Updates, news and stories

Update on search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor

A message from The Honourable Steven Point, Chancellor and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee

UBC Library research project explores Indigenous perspectives in open education resource development

Pushing the boundaries of spinal cord research

Announcing the appointment of two new faculty research advisors

The Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation is pleased to announce the appointment of two UBC faculty members to the role of faculty research advisors.

Apply to the Green Labs Fund by March 19

Do you have a creative idea to make your lab or research activity more sustainable? The Green Labs Fund promotes and supports sustainability in labs across our campuses. Faculty, staff and students from UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan are invited to apply to receive up to $4,000 to implement an innovative project.

Toxic toilet paper and long-lasting chemicals found in endangered killer whales

Share your thoughts on proposed amendments to the Naming Policy (GA6) by Feb. 15

The UBC community is invited to comment on proposed amendments to the Naming Policy (GA6). The proposed amendments expand the scope of the policy to cover all naming at UBC. The amendments recognize the integral importance of names in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at the university and advancing Indigenous reconciliation. The deadline to share your feedback on this policy proposal is Feb. 15.

COVID proves lunch-packing parents need support

New research from UBC Okanagan’s Alanna Shwed has revealed what many parents may already know—packing lunches for your kids has always been stressful, and it got worse during COVID-19. Findings from Shwed’s study show a need for better support to help ease the burden parents experience when packing their child’s school lunch during an already extremely stressful time. Shwed undertook the work as a research assistant during her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. She is now pursuing a doctorate at UBCO.

Dr. Ramon Lawrence appointed Academic Director for the Centre for Teaching and Learning

UBC introduces mental health literacy training for managers and supervisors

UBC has introduced a new mental health literacy training for managers and supervisors, Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers and Supervisors. Recognizing the pressures that managers and supervisors are facing, this required training is vital to helping create mental health awareness among our community.

Search for new Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning

UBC is embarking on a search for a new Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning.The Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning, oversees domestic and international enrolment, participates in the university budgeting process and provides advice to the Provost. This role also liaises with the Operations team on the development of strategic capital projects, coordinates the use of space and facilities, and works with the university emergency management team to ensure the safety of the UBC community.

BC sea sponge has COVID-blocking powers

UBC researchers have identified three compounds that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells, derived from natural sources including a BC sea sponge. The discovery paves the way for the development of new medicines for COVID-19 variants made from natural sources. And given nature’s abundance, there could be a wealth of new antivirals waiting to be discovered.