University of British Columbia

Can Aboriginal title and private ownership coexist? Join us on November 16 as UBC Debates brings together four prominent voices to explore this timely and consequential question at UBC Robson Square. Learn more and get tickets now:

Meet Dr. Julian Olden, UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Freshwater Ecosystem Sustainability. Dr. Olden is an international authority in freshwater science. Currently a professor at the University of Washington, he generates practical knowledge to address persistent and emerging threats to water security. His work helps communities and decision-makers anticipate climate-driven changes, protect freshwater ecosystems and manage water resources more sustainably. He will be cross-appointed in @UBCForestry and @ubcscience, starting summer 2027. Learn more about Dr. Olden and the research he's bringing to UBC:

RT @ubcprez: Purposeful partnerships begin with a shared vision for what's possible.  Today we had that privilege of bringing together great people from @RBC and @UBC to help inform, inspire and activate the power of partnership. It was my immense privilege to talk about UBC’s tremendous momentum, and highlight some of the outstanding discoveries that are advancing healthy lives, a healthy planet and healthy communities in Canada and around the world My most sincere thanks to my friend Martin Thibodeau Regional President BC for RBC and UBC FORWARD Campaign Circle Member, for inviting us to be your guests today in this very special gathering. Our VP Development and Alumni Heather McCaw shared examples of the power of philanthropy, and the magic that happens when you bring together the right people with the right resources. UBC is a registered charity with a choice of over 6,000 causes to support – all focused on driving positive global impact. RBC could not be a better partner to help advance ideas for a stronger BC and stronger Canada. We are thankful to CEO Dave McKay, Martin Thibodeau, and the whole team and RBC Foundation for your support!

It started with a motivation to create local jobs. UBC engineering professor Dr. @lukasc_ubc saw highly skilled tech workers leaving BC for opportunities elsewhere. He teamed up with Dr. Sudip Shekhar to launch Dream Photonics, a UBC spin-off company tackling a manufacturing bottleneck in advanced tech. Their solution uses 3D-printed micro lenses to direct light between chips, and will allow clients to reduce a process that previously took about 80 minutes to about 35 seconds. Today, the company has been profitable since 2021, employs more than a dozen people, most of them UBC graduates, and is moving into its own facility this fall with $1.1M in @PacifiCanEN funding. It’s a powerful example of how UBC research is helping to anchor a Canadian supply chain for advanced tech manufacturing and keep skilled talent in BC. Learn more about their story: @ubcappscience, @SBQMI_UBC, @innovationubc

Meet Dr. Brian Kuhlman, UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Distinguished Research Chair of Canada in Computational Protein Design. Dr. Kuhlman is a leading authority in computational protein design — the use of computer modelling to create proteins with specific properties and functions. His work has been instrumental in transforming the field from a largely theoretical idea into an established scientific discipline capable of designing proteins with new sequences, structures and functions. He will be joining the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia in spring 2027. Learn more about Dr. Kuhlman and the research he's bringing to UBC:

RT @ubcprez: It's wonderful to see @UBC expertise reaching audiences around the world! Congratulations to UBC neuroscientist Dr. Lara Boyd from UBC Faculty of Medicine on her recent appearance on The @MelRobbins Podcast, where she shared fascinating insights into neuroplasticity and the brain's remarkable ability to change and adapt throughout our lives. This is a great example of how UBC researchers are making complex science accessible and sharing knowledge that can make a difference in peoples lives. Watch the full episode here:

Meet Dr. Daniel Kreiss, UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Democratic Communication. Dr. Kreiss studies how digital technologies shape political communication, influence public discourse and affect the resilience of democratic societies. By bringing his findings to policymakers, industry and the public, his work helps inform decisions about social media, artificial intelligence and the technology platforms increasingly shaping public life. Currently a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he will be joining @UBC_Arts in summer 2027. Learn more about Dr. Kreiss and the research he's bringing to UBC:

UBC ranks 1st for 'research impact’, 2nd for ‘reputation’ and 3rd overall in Maclean’s 2027 University Rankings—a testament to UBC’s role as a leading research powerhouse, and to how UBC’s innovations and discoveries are advancing knowledge and improving lives. See the full rankings here: @ubcokanagan

Two elections. Two opportunities to make your voice heard. With municipal and provincial elections underway, we encourage every eligible member of our university community to take the time to vote. Whether it’s the issues closest to your neighbourhood or the future direction of our province, your voice matters. Municipal Election: General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17 Provincial Election: Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 24 More information for the UBC community on different ways to vote can be found via @ElectionsBC, and here: Make a plan, cast your ballot and take part in our democracy. Every vote counts!

Meet Dr. Curtis Huttenhower, UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Microbiome Sciences. Dr. Huttenhower is a global leader in computational microbiome research whose tools are used by thousands of laboratories worldwide. Currently a professor of computational biology and bioinformatics at Harvard University, he has helped move the field beyond identifying which microbes live in and on the human body to understanding how they function, influence health and contribute to disease. He will be joining the School of Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Applied Science) and Faculty of Science at UBC Vancouver in summer 2027. "I'm most excited about the researchers here and the potential to work with such a broad community able to make a real difference turning microbiome knowledge into concrete interventions." Learn more about Dr. Huttenhower and the research he's bringing to UBC: @ubcscience

Meet Dr. Peter Caravan, UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Distinguished Research Chair of Canada in Translational Molecular Imaging and Therapy. This appointment marks a homecoming for Dr. Caravan. A Canadian citizen who earned his PhD at UBC, he is now a world-leading molecular imaging scientist whose work has transformed targeted imaging and theranostics, an approach that combines diagnostic imaging with targeted treatment. He will be joining the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC Vancouver in summer 2027. Learn more about Dr. Caravan and the research he's bringing to UBC: @ubcpharmacy @PeterCaravan

What started as probiotics research in a @ubcokanagan lab is now helping grow Kelowna’s biotech sector. Dr. Deanna Gibson and entrepreneur Robert Emlyn co-founded Melius MicroBiomics (@mmblivebio) to turn a UBC discovery into new potential treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. Today, the company employs 15 people, most of them UBC-trained scientists, and is preparing to begin its first human clinical trial. It’s a powerful example of how research and entrepreneurship can create new opportunities and keep talent in the Okanagan. Learn more about their story:

UBC up one rank to 44th in Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. THE has ranked the top 2,297 of the 22,000+ universities worldwide and UBC ranks 44th overall and 29th among public universities. The rankings are based on research excellence, teaching, and international outlook - reinforcing UBC’s standing as one of the world's leading research universities. Learn more:

RT @ubcprez: The MacIsaac Health Building is officially opened and I am so grateful to have been part of such a historic moment for @UBC.

Today, UBC formally celebrated the newly named MacIsaac Health Building and the historic $40-million gift from Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac — the largest ever made to a Canadian school of nursing. This future-ready hub for health innovation is home to the MacIsaac School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, UBC Student Health and Wellbeing, Arts Research Commons and the Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic. Now accepting patients, BC’s first team-based teaching clinic will provide primary care for up to 4,450 patients without a regular provider, while students from nine health disciplines learn alongside licensed health professionals. The MacIsaac Health Building reflects UBC’s vision for the future of health education, research and care — bringing disciplines together to advance knowledge and improve health in communities: @UBCNursing, @ubcappscience, @UBCKin, @UBC_Arts, @ubcLFS, @ubcpharmacy #UBC #HealthEducation #Nursing #TeamBasedCare #Kinesiology #Philanthropy

Meet Dr. Jonathan Wakefield (@jonwakeblue), UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Bayesian Space Time Modeling for Global Health. Dr. Wakefield is an internationally recognized statistician working toward more equitable access to health and resources. His research has transformed how countries and global organizations, including the UN and WHO, estimate mortality, disease burden and health and demographic indicators. This work is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, where data is often more limited. Learn more about Dr. Wakefield and the research he's bringing to UBC: @ubcscience

RT @ubcprez: Today, @PZandstra and I published an op-ed in @TheHillTimes arguing that Canada's innovation challenge isn't a shortage of discoveries or startups — it's our ongoing challenges in scaling domestic companies to global competitiveness. The solution lies in universities, industry, and government working together more deliberately. For those without a subscription, here's the core argument: @U15ca universities have launched 1,300+ startups since 2010, and more than 90% of @UBC's 300+ spinoffs have stayed in Canada — but access to growth capital remains a persistent barrier. Companies like @AbCelleraBio have demonstrated what’s possible. Now we need the partnerships and investment to replicate it at scale and we share some ideas towards making progress. Read the full piece here (behind paywall):

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 President's Service Awards for Excellence and the President's Staff Awards! Learn more about the staff who are making UBC a great place to teach, learn and work:

RT @ubcprez: Homecoming football game at Thunderbird Stadium! Big win 25-20 for @UBC Thunderbirds against Regina in front of 10,000 fans. Amazing to meet great students and alumni, do the official coin toss with @AMS_UBC President Dylan Evans and enjoy the game! Go @ubctbirds!

RT @ubcprez: On behalf of @UBC, sincere congratulations to @LDoerkson and the @Conservative_BC on a decisive election victory. Congratulati…