By Shruti Menon Seeboo
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world’s leading research universities, recognised globally for its academic excellence, innovative research, and commitment to sustainability. Located in Vancouver, Canada, UBC consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, attracting students and scholars from all corners of the globe. Known for its interdisciplinary approach and world-class research programs, UBC offers students unparalleled opportunities for academic growth and professional development. With over 19,000 international students from more than 160 countries, the university fosters a diverse and inclusive community that enriches the student experience.
UBC’s commitment to research excellence is reflected in its cutting-edge programs, collaborative research partnerships, and strong focus on global impact. The university’s strategic initiatives also emphasise sustainability, diversity, and entrepreneurship, ensuring students are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In this interview, Maki Natori, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Projects at UBC, discusses the university’s key strengths and its role in preparing students for future challenges. The conversation is part of the lead-up to the Annual International Study Fair 2024, hosted by Campus Abroad Mauritius, which will take place on November 23 and 24 at the Hennessy Hotel Ebene. The event will provide prospective students from Mauritius and beyond an opportunity to explore educational opportunities at top international institutions like UBC. Excerpts:
1. UBC is a globally recognized institution. What are its key strengths in research and innovation that attract international students?
UBC’s reputation for world-class research and innovation is reflected in our over $892 million in research funding, which supported almost 10,000 research projects in 2023/24. UBC has over 2,400 research collaborations with industry, government, and non-profit partners. Additionally, we have 260 spin-off companies based on UBC research, with an estimated value of over $11.5 billion in sales of products incorporating UBC discoveries. Learn more about UBC’s research here.
This environment of research, innovation, creativity, and collaboration is reflected in the classroom, where students learn from professors who are actively involved in cutting-edge research and are at the forefront of their areas of specialization. Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research and can even pitch their own research projects.
UBC consistently ranks as one of the world’s top research universities. Globally connected, we attract the highest-caliber research faculty and students, with more than $700 million in research funding each year across both our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. In partnership with universities, industries, governments, and communities worldwide, our research discoveries are hugely influential. They advance new knowledge and have led to countless new products, treatments, and services.” Learn more about UBC’s research excellence here.
UBC researchers have won countless awards, fellowships, and prizes for their meaningful contributions to society. Eight Nobel Laureates are associated with UBC, including Michael Smith, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for his groundbreaking work in reprogramming segments of DNA. Such accolades firmly establish UBC as a global centre of research excellence, helping us attract both funding partners and the world’s leading academic researchers.” Learn more about UBC’s research awards and honors here.
2. How does UBC integrate sustainability into its curriculum and research agenda across all disciplines?
The UBC Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP2030) puts the university on an accelerated path to net-zero emissions for buildings and energy supply, as well as to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for extended impact areas over the next 15 years.” Explore the CAP2030 plan here.
This plan impacts the entire university, including campus operations, commuting, food systems, waste management, engagement & outreach, air travel, and embodied carbon. Targets include:
- 2030: 85% reduction in campus operations emissions, significantly exceeding the Paris Agreement’s 45% emissions reduction target by 2030, aiming to keep global warming to 1.5°C. This would effectively eliminate nearly all conventional fossil fuel use from campus operations. More about UBC’s sustainability efforts here.
- 2030: 45% collective reduction in emissions from extended impact sources, encompassing commuting, business air travel, food, waste, materials, and embodied carbon, keeping in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
- 2035: Achieve a 100% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions, 15 years ahead of UBC’s original target of 2050. More on this milestone here.
UBC also offers hundreds of sustainability-focused courses across disciplines, allowing students to integrate sustainability into their studies, no matter their major. Check out UBC’s sustainability courses here.
UBC has over 400 faculty members researching sustainability, and the university offers funding and various opportunities to engage with sustainability initiatives. Research groups include the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Climate Solutions Research Collective, Clean Energy Research Centre, and many more.
3. What opportunities exist at UBC for Mauritian students to engage in global research projects or internships?
Research:
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to join ongoing research projects or propose their own ideas. UBC holds an annual conference, the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC), where students present their research. Abstracts from MURC are published in the Canadian Journal of Undergraduate Research, a student-led, peer-reviewed publication.
Some of the winners of the 2024 MURC include:
- The Role of the Dorsal Hippocampus in Probabilistic Reversal Learning, presented by Si-ah Choi
- Metabolic Adaptations and Mitochondrial Fuel Dynamics in Atlantic Salmon: A Comparative Study, presented by Kiarash Bahari
- Analyzing the Effects of Different Synthesis and Processing Methods on Circular RNA Protein Expression and Impurity Removal, presented by Steve Wang
- The Biomarker Potential of Neurofilament Light and Heavy in Preclinical Models of Multiple Sclerosis, presented by Nicola Wray
Work Experience:
All UBC students, regardless of discipline, have access to the Co-operative Education program (co-op). This program allows students to gain full-time, paid work experience in their field while earning their UBC degree. Students can complete up to three, four-month work terms, which can be local, across Canada, or internationally. Ninety percent of students who participate in co-op receive a job offer within three months of graduation.
Some of the companies UBC co-op students have worked for include Adidas, Amazon, Boeing, the Canadian Space Agency, Google, Merck, Microsoft, Nestlé, Samsung, Tesla, and the World Health Organization.
4. Can you discuss UBC’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the academic community, especially for international students?
As North America’s most international university, with over 19,000 international students from more than 160 countries, international students are a vital part of the UBC community. We offer a variety of services and resources for all students, including those with disabilities, gender diversity support, Indigenous student support, Black Student Space, and 2SLGBTQIA+ resources.
UBC’s Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) leads the university’s efforts in areas like Human Rights, Anti-Racism, and Inclusive Excellence, and offers initiatives like the Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Framework and the Roadmap to Change. The office is instrumental in creating a welcoming and inclusive academic community where everyone—students, staff, and faculty—feels a sense of belonging.
Additionally, UBC understands that international students have unique needs, and we have an International Student Guide and International Student Advisors to assist prospective and current international students.
5. What is UBC’s approach to entrepreneurship, and how does it support students in launching their own ventures?
Entrepreneurship@UBC (e@UBC) is a hub that supports the UBC community with resources for students, staff, and faculty. e@UBC has supported over 700 ventures and raised more than $1.92 billion in capital. In addition to e@UBC, UBC offers the Innovation Onboard venture program, run by students for students. Students can participate in venture competitions where they pitch their ideas to investors and mentors. UBC also offers a variety of clubs, courses, and resources to help students gain entrepreneurial skills.
6. How does UBC ensure that students are well-prepared for a rapidly changing global job market?
UBC’s co-op program is an excellent way for students to apply their learning in full-time work environments. It gives students valuable real-world experience, builds their professional network, and enhances their resumes. Additionally, UBC offers a job board for students and alumni, as well as career events and workshops to help them stay competitive in the global job market.
7. What is UBC’s vision for the future of higher education, particularly with respect to digital and remote learning?
UBC’s Vision, Purpose, and Values are as follows:
- Vision: Inspiring people, ideas, and actions for a better world.
- Purpose: Pursuing excellence in research, learning, and engagement to foster global citizenship and advance a sustainable and just society.
- Values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Academic Freedom, and Accountability
UBC will continue to pursue its purpose and remain a world-class centre for teaching, learning, and research. The university is actively engaged in many learning modalities, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid models. The Learning Technology Hub supports both students and faculty in enhancing the online learning experience.
