Updates, news and stories

UBC Library welcomes urban forestry students into the archives

When Claire Malek first joined UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) as an archivist, working with UBC Library’s extensive forest history collections, she wanted to see more forestry students using the materials. The breakthrough came at a President’s Breakfast for new faculty, where she met Dr. Susan Day, Adjunct Professor, UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.

UBC-led partnership tackles cattle methane with cost-saving tools for farmers

When Dr. Leluo Guan peers inside a cow’s stomach, she sees more than microbes—she sees an opportunity to cut methane emissions from cattle and improve profits for Canadian beef and dairy farmers. The industries contribute more than $50 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and support thousands of jobs from British Columbia to Ontario and Quebec. But cattle account for more than half of Canada’s agricultural methane emissions—a potent driver of global warming. 

UBCO research team develops brace to reduce tremors

UBC Okanagan researchers have advanced their work on developing a non-invasive, accessible way to reduce uncontrolled hand tremors.In a newly published study, the team has demonstrated how a new wearable device may reduce involuntary hand tremors linked with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Why some creeks run stronger after wildfire—and why it doesn’t last

Advance your research while supporting student workplace learning

Each year, the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program funds approximately 250 full-time appointments for undergraduate students, subsidizing research work experience that complements their studies in an academic setting. UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan faculty members can receive $6,000 in wage subsidies to hire Canadian undergraduate students full-time during summer 2026, fall 2026 or winter 2027 by submitting a proposal through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) USRA program. 

New faculty funding opportunity: Wellbeing Fellows Program

Faculty in Vancouver and the Okanagan are invited to apply to the Wellbeing Fellows Program. Receive up to $20,000 per year for two years to bring a wellbeing project to life, with ongoing support and connection through monthly cohort meetings.As a Wellbeing Fellow, you will:  

Nominations open for UBC Emeritus College awards

The UBC Emeritus College offers two annual awards that honour the remarkable contributions of UBC emeriti. These awards shine a light on retired UBC faculty members who continue to pursue scholarly endeavours with outstanding results and those who display exceptional leadership in community service. Submit a nomination by February 25. Learn more

Attend UBC Debates on Jan. 26

Short-Term Fixes, Long-Term Consequences: Rethinking Canada’s Immigration Strategy

UBC Faculty of Forestry announces new name reflecting expanded environmental leadership

The University of British Columbia is renaming its Faculty of Forestry to the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, marking a significant step in the evolution of one of Canada’s leading centres for environmental research, education and innovation.

Welcome back and invitation to join Principal Lesley Cormack for a budget update on Feb. 5

Dr. Rachel Fernandez appointment extended as Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, pro tem

In order to provide continuity of support during the upcoming leadership transition in the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) portfolio, I am pleased to share that Dr. Rachel Fernandez has agreed to a six-month extension as Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation. She will serve in this role on a pro-tem basis from March 15 to September 14, 2026, following the end of her current term.

UBC Alert test notifications this week

UBC Alert, the university's mass notification system, will send test alerts via phone and text message on Jan. 14 at UBC Vancouver and Jan. 16 at UBC Okanagan. To ensure you receive urgent safety notifications, please update your mobile number in Workday.