Thematic Programs

Thematic Programs involve establishing an overall research theme in which scholars with the relevant expertise are gathered together.

The Major Thematic Grant provides funding of up to $500,000 over a three to five-year period to a broad interdisciplinary team of UBC and external scholars to research a new area of basic research. It is expected that UBC will become a centre for research on the topic. Applicants for a Major Thematic Grant must first have applied for and held a successful Peter Wall Exploratory Workshop within the previous two years.

Exploratory Workshops provide funding for bringing together researchers from different disciplines at UBC with distinguished external experts to work jointly toward assessing the research possibilities in a new area. Typically, Exploratory Workshops will take place over a period of several days and have a mix of open and closed sessions. The amount of the award is up to $25,000.

Colloquia are usually held during the lunch hour or late afternoon in the Institute's conference rooms and are open to the University community. The Institute provides accommodation for a distinguished visiting speaker of interest to an interdisciplinary audience, the meeting venue, and a luncheon for up to twelve guests. Requests to the Director may be made at any time during the year.

Theme Development Workshops are very informal meetings of UBC researchers typically held in the Institute's conference rooms over several hours and closed to all but invited participants. The sessions, which often lead to Exploratory Workshop applications, allow researchers to come together with colleagues across the campus to share initial ideas on researching a particular theme. The meeting venue and a budget for a light meal are provided. Requests to the Director may be made at any time during the year.