Updates, news and stories

How to forage for mushrooms – safely and legally – this fall

Advanced wildfire research could save billions, protect vital power supply

See highlights from Orange Shirt Day

Last month, UBC hosted activities and events for Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 30) to recognize and raise awareness about the history and consequences of the residential school system in Canada, and saw strong participation across the community.Take a moment to see highlights from the day, as well as view photos from this year’s intergenerational march in Vancouver.Find out more

Meet the summer recipients of the 2023 Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund

This summer, Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) funding was awarded to 20 collaborative community-university initiatives, showcasing the diverse ways in which communities are partnering with UBC students, faculty and staff on reciprocal initiatives. There is still an opportunity for interested faculty and staff to apply for up to $1,500 in funding until December 31, 2023, or until available funds are exhausted. Learn more

Unmasking Halloween: Beyond myths and monster of the week

Arts faculty members Dr. Sabina Magliocco, Dr. Tim Frandy, and Dr. Kim Snowden provide insights by taking a deep dive into Halloween’s myths and realities. They also share how their classroom discussions and research are evolving with the times.

Announcing UBC's 2023 Distinguished University Scholars

The Distinguished University Scholar awards recognize exceptional members of faculty who have distinguished themselves as scholars in research and/or teaching and learning. The award is conferred by the President on the recommendation of an Adjudication Panel.Here are the 10 new Distinguished University Scholars at UBC in 2023:

Flu immunization clinics available on campus this fall

As influenza (flu) season approaches, protect yourself by taking the flu vaccine. UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan are offering free, appointment-based flu immunization clinics this fall. At UBC Vancouver, flu clinics will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7. You can book an advance appointment through the provincial government’s Get Vaccinated system.

Announcing the recipients of UBC Okanagan's Staff Awards of Excellence

Congratulations to the recipients of UBC Okanagan's 2023 Staff Awards of Excellence. This year, six individuals were recognized for their unwavering commitment and dedication across the following categories: Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence, Enhancing the UBC Experience, Global Citizenship, Leadership, Sustainability, and Wellbeing.

Join the Great BC ShakeOut on Oct. 19

We all play a role in protecting ourselves and those around us, and making our campus safe. Participate in the annual ShakeOut drill on Oct. 19, and learn more about the risks in our community and what UBC is doing to plan ahead.The Great BC ShakeOut is an annual province-wide earthquake drill for everyone to practice how to protect themselves and be better prepared in the event of an earthquake. UBC offers a number of tools to help ensure you receive alerts in urgent situations: 

Complete the Employment Equity Survey by Oct. 31

You are invited to complete the Employment Equity Survey, a confidential online survey that helps inform the university's understanding of the demographic composition of faculty and staff. This survey is one way to examine patterns and trends in employment across the university. Your participation will enable leadership to take important steps to identify and remove systemic barriers to equity and report on progress.

Dr. Pieter Cullis inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

UBC Faculty of Medicine professor, Dr. Pieter Cullis, is among six health leaders selected as 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductees.Dr. Cullis, a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology, has been recognized for his work in developing the lipid nanoparticle delivery technology that enabled effective injection of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.