Updates, news and stories

What’s next for Canada in the tariff landscape?

Two months after U.S. tariffs took effect, UBC Sauder’s Sam Roscoe breaks down the impact on Canadian industries—and what’s needed to stay competitive.

UBC’s Voluntary Retirement Program for eligible faculty and staff

As we continue to navigate the evolving needs of our institution and workforce to support UBC’s long-term future, the university is launching a limited-time Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) on May 20, 2025 for eligible employees, in order to support organizational planning. 

Dr. Anka Lekhi awarded 2025 West Coast Teaching Excellence Award

The West Coast Teaching Excellence Awards recognizes excellence in post-secondary teaching over a number of years, primarily at the undergraduate level, in publicly funded colleges, institutes, and universities in British Columbia and Yukon.Dr. Anka Lekhi, Associate Professor of Teaching, Department of Chemistry and Vantage College, the recipient of one of this year's West Coast Teaching Excellence Awards.

UBC Library supports Canadian research data discovery in European open scholarship platform

Three UBC faculty receive 2025 3M National Teaching Fellowships

The 3M National Teaching Fellowship is Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching at the post-secondary level.We congratulate the three UBC recipients of the 3M National Teaching Fellowship in 2025:

Next-gen technology helps high-rises ride out earthquakes

UBCO faculty members named 2025 Researchers of the Year

UBC Okanagan's prestigious Researcher of the Year awards recognize individuals who are making the world a better place through excellence in research and scholarly activity.Three outstanding faculty members have been honoured: Dr. Mohammad Arjmand in the Natural Sciences and Engineering category, Dr. Brodie Sakakibara in the Health category and Michael V. Smith in the Social Sciences and Humanities category.Find out more about how they are addressing the most pressing issues of our time.

View photos from Faculty and Staff Sports Day

More than 850 faculty and staff enjoyed this year's sports day which was held on May 2 at both campuses. The sun shone and many teams dressed up to add to the fun atmosphere. The event was made possible with the support of a dedicated group of staff and 90 volunteers who made this amazing day possible.Check out the photos from both campuses.UBC Vancouver

Staff in focus: Colleen Kennedy

As Coordinator for the Cognitive Systems Program, Colleen enjoys being surrounded by people who are passionate about cultivating a healthy learning environment for students. Get a glimpse into what fuels Colleen’s creativity, on and off the clock.

Apply for the 2025 Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund

Applications are now open for the 2025 Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund. The PRE Fund awards up to $1,500 in funding to support collaboration and help build reciprocal relationships between community partners and UBC students, faculty, and staff. This year, there is a total of $50,000 to fund community-university projects.Faculty and staff are invited to apply for funding until December 31, 2025, or until available funds are exhausted. Visit the Community Engagement website for more information on how to apply and useful FAQs.

Hope on the horizon for ALS

Dr. Erik Pioro is bridging research and care to accelerate the development of innovative ALS treatments for patients across British Columbia.A decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge swept the internet, tremendous progress has been made toward understanding the devastating neurodegenerative disorder that steadily robs patients of muscle control. However, effective treatments remain elusive—and so does a cure. 

Faculty members receive 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

Dr. Jana-Lea Davidson and Dr. Cheryl Ho have been honoured as recipients of the 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to the well-being of families and communities.The 42nd annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards awardees and nominees were celebrated during a ceremony on April 28. Several members of the faculty of medicine community were nominated for the awards across categories including Reconciliation in Action, Health and Wellness and Research, the Sciences and Technology.