The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions is in a period of renewal. We’re taking a critical look at everything we do, with a focus on better meeting the needs of our climate solutions partners.
The Theme Partnership Program is part of that review and is not accepting new applications at this time.
Keep visiting PICSCanada.ca for updates and feel free to reach out to us at pics@uvic.ca.
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The Theme Partnership Program supports research into particularly complex—and critically important—climate mitigation and adaptation challenges.
Theme projects involve interdisciplinary teams of researchers and climate solution seekers (from the private and public sector) working together on thematic areas of high complexity and impact – from project outset, to results implementation. These projects generate new knowledge, build international leadership within British Columbia’s research community, and help drive further innovation in critical thematic areas.
"We are excited to offer BC-led teams this opportunity to pursue potential game-changers for combatting, and adapting to, climate change, and to be leaders in the emerging low-carbon economy.” PICS Executive Director, Sybil Seitzinger
Each project requires three kinds of contributing partners:
Solution Seekers- Solution Seekers may be based in the private sector, governmental or non-governmental organizations. They bring practical, domain knowledge and experience, and play a key role in identifying and framing the problem, developing solutions, and ultimately implementing the results.
Research Partners- Research Partners bring theoretical knowledge and experience, research skills and academic excellence to the project to help generate and transform novel ideas to produce new knowledge and social, technical and institutional innovations.
The PICS Partner- The PICS Partner is a convenor and knowledge broker that works to help ensure that the project is innovative and impactful. PICS provides financial, engagement and communication support aimed at bridge-building between engaged research and evidence-based practice.
Quick facts:
Up to $1M per project:- Each award is capped at $250,000 per year for a total allocation of up to $1-million over four years.
Climate solutions value- Projects must demonstrate original research with the potential to make a major contribution to effective adaptation to climate change and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in BC and beyond.
Interdisciplinary teams- A Theme Partnership comprises an interdisciplinary team of researchers and climate solution seekers supported by PICS, and led by a Principle Investigator. Solution Seekers must have a clear role in the design, development, and intended use of the project’s results. Projects can include national and international collaboration. At least half of project costs must be allocated to salaries of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows at one or more PICS universities.
Principal Investigator- Applications must be submitted by the project team’s Principal Investigator (PI), who must be a full-time faculty member at one of the four PICS universities - UVic, SFU, UBC or UNBC. In exceptional cases, PICS may consider project proposals in which the PI may have a different affiliation.
Timely and relevant- Interdisciplinary teams carry projects from vision to implementation, working together every step of the way so results are timely and put to use. There is no restriction on the number or location of researchers, but projects should be relevant for use in BC.
International review- Applications involve a two-phase review process beginning with a letter of intent. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals will be subject to external review by nationally and internationally recognized experts relevant to the proposed theme.
Theme calls for proposals are issued every 12-to-18 months.
For more information, read the Theme Partnership Program 2021 Competition Guide for Applicants and/or contact picstheme@uvic.ca.
