UBC-Seaspan research collaboration investigates impacts of biofuels on climate and health
Over the past year, a unique research collaboration between interdisciplinary experts at the University of British Columbia and local marine transportation company, Seaspan Ferries, is trying to address unanswered questions key to unlocking decarbonization in the marine industry. The collaboration provides an exciting opportunity for four separate research labs to work together, analyzing real-world emissions […]
Research projects advancing solutions for a sustainable BC receive Peter Wall Legacy Awards
The 2025 Peter Wall Legacy Awards have been announced, with multiple UBC Mechanical Engineering researchers receiving support for their work exploring sustainable solutions in decarbonization, energy resilience, and waste reduction through circular economies. Wall Research Awards for faculty have been awarded to projects by Dr. Alexandra Tavasoli, who received an Individual Faculty Award, and by […]
Three Canada Research Chairs appointed at UBC Mechanical Engineering
The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program has named three UBC Mechanical Engineering faculty members as either new or renewed chairholders in their areas of expertise. The CRC program strengthens Canadian research innovation by providing funding support to exceptional researchers, enabling them to dive deeply into their fields driving new discoveries. Tier 2 Chairs recognize “exceptional […]
Working to accelerate sustainable ship propulsion, Dr. Patrick Kirchen named Rosenblatt Professor in Marine Engineering
Associate Professor Patrick Kirchen has been named the inaugural holder of the Rosenblatt Professorship in Marine Engineering at UBC. This new Professorship was made possible by Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates LLC, and provides five years of support for research and educational programming that accelerates the implementation of sustainable, low carbon intensity fuels in the […]
Smell reports reveal the need to expand urban air quality monitoring, say UBC researchers
Photo Credit: structuresxx – stock.adobe.com UBC researchers analyzed 549 reports from the Smell Vancouver app and discovered that “rotten” and “chemical” odours dominated. Ever wondered if your neighbourhood odour could be impacting your health? UBC researchers have uncovered surprising insights into the Vancouver region’s “smellscape” using data from the Smell Vancouver app. Analyzing 549 reports from […]
Upgrading computational tools for sustainable development
Dr. Amanda Giang co-edits PNAS special feature “Modeling Dynamic Systems for Sustainable Development” alongside collaborators from MIT, Harvard. | MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change: A PNAS special feature shows potential of recent modeling advances to improve sustainability decision-making | Zero hunger. Affordable and clean energy. Reduced inequalities. These are […]
Vancouver odour app chronicles behavioural responses to stink
The initial findings of a UBC research collaboration collecting real-time public reports to map odour across Metro Vancouver have been published. The CBC talks to researcher Dr. Sahil Bhandari about this project lead by Dr. Naomi Zimmerman (MECH), Dr. Amanda Giang (MECH, IRES) and Sarah B. Henderson (SPPH). | CBC: Smell Vancouver publishes initial findings, […]
New UBC research facility accelerates innovation in B.C.’s hydrogen energy sector
$23-million Smart Hydrogen Energy District shows viability of integrated energy systems. B.C.’s hydrogen infrastructure enters a new era with today’s launch of the $23-million Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) at UBC. Equipped with a hydrogen fueling station, this facility is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in critical energy research. SHED will produce hydrogen […]
CityNews speaks to Dr. Tavasoli: How achievable is B.C.’s net-zero emissions goal?
Alexandra Tavasoli, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, says that compared to the rest of Canada, B.C. is generally putting in more effort to transition to sustainable technologies.
UBC Killam Research Prize awarded to Dr. Amanda Giang
In recognition of her contributions to the field of environmental modelling and policy, Assistant Professor Amanda Giang has been awarded a UBC Killam Research Prize, one of the university’s top honours for research. Dr. Giang is one of ten campus researchers to be recognized for their outstanding research and scholarship. A faculty member in the […]