Research Catalysts Program

Research Catalyst Funding

Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) invites applications to its Research Catalyst program, a targeted funding opportunity designed to support the formation and maintenance of research networks in the mathematical sciences.

Research Catalyst grants provide flexible, time-limited support for researchers to come together around an emerging or active area of shared interest. The program is intended to respond quickly to promising opportunities while helping build and sustain collaboration across PIMS member universities.

Call for Proposals

PIMS welcomes proposals for collaborative activities such as:

  • Workshops
  • Research incubators
  • Focused meetings
  • Network-building events
  • Other activities that bring researchers together around a shared area of interest

Proposals may support the development of a new research network or help maintain momentum within an existing collaboration.

Funding Support
 
Research Catalyst grants provide up to $50,000 for one year.

Funding may support eligible costs associated with workshops, incubators, and other collaborative activities, including participant travel, invited speakers, and organizational expenses.

Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed activities will strengthen research connections and contribute to an emerging or active area of the mathematical sciences.

A Responsive Funding Opportunity

The Research Catalyst program is designed for speed and responsiveness. Its single-stage application process is lighter than the process for a PIMS Collaborative Research Group or Pacific Rim Network, and no separate Letter of Intent is required.

Applications are reviewed by the PIMS Scientific Review Panel through the annual Scientific Call for Proposals.


A Pathway to a Collaborative Research Group

Research Catalysts can also serve as an entry point to the broader PIMS research funding pipeline.
Applicants who intend to develop a Collaborative Research Group proposal may designate their Research Catalyst application as a simultaneous CRG Letter of Intent. The application will then be evaluated independently through both processes.
Possible outcomes include:

  • Funding as a Research Catalyst
  • Advancement through the CRG Letter of Intent stage
  • Both outcomes
  • Neither outcome

This option eliminates the need to prepare a separate CRG Letter of Intent and allows an application that is not funded as a Research Catalyst to remain under consideration through the CRG process.

Applicants are not required to pursue a CRG. Research Catalysts may also operate as standalone initiatives for networks that benefit from focused activity without requiring a multi-year commitment.


Who Should Apply

Researchers at PIMS member universities are invited to apply. The program may be particularly well suited to groups seeking to: 

  • Build a new research network
  • Explore an emerging area of mathematical research
  • Strengthen an existing collaboration
  • Organize focused activities around a timely opportunity
  • Develop the foundation for a future CRG proposal
  • Sustain a productive network without a multi-year funding commitment

Collaborative proposals involving multiple institutions, disciplines, or career stages are encouraged.
 

Proposal Review
 
Research Catalyst applications are single-stage and reviewed by the PIMS Scientific Review Panel through the annual competition.

Proposals will be evaluated according to the general PIMS scientific funding criteria and the additional requirements established for Research Catalysts. Review may consider:

  • Scientific quality and relevance
  • The strength and clarity of the proposed research focus
  • The potential to establish or sustain a productive network
  • The timeliness of the proposed activities
  • Opportunities for meaningful collaboration
  • Participation by students and early-career researchers
  • The feasibility and anticipated impact of the proposed program


Proposal Deadline: October 1, 2026

No Letter of Intent is required. Applicants should review the full Research Catalyst guidelines and submit their proposal through the PIMS Scientific Call for Proposals.

For questions about the Research Catalyst program or the application process, please contact Co-Director, Programs co-director-programs@pims.math.ca or Co-Director, Careers co-director-careers@pims.math.ca.