UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) Award: Empowering Doctoral Research for Public Good
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and public engagement. In line with this mission, UBC has launched the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) — a transformative program that empowers PhD students to create real-world impact through their research. This initiative supports doctoral candidates who seek to bridge academic knowledge with public benefit, encouraging interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches that go beyond traditional research pathways.
Purpose and Vision of the PSI Award
The PSI Award is a unique opportunity for doctoral students who wish to align their academic pursuits with the broader needs of society. It aims to build connections, community, and capacity for scholars whose work serves a public good. By doing so, it fosters a more socially responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic environment.
Unlike conventional scholarships, the PSI Award supports students in integrating broader and career-relevant forms of scholarship into their PhD programs. This includes community-based research, public engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and policy-oriented projects.
Generous Financial Support: Up to $20,000
Each recipient of the PSI Award is eligible to receive up to $10,000 annually for two years, totaling up to $20,000 per student. This funding is specifically designed to support innovative and collaborative research efforts that would not typically receive traditional academic funding.
The award can be used for:
- Research Allowance: Including costs related to professional development, research materials, travel for fieldwork or conferences, and community engagement activities.
- Student Stipend: If the student’s current funding does not permit alternative or non-traditional research projects, the PSI award can be used to supplement or replace existing support, allowing full focus on meaningful scholarship.
More Than Funding: A Supportive Scholarly Community
Becoming a PSI scholar means joining a dynamic network of researchers dedicated to public scholarship. Award recipients benefit from:
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Access to interdisciplinary and collaborative networks
- Peer support from fellow scholars engaged in similar public-impact work
This supportive environment encourages students to rethink what it means to conduct doctoral research and to approach their work through the lens of public relevance and community engagement.
Why Public Scholarship Matters
Today’s most pressing global challenges—such as climate change, health crises, and social inequality—demand bold and interdisciplinary approaches. The PSI Award empowers doctoral students to step beyond traditional academic roles and become leaders in creating change.
By fostering research that is accessible, actionable, and impactful, UBC is investing in a future where knowledge and innovation are shared beyond academic circles. Public scholarship has the power to inform policy, strengthen communities, and drive systemic transformation.
Conclusion: A Pathway to Purposeful Doctoral Research
The UBC Public Scholars Initiative Award is more than financial aid—it’s a call to action for PhD students who want to make a difference. With generous funding of up to $20,000 and access to a supportive academic community, PSI empowers scholars to pursue transformative research that serves the greater good.
If you’re a doctoral student at UBC with a vision for public impact, this award provides the resources and encouragement to bring your research to life in meaningful ways.
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