Updates, news and stories

Climate activists Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis join UBC

World-renowned climate activists and journalists Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis are joining the faculty at the University of British Columbia’s department of geography. “We are thrilled to welcome Naomi and Avi to UBC to advance the urgent social, political and economic changes necessary to address the climate crisis,” says Dr. Gage Averill, dean of UBC’s faculty of arts. “This is a critical moment for the future of our planet and we are committed to highlighting climate justice in all of our priorities.”

Read the latest Letter from Santa

Letter from Santa is a regular newsletter from President Santa Ono to members of the UBC community. In this issue, Santa talks plans for Fall 2021, remote work arrangements, new and renewed Canada Research Chairs, and much more.  Highlights

COVID-19: Resumption activities and updates

A message from Shelley Kayfish, Director, Campus Operations and Risk Management; Co-chair, UBC Okanagan Resumption Planning and Coordination Committee; and Prof. Michael Burgess, Associate Provost, Strategy, UBC Okanagan; Professor and Chair in Biomedical Ethics, School of Population and Public Health, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Co-chair, UBC Okanagan Resumption Planning and Coordination Committee

Sharing community values from a distance

New Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives supports implementation of UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan

New UBC Health initiative cultivates interdisciplinary research collaborations

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated some existing trends and put a spotlight on others. We are now faced with the challenge of responding to the broad effects of the pandemic. 

UBC’s Remote Work update

As previously communicated on April 14, UBC is developing an institutional plan for remote work. Our faculty and staff have shown their adaptability over the past year and we are now able to be thoughtful and innovative as we consider remote work for the longer term and begin to imagine the future workplace. This is an important and exciting moment for the university.

UBCO researchers identify best strategy to reduce human-bear conflict

COVID-19 rapid testing clinic now open to faculty and staff

In February, UBC embarked on a COVID-19 rapid testing pilot project for a clinical trial program at Orchard Commons Residence in Vancouver for students and staff living or working in congregate housing. 

New global air pollution and health impact study the most comprehensive ever

William Cheung named director of Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries

Marine biologist William Cheung has been appointed director of the UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. The appointment is effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026 with the possibility of an extension.

How the ‘Shifting Focus’ photovoice project is highlighting paths forward with formerly incarcerated men

How do you move forward after being released from prison? That’s the question at the heart of a community-based research project that had been meeting at the UBC Learning Exchange for four years before COVID-19 restrictions and has recently released a powerful photography project.