Accelerating solutions to transform tomorrow.
Global challenges do not fit neatly into separate categories.
As engineers, nurses, architects and planners, we work with our partners to deliver viable, comprehensive solutions.
Our Approach
People :: Place :: Planet
Solutions at all scales for today and tomorrow. Mobilizing research to protect the environment, build thriving communities, and advance human wellbeing.
Breakthrough Initiatives
New UBC water treatment zaps ‘forever chemicals’ for good
Forever chemicals, formally known as PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of substances that make certain products non-stick or stain-resistant. There are more than 4,700 PFAS in use, mostly in raingear, non-stick cookware, stain repellents and firefighting foam. Research links these chemicals to a wide range of health problems including hormonal disruption, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and cancer.Finding new life for plastic waste
From bottles and straws, toys and tupperware to medical stents, eyewear and even tea bags, plastic is everywhere in our society. Although the meteoric rise of plastic was the result of its economy and ease of production, the question now is, what do we do with the estimated 380 million tonnes of plastic waste produced globally each year?
World Leading Researchers
Orlando Rojas
PhD, Professor, Canada Excellence Research Chair in BioProducts, Scientific Director BioProducts Institute, UBC
David Wilkinson
PEng, FEIC, FCAE, FCIC, FRSC, Canadian Research Chair in Clean Energy and Electrochemical Technologies; Professor, Chemical & Biological Engineering, UBC
Sabrina Wong
PhD, MSc, BSN, Associate Director, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research; Professor, School of Nursing, UBC
Based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, UBC ranks first in the world in innovation and industry partnerships
(Times Higher Education Impact Rankings)