Updates, news and stories

Next Distinguished Speaker Series event to feature Dr. Derek Muller

A message from Lesley Cormack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UBC Okanagan Dear colleagues, In this world of fake news, in which scientific theories and developments are challenged more than ever before, it has never been more important to think deeply about how we can get the truth. I am therefore very pleased to remind you that the Faculty of Science is hosting Dr. Derek Muller as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) who will help us do just that. This virtual event will be held this Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm.

Citizen scientists predict cherry blossom peak

Caribou herd rebounds as Indigenous stewards lead conservation efforts

Share a snapshot of spring blossoms by Apr. 11

It’s officially spring, which is cause for celebration and an appreciation for the warmer breeze and new seasonal blooms. How does the change in season inspire you, what has captured your attention, and what's flourishing in your neck of the woods? Whether it's the ornamental cherry trees bursting with delicate pink blooms, or the new growth in your garden, we want you to share a photo (or two) that captures seasonal buds, blooms, and greenery.  What do you need to do?

30-second bio: Jacqueline Ashby

Jacqueline advises on faculty development, assessment/evaluation, and curriculum at the Family Medicine Residency Program in Abbotsford. What does she think is the greatest question ever asked?

UBC and Carleton partner to help Afghan scholars find a new intellectual home in Canada

Indigenous stories reveal the science of the world around us

Indigenous stories hold clues to hydrological and geographical features, providing insights into the science of the world around us. Dr. Shandin Pete, assistant professor of teaching in UBC’s department of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences, investigated a story that may have helped his Seliš ancestors judge when to safely cross rivers along the buffalo trail. Dr. Pete explains what scientific clues Indigenous stories reveal.

Update on UBC’s budget for the 2022/23 fiscal year

This week, the proposed UBC budget for 2022/23 was presented to the Board of Governors’ Finance Committee for review, in advance of consideration for approval by the full Board of Governors on March 31, 2022. 

Identifying toxic materials in water with machine learning

Leadership transition in the Faculty of Arts

High-tech mouthguard tracks head impacts during varsity hockey playoffs

UBC concussion study could pave the way for safer hockey A high-tech mouthguard worn by UBC Thunderbird hockey players will record every big hit of the upcoming playoffs to capture data for UBC researchers who study concussions.

Submit an application to the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program by April 22

The Healthy Workplace Initiatives Fund Program is an annual fund available to UBC departments and units to support grassroots activities that promote wellbeing in the workplace. The program provides start-up funds and support for health-related, sustainable initiatives. You can apply for funding for programs that include yoga or fitness classes, building a community garden or investing in mental health training in your workplace. The deadline to apply for funding is 4pm on April 22.