Insight Development Grants support research in its initial stages. The grants enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and/or ideas.
Funding is provided for short-term research development projects, of up to two years, proposed by individuals or teams. Insight Development Grants (IDGs) are expected to respond to the objectives of the Insight program.
Insight Development Grants foster research in its early stages, but are not intended to support large-scale initiatives. Long-term research support is offered through SSHRC’s Insight Grants.
Applicants unsuccessful in a prior round of Insight Development Grant funding may apply to UBC's internal bridge funding.
Application Process
The Insight Development Grant program follows a single application cycle each year, with SPARC support beginning in early November for the annual deadline in February.
Funding is available to both emerging and established scholars for projects ranging from 1 to 2 years in length between $7,000 and $75,000. A minimum of 50% of the funding envelope is reserved for emerging scholars each year. Applications are evaluated and adjudicated through a competitive merit review process based on specific evaluation criteria. Applications involving Indigenous research may undergo a more tailored adjudication. Decisions are typically communicated to UBC in June.
Timeline
Early November
- Register to attend an IDG information session; Check the SPARC events calendar for upcoming sessions
- Prepare or update your Canadian Common CV (CCV) (see additional SSHRC instructions)
- Review any relevant application instructions and eligibility requirements, including guidelines for subject matter eligibility
- Refer to SPARC's Online Application Guide for help developing your application
- Confirm any relevant internal signature deadlines set by your department and/or faculty
Mid-November to December
- Register to participate in a grant-writing bootcamp for the following modules included in the application:
- One-page summary
- Knowledge mobilization plan & expected outcomes summary
- Budget justification
- Participate in internal peer-review (dates published in the fall)
- Late November: Register by submitting a draft one-page summary
- Early December: Submit a full draft proposal
- Mid-December: Receive feedback on the proposal
Mid-to-late January
- Submit either individual modules or complete proposals for review by SPARC's research development team on or before the deadline listed in SPARC's event calendar
Late January
Support & Resources
Criteria Review
Our team can provide detailed editorial feedback on well-developed application sections before submission. See deadlines for submission to criteria review.
Internal Peer-Review Program
SPARC assembles an internal peer-review program with UBC faculty members to provide critical, constructive feedback on full proposals.
Sample Grant Library & Other Internal Resources
Check out our comprehensive sample grant library and additional resources curated specifically for UBC researchers.
Application Guide for UBC Researchers
A comprehensive guide for applying to the Insight Development Grant program, exclusive to UBC researchers. CWL is required to view.
Workshops & Info Sessions
We offer dedicated workshops to assist UBC researchers in developing strong grant proposals.
Contacts
Danica Kell
Research Development Officer, Social Sciences & Humanities
SPARC
604.822.8778
danica.kell@ubc.ca
SPARC support services
Dr. Lisa Sundstrom
Social Sciences & Humanities Research Advisor (SSHRC), UBC
Professor, Political Science
604.822.6331
lisa.sundstrom@ubc.ca
Advocacy and advice
UBC's Grant Facilitation Network
Research support personnel based in the faculties
See list
Various grant support
1. Can I submit multiple applications or hold multiple grants through SSHRC?
SSHRC maintains strict guidelines around the submission of multiple applications or holding multiple grants in a calendar year, to avoid duplication of funding and optimize the use of merit review resources. An individual may not as an applicant (principal investigator/project director) submit more than one application to any given competition. A current grant holder may submit a new application for the same type of grant, but only in their final year (year in which the grant holder receives the final installment of their grant). The grant holder may do so whether or not they intend to request or avail themselves of an extension year to finish work associated with the currently held grant.
Of particular concern for IDG applicants - applicants who are successful in the Insight Development Grant competition of a given year cannot apply to the Insight Grant competition in the same calendar year.
See SSHRC's policy on multiple applications/grants for complete details.
2. What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
SSHRC's merit review process adjudicates applications based on three primary criteria:
1. Challenge: The aim and importance of the endeavour (50%)
2. Feasibility: The plan to achieve excellence (20%)
3. Capability: The expertise to succeed (30%)
Review SSHRC's website for full details on the evaluation and adjudication process.
3. What is the success rate for applications to the IDG program?
UBC researchers typically enjoy success rates between 50-65% in the Insight Development Grants program. See the SSHRC competition statistics page and dashboard for up-to-date details on a specific program year.
- SSHRC definition of an emerging scholar
- SSHRC definition of an established scholar
- SSHRC Research Portal for applications