Updates, news and stories

UBC Okanagan adds voices to nsyilxcn street signs

UBC Okanagan is deepening its commitment to Indigenous language revitalization by adding voices to on-campus nsyilxcn street signs in Kelowna.New QR codes attached to the signposts link to an online pronunciation guide featuring audio recordings created by students in the Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency program.“The nsyilxcn language is beautiful and descriptive, which the Syilx people recognize as being generated and given to the people directly from the land,” according to UBCO student Ashley Gregoire.

Announcing UBC's 2025 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.This year’s recipients are:

Submit a proposal to hire international students for support with research projects

The Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award Program is a funding opportunity that subsidizes UBC Vancouver faculty members in hiring undergraduate international students to work on their research projects full time during the summer 2026 session.Through this program, faculty members can get help furthering their research while supporting international students in their workplace learning goals. Proposals will be accepted until January 28, 2026.

How warming winters could reshape BC’s Christmas tree choices

Adam Charania recognized among global HR leaders

Adam Charania, UBC’s Vice-President, Human Resources, has been named among the top global HR leaders. 

Meet the summer recipients of UBC’s 2025 Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund

Earlier this year, the Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund was awarded to 16 inspiring university-community initiatives. These projects show how UBC students, faculty, and staff are developing reciprocal partnerships through diverse teaching and research projects.

How AbCellera grew from a UBC lab to a global biotech company

A UBC spin-off powered by alumni talent, pushing BC’s economy forward It didn’t look like the beginning of a global biotech company. In 2012, six scientists working in a corner of a UBC lab were developing technology they believed could transform how new medicines are discovered—the team that would go on to form AbCellera.  

Have your say on UBCO's future academic structure

Dr. Mary Jung appointed Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes

UBC Okanagan researcher Dr. Mary Jung is taking over leadership of one of the 13 institutes that make up the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), enabling her—and UBCO—to play a key role in advancing health research across the country. Dr. Jung, a Professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences, was appointed Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD) for a four-year term, beginning January 1, 2026. 

Share your feedback on proposed amendments to the Deaccessioning Policy (UP11), the Information Systems Policy (SC14), and the Wireless Network Policy (SC11)

The UBC community is invited to comment on proposed amendments to the Deaccessioning Policy, the Information Systems Policy, and the Wireless Network Policy by Jan. 9, 2026. Find out more

Participate in the UBC Community Safety uniform design challenge

UBC Campus Security is preparing to transition into UBC Community Safety in early 2026, refreshing its identity to better reflect their caring and proactive approach to campus safety. As part of this transformation, UBC’s Slow Fashion Research Cluster, in partnership with UBC Community Safety, is inviting the UBC Vancouver community to help reimagine the next generation of UBC Community Safety uniforms through a campus-wide Uniform Design Challenge.

Research in focus: Vince Hopkins

Vince Hopkins, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, researches behavioural public policy and Canadian politics, with a focus on improving access to public services—especially employment programs. His work helps governments identify and remove barriers so more people can access the programs, benefits, and supports they need.