Last updated: July 20, 2026
SPARC services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis (i.e., we review grants in the order received) for UBC-led applications and depend on capacity. We encourage UBC faculty researchers, especially new faculty, to get in touch early to optimize the benefit of our services.
Consultations (upon request)
Please be advised the SPARC's entire health team will be away from June 25 to July 3 inclusive
- 1:1 Project Grant consultations cover a range of topics, including an overview of the funding program and how to organize your proposal to align with best practices.
- Recommended for Early Career Researchers, new-to-Project faculty and Foundation Grant holders.
Peer Review Committee Selection (July 13-August 4 @ 10am)
- Guidance on Peer Review Committee selection and justification of up to two committees. Note that this is a requirement at the Registration stage. SPARC seeks to help applicants avoid possible mismatches between review committees and applications.
- Recommended for new-to-Project faculty, including Early Career Researchers, and those submitting new applications.
Response to Previous Reviews (July 13-August 13 @ 10am)
- Review of your CIHR Notice of Decision and preparation of a draft tailored 2-page framework to address key reviewer comments. Please note that PIs can instead prepare this 2-page document themselves using our R2PR Guidelines and R2PR Template found in the CIHR Resources (CWL required).
- Please send the entire Notice of Decision package (PDF format) including score, ranking, reviewer comments, and Scientific Officer notes (if available).
Research Proposal Review (August 17-September 1 @ 10am)
- Feedback on 10-page Research Proposal and 3,500-character Research Summary. SPARC provides feedback to ensure all criteria are fully addressed, as well to strengthen logic, coherence and statements of impact. Any additional documents submitted (e.g., Summary of Progress, Response to Previous Reviews) will be reviewed for formatting compliance and given a high-level evaluation based on established criteria.
- Grants are reviewed in the order received, with one review per grant (of the version submitted), and a maximum of two different grants per NPA submitted for review, so please submit early for feedback.
- Please send your documents in one email in MS Word format.
Important Dates:
Awaiting Spring 2026 Project Grant results? Mark the announcement dates:
- Notice of Recommendation: July 8, 2026
- Notice of Decision: July 22, 2026
Planning to submit to the Fall 2026 Project Grant competition? Key dates:
- Fall 2026 competition launches on ResearchNet: June 30, 2026 (TBD)
- BC Day stat holiday: August 3, 2026
- Registration deadline: August 12, 2026 (TBD)
- Labour Day stat holiday: September 7, 2026
- Full Application deadline: September 9, 2026 (TBD)
Online Resources and Sample Grants
- CWL-protected resources, including guidelines and sample grants.
- Access SPARC's Project Grant resources by logging in with your CWL; resources will be updated for the Fall 2025 program, if required.
- Access SPARC's Sample Grant Library by logging in with your CWL; new sample grants will be added after the Spring 2025 Notice of Decision.
- Contact: Christy McTait
Contact
Marliese Dawson
Research Development Officer
Central Phone Line 604.822.8778
marliese.dawson@ubc.ca
Christy McTait
Manager of Research Development
Central Phone Line 604.822.8778
christy.mctait@ubc.ca