Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program Call for Applications The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) invites applications from scholars in Canada or abroad for visiting scholar fellowships of up to 12 months duration at one of the Institute’s collaborating universities: University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria. Candidates must be nominated by a sponsoring researcher(s) at one of the partner institutions. The Institute welcomes applications from all disciplinary backgrounds for projects that reflect the PICS mandate to:
understand the magnitude and patterns of climate change and its impacts; evaluate the physical, economic and social implications; assess mitigation and adaptation options and develop policy and business solutions; evaluate and strengthen educational and capacity-building strategies to help address climate change; communicate climate change issues and solutions to government, industry and the general public.
The Institute The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) was established in March 2008 by a $90 million endowment from the BC Ministry of Environment, the single largest endowment to a university in Canadian history. Hosted and led by the University of Victoria, PICS is a unique collaboration among BC’s four research-intensive universities (University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria). PICS harnesses the Province’s intellectual resources to develop innovative climate change solutions, seek new opportunities for positive adaptation, and lead the way to a vibrant low-carbon economy. With strong linkages to senior decision-makers in government and industry, it frames the vital questions and provides effective answers to technological, economic and public policy challenges. Application Deadline The deadline for applications is May 31 of each year; however, proposals submitted outside the regular application deadline may also be considered at the discretion of the PICS Program Committee. Eligibility Established scholars, Canadian and international, from the academic, public or private sectors, with a track record of excellence, and emerging researchers acknowledged by their peers as having potential for excellence and leadership in their field are eligible. For non-Canadian citizens/residents the following should be considered when applying: advanced English language proficiency is required; and for international applicants, a valid passport and ability to obtain a visa are mandatory.
Last updated: February 2009
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Value and Duration of Fellowships Up to $50,000 per year will be provided to cover costs; the fellowship is not intended as a replacement for salary. This amount will be pro-rated for shorter stays. The Institute will consider requests for research terms of 2 months to 12 months duration, subject to availability of space and funding. Up to eight fellowships will be offered annually, dependent on the terms requested. The fellowship can be taken up at any of the four PICS partner universities: University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria. University privileges; enhanced opportunities for research networking and exchange; opportunities to participate in seminars, lectures, and conferences, and participation in the Institute’s wide range of scholarly and social activities are provided. Application Process Applications must include the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Letter of application identifying the host sponsor Statement of proposed research or creative activity (max. 4 pages) Curriculum vitae Two letters of reference/recommendation (to be sent directly to PICS by the referees) One letter from your sponsor(s) at one of the four collaborating universities indicating their support and willingness to host you in their research group, as well as provide adequate work space.
Applications should be submitted electronically to pics@uvic.ca or by mail/courier to: Mailing Address: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada Courier Address: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions 3800 Finnerty Road, Sedgewick Bldg C132 Victoria, BC V8P 1A1 Canada
Selection Process Selection is made by the PICS Program Committee upon recommendation of the Awards and Fellowships committee based on the excellence or, in the case of young scholars, potential of the applicant/nominee, the academic merit of the proposal, its fit with the PICS mandate as described above, recent scholarly activities of the applicant/nominee, and the views of the referees. In each intake, at least one fellowship must be awarded for climate change issues of high relevance to the Province of British Columbia. Requirements for Fellowship Holders Fellows are expected to conduct their work at the chosen PICS partner university (in the case of the University of Victoria, in the Institute’s quarters), to participate actively in the programs and activities of the Institute, to give at least one public seminar or lecture on the theme of their research, and visit one or more of the partner universities. Fellows are also expected to acknowledge the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions in all publications arising from the fellowship, and will deposit one copy of such publications in the Institute’s library.
Last updated: February 2009
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