Internal Awards Frequently Asked Questions

I missed the Expression of Intent (EOI) deadline. Can I still nominate or apply?
Yes. The EOI is optional and these are not evaluated. EOIs are not requested for the Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship as faculties have internal selection processes

Where can I find the guidelines and nomination/application forms?
Guidelines for each award are available at https://prizes.research.ubc.ca/ubc-faculty-research-award-opportunities

All expressions of intent and nominations/applications are submitted through the UBC Research and Innovation Apply platform available at https://apply.research.ubc.ca/prog/ faculty_research_awards  

Does the same person have to submit both the Expression of Intent (EOI) and Nomination?
No, but the nominator who submits the EOI can continue on to the nomination form within the same application submission. Nominators can add collaborators to edit/view the application. After submitting an EOI, nominators will receive email reminders to complete the nomination form.

Who adjudicates the nominations/applications?
Nominations are reviewed by the Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC) composed of previous award winners from a wide range of disciplines with the Arts and Science disciplines.

When will the winners be announced?
Results are typically announced in March, and celebrated at an annual prizes reception in June.

Which disciplines can apply for which prizes?
We categorize disciplines broadly as Health, Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE), and Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). The McDowell award is only open to scholars working within NSE, and the Sam Black/Dorothy Somerset awards to scholars working within SSH. All other prizes are open to all disciplines.

After awards are announced can we request feedback on nominations?
The review committee does not provide feedback on specific nominations. As with many awards, multiple tries are often required before success and we welcome resubmissions as long as nominees remain eligible. 

Are there further resources to help with my submission?
There are some sample nomination materials on ORPA's CWL-protected Sharepoint site (new materials in 2025), generously shared by previous winners. We aim to expand this library as well.
We also encourage units to share materials internally from previously successful nominations, and encourage the use of internal reviews by previous award winners and unit members who have served on FRAC.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the Office of Research Prizes and Awards at research.prizes@ubc.ca

Is my referee sufficiently at arm’s length / without COI?
We receive varying questions around whether a referee is considered at arm’s length and without conflict of interest (COI). As noted in the guidelines, arm's-length referees may not include the nominee’s thesis or dissertation supervisor(s), anyone the nominee has supervised, or anyone with whom the nominee has collaborated (as co-author or co-investigator) within the last 6 years.
•    When gauging whether there is a conflict of interest with a referee, one should consider perceived conflict of interest – it may be best to ask the referee to provide an explanation of the relationship in their letter so that the adjudicating committee can rule out any perceived COI.
•    Overall, even if a referee is technically eligible, we recommend using best judgement in ensuring that the referee is the best one for this application.

Can Professors Emeriti provide letters of support?
Yes, we welcome Emeriti as referees and as nominators.

For KARF letters of support, should the referees also address the proposed work? 
Referees should focus on the nominee’s record of scholarly accomplishments; they are not required to discuss the proposed project.
 

Is a nominee who is within 15 years since PhD, but more than 3-4 years since tenure, still eligible?
Yes. Applicants should use the Contextual Perspective section to outline career interruptions or other circumstances that have influenced their career trajectory.

I would like to be nominated for a Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship; how do I proceed?
Nominations must be submitted by the Dean or Dean’s designate. Nominations for faculty members with joint appointments must be submitted by the Dean (or designate) of the primary Faculty.

The guidelines state that the Fellowships are open to full-time faculty members with tenure or tenure-track. But there is no restriction as to academic rank. Does that mean you must have tenure before you apply?
No.

Is it possible to apply for a Killam Research Fellowship for a 6-month study leave? (Rather than 12 months)
The Killam Research Fellowship is intended for a 12-month study leave, and while a 6-month leave is not common, it is possible. Applicants should contact the Office of Research Prizes and Awards at research.prizes@ubc.ca in advance of submitting an application for a 6-month sabbatical.

I will have already started my study leave by the time that the application is due. Should I still apply? 
You can still apply for the November 2025 competition if you began your study leave on or after July 1st, 2025.

How detailed and technical should my research plan be?
Your research plan should clearly explain your planned research within 1,200 word limit provided. Keep in mind that your plan will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary committee.

I am planning to visit multiple researchers and institutions during my study leave. Do I need to get a support letter from each institution?
Yes, a letter of support is required from each institution the applicant will visit.

Can I re-nominate a faculty member whom I nominated unsuccessfully in a previous competition?
Yes, we encourage re-nominations as long as the nominee remains eligible.

Can I self-nominate?
No, faculty members must be nominated by their peers, colleagues, departments, or units. That said, we encourage potential nominees to advocate for themselves within their unit. Annual reviews are one occasion to discuss award nominations with unit heads.