The report on the first two years of the pilot project Public Scholars Initiative is ready.
Developed and funded by UBC’s Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies in 2015, the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) is an innovative program supporting doctoral pathways that encourage purposeful social contribution, mutually beneficial forms of collaborative research with partners from diverse economic sectors, and broader career readiness for students. Though other universities in Canada are starting to emulate the program, the PSI remains unique as the only pan-university initiative which offers funding, networking opportunities, and academic and professional development opportunities to doctoral students seeking to engage in public scholarship.
Now in its third year, the PSI has funded 115 students from all disciplines across UBC who have worked and are working as part of their doctoral scholarship with over 100 different partner organizations in 32 countries, ranging from NGOs to civil and governmental agencies, from community groups to academic and disciplinary groups. The program received considerable interest from other universities, communities, governments, faculty members, and students. Evaluations provided anonymously by students, faculty members and partner organizations engaged by the PSI have been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm shared by all who are part of the program.
