition, the 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 1, 2024 to qualify for the GCRC competition.
Do I need to include references or figures in my proposal?
- 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.
Can I include CVs, letters of support, and other additional material as appendices?
- No. In the interest of fairness, these materials will not be reviewed.
Do I need to submit an RPIF with the proposal?
- Yes. 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.
Can details of the cluster proposal (e.g., members, title, PI, term length) change between submission of the NOI and full application?
- Yes. If the research area or requested review panel is changed, please email Stacey Herzer with the changes to ensure appropriate reviewers are secured.
What types of metrics should be presented as ‘Demonstrated evidence of excellence in research and/or artistic creation’?
- 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.
What does it mean to state a cluster’s funding goals?
- Leveraging external funding is a 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 group grants, such as SSHRC Partnership Grants, an NSERC CREATE grant, an NFRF Transformation Grant, etc.
Eligibility
Who can be the lead applicant on a cluster grant?
- Any Vancouver-based UBC faculty member eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding.
Am I still eligible to apply if my cluster previously received three GCRCs for an emerging cluster?
- Clusters who have previously received any combination of three GCRCs, regardless of cluster category or years funded, are no longer eligible for the GCRC competition.
Can a researcher be involved in multiple clusters?
- We do not limit the involvement of researchers in multiple clusters. However, serving in a leadership role for a cluster is a significant time commitment. Faculty members proposing to hold leadership responsibilities in more than one cluster will need to justify their time commitments in both proposals.
Can a researcher apply as the lead (nominated principle investigator) for more than one cluster?
- No. Researchers can only apply as the nominated lead on one application per competition. They may be identified as cluster co-leads on more than one application if time commitments are clearly justified in each application.
Can clusters involve researchers from other organizations?
- Yes. Inter-institutional and inter-sectoral collaboration is encouraged, but the proposal should bring together scholars within UBC as well.
Can potential collaborators and partners who are not yet secured be included in the proposal?
- 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.
Can clusters that were unsuccessful in previous competitions re-apply?
- Yes, provided they have not previously received GCRC funding more than two times.
Can clusters funded through previous competitions re-apply?
- Yes, clusters that received GCRC funding fewer 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, 2025 to be eligible for the 2025/26 competition.
Budget
What can the funds be used for?
- 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.
Can I pay undergraduate students, graduate students and/or postdocs with cluster funds?
- 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).
Can the funds be used for publication costs?
- 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.