SSHRC's Insight Grants support scholars in the social sciences and humanities to address complex issues pertaining to individuals and societies and to further our collective understanding.
Funding is available to both emerging and established scholars for research initiatives of two to five years. Scholars interested in carrying out research in its initial stages should consider SSHRC's Insight Development Grants. Applicants unsuccessful in a prior round of Insight Grant funding may also apply to UBC's internal bridge funding.
Application Process
The Insight Grant program typically follows a single application cycle each year with support beginning in June for the annual October 1 deadline. Applicants should consult the SSHRC website and relevant ORS guidelines for their campus to confirm internal review and submission guidelines.
Applicants choose from one of two streams, depending on the amount of funding requested:
- Requests of $7000–$100,000 (stream A)
- Requests between $100,001 and $400,000 (stream B)
Both streams are adjudicated by the same committees, though the targeted success rate is typically 5% higher for Stream A than B. 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 around 6 months after the full application deadline (i.e. the following April).
Timeline
May/June
- Review SSHRC's full application instructions and SPARC's application guide
- Attend an information session for new applicants or reapplicants, or view past presentation slides/recordings
- Confirm relevant ORS deadlines for your campus: Vancouver | Okanagan
July/August
- Refer to SPARC's application guide as you develop your proposal
- Attend a grant-writing boot camp
- Register to have your proposal reviewed by a colleague, through UBC's internal peer-review program
September/October
- Send your draft proposal for editorial and criteria review from the SPARC team and make any final revisions
- Submit your application to ORS. See relevant ORS application procedures and internal deadlines for your campus to ensure administrative review and timely submission: Vancouver | Okanagan
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Support & Resources
Editorial & Criteria Review
Our team can provide detailed feedback as you develop your proposal. Limited availability.
Internal Peer Review Program
SPARC assembles an internal peer-review program with UBC faculty members to provide critical, constructive feedback on full proposals.
Application Guide for UBC Researchers
A comprehensive guide for applying to the Insight Grant program, exclusive to UBC researchers.
Workshops & Info Sessions
We offer dedicated workshops throughout the year to assist UBC researchers in developing strong grant proposals.
Sample Grant Library & Other Internal Resources
Check out our comprehensive sample grant library and additional resources curated specifically for UBC researchers
Contacts
Danica Kell
SSH Research Development Officer
SPARC
604.822.8778
danica.kell@ubc.ca
SPARC support services
Dr. Lisa Sundstrom
Social Sciences & Humanities Research Advisor (SSHRC)
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, in order to avoid duplication of funding and optimize the use of merit review resources. Of particular concern for IG applicants - if you currently hold an IG, you cannot apply for a new one until the final year (the year you receive the final installment of funding) of your current grant. Additionally, applicants who are successful in the Insight Development Grant competition of a given year cannot apply to the IG competition in the same calendar year.
See SSHRC's policy on multiple applications/grants for full details.
2. What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
SSHRC's merit review process adjudicates applications based on three primary criteria:
- Challenge: The aim and importance of the endeavour (40%)
- Feasibility: The plan to achieve excellence (20%)
- Capability: The expertise to succeed (40%)
Review SSHRC's website for full details on the evaluation and adjudication process.
3. What is the success rate for applications to the Insight Grant program?
UBC researchers typically enjoy success rates at or above the national success rate for applications to the Insight Grants program. See the SSHRC competition statistics page and dashboard for up-to-date details on a specific program year.