WorkSafe BC - Innovation | Applied Innovation

Eligibility

Any Canadian resident can apply to Applied Innovation as a principal applicant, including workers, employers, and academic researchers. All applicants must propose research topics that align with WorkSafe BC's research priorities. 

Please note the following additional eligibility requirements: 

• Academic researchers who are affiliated with a college, university, or research institution may apply but require industry member collaborations or a non-academic partner on the research team.
• International applicants are not eligible to apply as principal applicants, however they may participate as co-applicants.
• Full-time employees of WorkSafeBC are not eligible to apply as principal applicants, however they may participate as co-applicants.

Summary

The Innovation funding stream supports research ideas that may lead to innovative solutions and knowledge creation for problems related to occupational health and safety and work disability. 

Applied Innovation grants support small-scale, shop-floor research projects that lead to the development of practical knowledge and solutions that can be implemented in the workplace. The intent of this funding stream is to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application of solutions and interventions that can make a real difference in workplaces. 

Applied Innovation supports research that builds on existing knowledge and technologies and applies them in innovative ways. Typically, the outcomes from projects in this stream include novel programs, procedures, frameworks, methodologies, etc. that can be used to address a health and safety or work disability problem. Research activities may include administering surveys, running focus groups, assessing risks in the workplace, developing programs and procedures, and impact assessments.

Overhead

Ineligible

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

WorkSafe BC Submission Instructions 

Please complete your application electronically and save as a Word document (i.e., do not send PDFs). Electronic signatures (digitally drawn or scanned copies of handwritten signatures) are accepted. 

Upload your completed application package to OneDrive by clicking on the following link: 2026 Applied Innovation Application Packages. Please note that once you click "Upload" you will not be able to modify your submission. Please ensure you use the following format to name your file: 2026 AI Lastname (e.g., 2026 AI Singh). Limit the file size to 5 MB — larger file sizes will not be accepted. 

Complete applications must be received by the deadline. Late or incomplete application packages will not be accepted. The only materials that will be accepted after the deadline are ethics and biosafety certificates, as required. 

Please email Research Services at resquery@worksafebc.com if you have any issues uploading your files.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application