BRC Undergraduate Diversity Research Grants Program
Background
There is a well-documented history of systemic discrimination against persons who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Color (abbreviated as IBPOC), and/or as visible minorities in Vancouver and more broadly in British Columbia and Canada. The impact of this history together with ongoing discrimination, both personal and systemic, can be seen for example, in the under-representation of persons who identify as IBPOC within university faculty compared to the Canadian population.
The Biodiversity Research Centre is resolved to work against racism and to promote diversity within our centre as well as more broadly in the scientific community. In discussions with a variety of groups (undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty), an often-expressed suggestion is to provide more specific mentorship and research opportunities for undergraduates who self-identify as IBPOC. Hence, in 2021 we established this Undergraduate Diversity Research Grants Program, which has since successfully funded 23 student research projects. We are continuing this program in the 2023-2024 academic year.
We note that while this grants program is specifically for students who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour (i.e., a visible minority in academia), the BRC is also welcoming of a wide variety of undergraduate researchers through other ongoing programs (e.g., the Biology Honours program, NSERC USRA awards, etc.).
Funding Available
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 10 research grants of $2,500 each. Funds can be used for projects anytime between the award date and the end of summer 2025.
Application Process and Deadlines (extended to May 1, 2024)
Application process: UBC Vancouver undergraduate students in at least their second year of study, who self-identify as Indigenous (within North America), Black, or a Person of Color (or a related term that applies to people of similar ancestry), are invited to approach BRC faculty members whose research interests them. The student can choose to mention that they are eligible for this program, and ask if the faculty member might have sufficient advising time and other resources to provide a research opportunity. (Please note that faculty should not ask if students are eligible; rather eligible students need to initiate the discussion and self-identify as being eligible.) If both student and potential research advisor agree to apply, they may then submit a joint application to the program. The student should provide a brief statement of how they meet the criteria for the program and should collaborate with the advisor to write a somewhat longer statement (up to 500 words) describing the proposed research and how it is related to the student’s research interests, along with a budget of how the $2,500 will be spent (this can be any reasonable research cost: e.g. stipend for the student, travel, supplies, etc.). The proposed BRC faculty advisor should write a short statement saying they support the proposed research and are willing to provide guidance, along with a description of any other resources that will support the student’s research project and a description of likely benefits of the research program for the student (e.g., skills they will learn, and whether the research might result in article authorship or presentation of conference talks). The research can overlap with other research being done in the group, but should be clearly identifiable as a distinct component that the student is leading. The funding should be used entirely for the direct benefit of the student’s project, whether via stipend or other research expenses.
Application due dates: MAY 1. To be considered, applications should be submitted to the BRC Administrator (katie.beall@ubc.ca) before the relevant date. Projects may occur any time between the application date and the end of March 2025. Late applications may not be considered.
Adjudication: A committee will read the applications and decide to fund those that best meet the criteria and have a clear and convincing research proposal, budget, and support from the proposed advisor. We anticipate awarding 10 grants per year, although this might be adjusted some depending on the number of applications and the timing of proposed projects.
Funding process: Successful applications will result in the award (typically $2500) being made available for the student’s project via temporary transfer from the BRC to the advisor’s research funds. The advisor will be tasked with ensuring the funds are spent on the student’s research and reporting to BRC administration regarding how the funds were spent.
If you would like to apply, please complete the Application Form and submit to katie.beall@ubc.ca
Application Form (PDF) Application Form (Word)