The Liu Institute is offering a new and unique Program to bring together exceptional PhD students from across UBC to facilitate issue-based research on global issues and strengthen global networks.
The Institute’s current areas of research are in sustainability, security, and social justice. The Institute is particularly interested in emerging issues that affect large groups of people in different places and need concerted action and new knowledge to find solutions.
The Liu Scholar Program is designed to create a synergistic environment for students from various disciplines. Scholars will have opportunities for mentorship and co-authoring; web-publishing their research; attending workshops/conferences developed by other Scholars and UBC Faculty; interacting with world-renowned Visiting Scholars, Practitioners and Activists; and expanding their professional networks.
Funding will be provided to support Scholar-initiated projects that advance the Institute’s mission. Scholars will have access to meeting rooms, conference facilities, staff support, and some logistical support (such as business cards) and are also eligible to compete for Liu Institute scholarships, such as the Olav Slaymaker Scholarship and the James and Setsuko Thurlow Scholarship in Peace and Disarmament Studies.
This program is designed to support doctoral research and enhance the interdisciplinary learning environment at UBC. We expect to develop, in collaboration with Scholars, at least one annual event with all Liu Scholars (e.g., a retreat or conference with multiple global themes) and hope that each Scholar will join a research group (such as human rights, climate change, science and technology, transitional justice, food security, migration, water security, etc) that offers an activity (e.g., workshop or summer institute) to other Scholars/Faculty/Students each year.
Only current UBC doctoral students are eligible for the Liu Scholar Program. The Institute is looking for a diversity of disciplinary approaches and topic interests, and encourages students from the natural sciences and humanities to apply, as well as those from the social sciences. Students can remain in the Liu Scholar Program for a maximum of 5 years or until graduation.
To apply, please email the following to Sally Reay (sally.reay@ubc.ca):
• a copy of your transcripts (unofficial is fine)
• a 1-2 page CV
• a one to two-paragraph explanation of why you would like to join
***Please ensure that you include the title of your Ph.D. Thesis, the year you started your Ph.D. at UBC, your supervisor, your department, and details of any major scholarships or awards.
Applications will be considered in September and January of each year.
Acceptance to the Program will be based on your research fit with the Institute; your experience; and the ideas and engagement that you would bring to the Program.
