Applications & Eligibility
Applications & Eligibility
Independent health-related researchers with an emerging implementation science project idea to refine through the program, working towards proposal development and/or the initiation of pilot projects are invited to apply.
Eligibility
- Early to mid-career researchers (within 1-15 years within their appointment)
- Independent researchers with autonomous academic or research appointments at a British Columbia institution or organization
- Health-related focus (can be from any discipline)
Who should apply?
Independent health-related researchers with an emerging implementation science project idea to refine throughout the program, working towards proposal development and/or the initiation of pilot projects.
Why apply?
- No cost IS learning and skills-building and one-time 10k stipend to support research development activities
- Mentorship from experienced implementation scientists and networking with growing BC IS community
- In-person intensives and quarterly webinars with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and sectors
Application Questions
Applicant details
- First Name:
- Last Name:
- Email:
- Institutional Affiliation(s):
- Position/Title:
Stream selection (details below)
- Select a stream:
- General
- Team-Based Care
- Planetary Health Systems
Program committment
- Can you commit to attending the 3-day in-person learning intensive in May?
- Yes
- No
- How many hours per week will you commit to your proposed project?
- Short answer
- Have you discussed and received approval for this time and commitment with your supervisor?
- Yes
- No
- In progress
Application Documents
Applicants must fill out the application form and submit the following application materials via the application portal (will become available September 7) by November 2, 2026.
- a statement of interest (0.5 page maximum) explaining why you are interested in the ISTI (.e.g., alignment with career goals, learning goals, and positioning in department/organization)
- a concept paper (1.5 page maximum) describing your proposed IS research project (IS research questions, focus and rationale, research methods, and EDI plan)
- an abbreviated CV (5 page maximum) with annotations summarizing each section to highlight recent experience relevant to your IS project and the ISTI
- a letter of support from your department Dean or Director indicating their support for your participation
Adjudication Criteria
- Potential impact of this training program on career goals
- Commitment to and interest in implementation science research
- Quality and fit of the IS project (click below to see project fit guide)
- Commitment to support future IS capacity building (trainees, teams)
- Ability and commitment to attend the entirety of the program
- Consideration of diversity of research areas and disciplines
- Consideration of commitment to equity and inclusion
Stream Selection
1. General: Select this stream if the other streams don't apply to you.
2. Team-Based Care: The Team-Based Care (TBC) Stream, supported by UBC Health, is open to scholars who are passionate about advancing innovative, team-based solutions to primary care challenges in BC.
What is primary and team-based care? Primary care is a model of care that supports first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated person-focused care. Within a team-based model of care, multiple health care providers from different professional backgrounds work together and with patients/clients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver comprehensive health services across health settings.
Scholars who join this stream will have the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with leading experts in primary care, team-based care, and collaborative health education
- Contribute to innovative solutions that improve primary team-based care and education
- Engage in knowledge exchange with diverse partners at UBC and beyond
Scholars are eligible to apply if they:
- Meet the general program eligibility criteria.
- Are proposing a project with a focus on team-based care or education and interprofessional collaboration in primary care.
- Can commit to engage with the UBC Health and Gateway Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic teams during the program.
To apply for this stream:
- Follow the general application guidelines
- Check off the Team-Based Care stream below
- Clearly state your interest in this stream in your application.
- Applications will be considered as part of the overall program intake process.
3. Planetary Health Systems: The Planetary Health Stream, supported by Fraser Health, is open to scholars who are passionate about advancing implementation science approaches that promote sustainable health systems, climate resilience, and community well-being in the Fraser region and beyond.
What is planetary health? Planetary health is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding and addressing the impacts of environmental change on human health and well-being. It recognizes that the health of people, communities, and health systems is interconnected with the health of natural systems. Planetary health initiatives seek solutions that improve human health while promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable outcomes for current and future generations.
Scholars who join this stream will have the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with leaders working to advance the role of SFU and Fraser Health as anchor institutions supporting climate action, sustainable communities, and population health in the Fraser region
- Contribute to innovative solutions that improve environmental sustainability, population health, and health system resilience
- Engage in knowledge exchange with researchers, health system leaders, and community partners at SFU, Fraser Health, and beyond
Scholars are eligible to apply if they:
- Meet the general program eligibility criteria
- Are proposing a project with a focus on planetary health, health system sustainability, climate resilience, environmental determinants of health, or related areas
- Can commit to engaging with the SFU-FH Health Research Institute and Planetary Health collaborators during the program
To apply for this stream:
- Follow the general application guidelines
- Check the Planetary Health box below
- Clearly state your interest in this stream in your application
- Applications will be considered as part of the overall program intake process
Application Details Download
Important dates and deadlines
| Sep 07, 2026 | Applications open |
| Oct 08, 2026 | Info session (Zoom): register here |
| Nov 02, 2026 | Applications close |
| November 2026 | Adjudication period |
| Early December | Application decision notifications |
| Feb 11, 2027 | New scholar orientation (online) |
| March/April 2027 | Distribution of stipend for research development |
| May 10-12, 2027 | In-person learning intensive (Vancouver) |
| July 2027-April 2028 | Quarterly webinars and regular mentor meetings |
FAQ
Are there tuition fees associated with the program?
No, there are no tuition fees associated with the program. Accepted scholars will receive a one-time, $10,000 stipend to cover research development-related expenses during the first year of the program. For a detailed list of eligible expenses, see the Tri-Council guidelines.
What is considered "health-related" research?
We define health research as any research that aims to positively influence health practice, policy, and systems. This can include a wide range of topics and disciplines, spanning from psychology to urban planning to gerontology to biomedical engineering to health geography to education and beyond.
What do you mean by an optional 2nd “alumni” year?
There are two main differences between the first and second year: the first year of the program is mandatory and includes a research stipend. The second year is not mandatory and does not include a research stipend, however it is a great opportunity to refine your IS knowledge and skills. It also provides more time to work on your project and collaborate with colleagues in the program.
Is prior knowledge or experience in implementation science required to apply?
Applicants should have a basic understanding of implementation science, but do not need to have prior experience in implementation science.
Is attendance required at the in-person intensive and webinars?
Yes, scholars are expected to attend the entirety of the in-person intensive and all scheduled webinars. Scholars are expected to treat the intensive week as protected time—other meetings, teaching, and administrative duties should not be scheduled during this time. We plan these events far in advance, so there is plenty of time to find coverage for teaching and other responsibilities.
How much time will scholars need to commit to the program?
Scholars must attend the annual 3-day in-person intensive in Vancouver and attend 4 quarterly webinars throughout the year. We strongly encourage attendance at the in-person intensive and webinars during the 2nd “alumni” year. Scholars should also set aside 1-2 hours per week to further their proposed IS projects (e.g. write grant proposals, meet with mentors, conduct related research activities). While the exact commitment varies depending on project scope and mentoring needs, scholars should anticipate consistent and active involvement.
Are doctoral students or postodoctoral fellows eligible for the program?
No, the program is exclusively for independent researchers with academic or research appointments.
Can researchers without a full-time academic or research appointment, or those whose appointments haven't yet begun apply?
Yes, researchers without a full-time appointment can apply, provided the appointment starts within 6 months of the program's start date, and allows for independent research activities for the entire duration of the program.
Can my implementation science project/research take place outside of BC?
Yes, your implementation science-focused research can be conducted within BC, Canada, or globally.
Can I apply with a project that has already started?
Yes, if the project is in an early phase (and is a health-related implementation science-focused project). If you are interested in applying with a current project, please reach out to consult prior to the submission of your application.
How do I know if my project is a good fit for the program?
Review the Is my project a good fit? guide. If that doesn't answer your questions, reach out!
How often am I expected to meet with my mentor?
Scholars are expected to connect regularly with their mentors throughout the program. This includes scheduled check-ins (we recommend monthly but this will be determined by mentor and mentee) and conversations that may arise as your project develops. During the in-person intensives, dedicated time with mentors will be scheduled to ensure meaningful engagement. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of each scholar to maintain ongoing contact with their mentor.