Please note that all Public Scholars are expected to participate in PSI programming to the extent they are able to. Renewal funding is often contingent on scholar's engagement with their cohort and with PSI activities. This is particularly true for the HES scholars; the HES programming is tailored to meet the specific needs of the limited number of scholars selected for the stream, and their engagement is crucial to the stream's success.
For questions about the Public Scholars Initiative and application procedures, contact Dr. Serbulent Turan, Manager of Public Scholarship Initiatives: serbulent.turan@ubc.ca . You can also contact Dr. Jenny Phelps, Assistant Vice-Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Strategic Academic Initiatives for questions and comments on PSI administration and procedures: jenny.phelps@ubc.ca.
PSI Health Equity Stream FAQs
https://health.ubc.ca/interdisciplinary-health-research/public-scholars-initiative
PSI FAQs:
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/psi/faq
How many scholars will be accepted into the Health Equity Stream?
The program will accept six to eight scholars into the Health Equity Stream.
Should I apply to the Health Equity Stream or the general stream?
If your proposed project will have an impact on health equity on a local, national, or international scale, we encourage you to apply to the Health Equity Stream. This funding stream focuses on health equity in the broadest sense and is not limited to health care equity.
Health equity* is achieved when everyone has the same access and opportunity to achieve optimal health, regardless of social, economic, environmental, and socially constructed barriers. It seeks to eliminate unfair and avoidable differences in health determinants and outcomes by removing obstacles and reducing inequities.
If you are unsure about the fit of your topic, please refer to the Definition of Health page or the Public Scholars Initiative website.
If I apply to the Health Equity Stream and am not accepted, will I be considered for the general stream?
Yes. If you apply but are not accepted into the Health Equity Stream, your application will automatically be considered for the general stream. You do not need to submit a separate application.
How do the Public Scholars Initiative application and adjudication processes for the Health Equity Stream differ from the general stream?
The application process for the Health Equity Stream and the General Stream is the same. You will have the opportunity to elaborate on how your work is related to health equity and the goals of the stream in the Outline of Proposed Scholarly Work and Relationship of Proposal to PSI Goals sections of the application form.
When you go to submit the application form via Qualtrics, there will be a question prompting you to confirm whether you want to be considered for the Health Equity Stream.
All applications undergo a single adjudication committee review. Health Equity Stream applications are initially assessed for general PSI eligibility, followed by an evaluation based on factors including the overall application quality, alignment with the Health Equity Stream goals, potential cohesion of the cohort, and potential benefits of the program for the applicant. Six to eight scholars will be selected to join the stream.
What does the Health Equity Stream have to offer?
In addition to the PSI core programming, the Health Equity Stream offers a tailored health policy workshop series, equity-focused socials, and opportunities to engage in other UBC Health activities and opportunities. All activities are informed and enriched by past and present Scholars’ preferences and experiences. While programming is provided for the selected cohort, there may be limited opportunities for other health scholars in the general stream or past cohorts to participate.
Can I apply for the Health Equity Stream if I already hold research funding?
Yes. Applicants who already hold funding from other agencies or funders are eligible to apply for and receive funding from the Health Equity Stream.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on the Health Equity Stream, programming, eligibility criteria, and application process, the following resource is available:
For questions about the Health Equity Stream, contact Brenda Gonzalez Cordova, Project Coordinator UBC Health at brenda.gonzalez@ubc.ca.
*Health equity has numerous definitions with consistent core concepts. Some helpful resources include:
- National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health. Let’s Talk: Health equity . [cited 2024 Mar 27]. Available from: https://nccdh.ca/resources/entry/health-equity
- Braveman P, Arkin E, Orleans T, Proctor D, Acker J, Plough A. What is Health Equity? Behavioral Science & Policy. 2018 Apr 1;4(1):1–14.
- Braveman P. Defining Health Equity. Journal of the National Medical Association. 2022 Dec 1;114(6):593–600.
