UBC researchers play pivotal role in confronting COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted challenges, exacerbated inequalities and sparked uncertainty for many. But one area of particular strength and inspiration is Canada’s research community and its response to the pandemic.

According to UBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Gail Murphy, the support of successive federal and provincial governments has allowed Canada to cultivate a world-class university research community – one that is playing a critical role in confronting COVID-19.

“As well as advancing our knowledge of the world and our place in it, this community is shaping public policy, supporting the commercialization of new innovations, and providing critical insights and solutions to the fundamental challenges of our time,” says Murphy. “In doing so, this community also develops incredible talent supporting students in their pursuit of knowledge, preparing them for their careers and aspirations, and empowering them to become engaged and active global citizens.”
Murphy says researchers spanning many disciplines and leading countless collaborative relationships with the public and private sector are critically positioned to not only inform how to treat the virus, but how we can adapt to such a profound disruption to daily life.

This work isn’t happening in silos. One of the hallmarks of research at UBC has always been faculty members’ success in working across traditionally separate fields of research. It’s an approach that is particularly true when researchers approach COVID-19. One need only look at the numbers.

Over the past months, more than 350 UBC researchers engaged in over 250 research projects and initiatives related to COVID-19, many supported by significant government funding. These projects range from efforts to understand disease transmission and develop vaccines and treatments, to addressing issues such as healthcare delivery, mental health and wellbeing, economic recovery and the social and cultural impacts of the pandemic. This work is taking place all across B.C. at UBC’s Vancouver and Kelowna campuses, health research sites throughout the province and in partnership with public and private sectors partners.

“Stepping across conventional boundaries is critical as we seek to combine resources and efforts to combat the pandemic – doing so is producing impressive, early, results,” says Murphy.

Read more