Applied One is underway, and needs your leadership and advice.
The Rewrite the Rules Fund supports faculty to develop testable concepts, models and relationships that meaningfully transform how we work, what we research and how we partner. While Applied One the building takes shape, this is where the work begins.
The Fund supports proposals at four scales, from short-term Seeds to multi-year Catalyst awards, addressing the Grand Challenges of social inequity, climate change and thriving communities.
Note: APSC tenured and tenure-track faculty are invited to express their interest now by contacting Ron Kellett, Academic Programming Lead, at [ron.kellett@ubc.ca].
The intention of this pilot funding opportunity is to uncover ways the Faculty of Applied Science can facilitate transformative research and impact across our departments. We are seeking proposals that are stimulating and generative, not fully resolved. Uncertainty, exploration, and ambition are acceptable and encouraged.
Rewrite the Rules will support innovative proof-of-concept initiatives and scalable programs that deliver the interdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and creative partnerships that accelerate the Faculty's commitment to address 21st century global challenges.
This opportunity encourages faculty to extend their reach: to pitch early-stage or mid-stage ideas that may not fit a traditional mould of research and funding parameters. We are looking to stimulate and fund ideas that achieve impact through exploration, collaboration, and responsive action.
LARGER SCALED · 01
Up to $100,000 per year, max 2 years. Mature, multi-faculty research initiatives with rapid impact potential and pathways to sustainable operation.
MID-SCALED · 02
Up to $50,000, max 2 years. Partnership-based research, knowledge mobilization, and curriculum work alongside community partners.
SMALLER SCALED · 03
Up to $20,000, max 1 year Exploratory symposia, knowledge exchanges, white papers, and case studies that incubate early ideas.
MICRO SCALED · 04
Up to $10,000, two intakes per year. Short-term opportunities such as visiting speakers, event support, and unexpected expenses on funded work.
A six-step process, by design simple.
The application process is deliberately lightweight at the front end and consultative at the back. The first stage is a short letter of intent. From there, the Steering Committee will work with promising proponents to refine and advance proposals.
Complete the short online intake form. It asks for your primary applicant information, a one-page project summary, a description of the core challenge or opportunity, the Grand Challenges your proposal addresses, your existing or potential collaborators, and a brief budget justification. It is designed to be low-barrier.
Letter of intent form coming soon.
APSC tenured and tenure-track faculty are invited to express their interest now by contacting Ron Kellett, Academic Programming Lead, at [ron.kellett@ubc.ca].
An informal coffee-and-conversation format. Drop by to learn more about the Fund, ask questions, and connect with potential collaborators across the Faculty. Multiple sessions will be scheduled across departments. Dates to be announced.
Selected proponents may be invited to a brief consultative interview with the Steering Committee. The purpose is advisory: reviewers may recommend refinement, suggest collaboration with another proposal, propose phased funding, or offer research facilitation support.
A two-page pitch narrative summary (with tier-specific guidance) and a one-page outline budget. Templates and detailed requirements available with the LoI confirmation.
A short, public, verbal or illustrated pitch to the Review Committee. Format and length vary by tier. Pitches will be designed to be shareable and to contribute to the broader Faculty conversation about Applied One.
Funding is allocated based on dialogue, judgement, and the pitch presentation. Successful applicants are invited to a follow-up meeting to discuss collaborative pathways, unique project needs, and tailored support available through the Faculty.
Indicative dates for the pilot year. Exact dates confirmed with the launch announcement.
Catalyst, Community-Engaged Collaborations, and Interconnections follow this annual cycle. Seeds tier operates on two intakes per year, separate from this cycle shown.
Dialogue and judgement over scoring.
The Rewrite the Rules Fund Review Committee operates as collaborators and advisors, not gatekeepers. The review emphasizes vision, promise, and impact potential ahead of numerical scoring. The four big questions above guide every decision.
✓ A recommendation to refine the proposal before final submission
✓ A suggestion to collaborate with another proposal addressing a similar question
✓ A proposal for phased funding to support staged development
✓ A recommendation on ways to increase available funding by stacking awards
✓ Outline expectations for a final proposal submission
✓ Offers of augmented research facilitation support
The review committee is intended to function as collaborator and advisor, not gatekeeper. Where a project is not the right fit for the Fund, the committee may also help connect proponents to other UBC funding pathways better suited to the work.
If the Rewrite the Rules Fund is not the right vehicle for your project, here are other UBC funding pathways that may align with your work. The Steering Committee can also help you identify a bettersuited opportunity if you reach out before applying.
APSC tenured and tenure-track faculty are invited to express their interest now by contacting Ron Kellett, Academic Programming Lead.