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 […]
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 […]
Sustainable Innovations in Marine Engineering
In conversation with Applied Science’s Master of Engineering Leadership program, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Program Director Dr. Jon Mikkelsen discusses the industry’s exciting – and ambitious – efforts to decarbonize and how this is creating opportunities for marine engineering leaders to make a difference here in Vancouver and around the world.
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 […]
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 […]
Driving an electric car is cheaper in some parts of Canada than others
This article originally appeared on UBC News. Electric vehicles are a critical part of Canada’s climate strategy, but a new UBC study highlights how it’s cheaper in some regions than others to drive electric—making it more challenging for certain households to make the switch. Location, location, location The researchers analyzed how far people need to drive their electric […]
CBC interviews Dr. Alex Tavasoli about the future of carbon capture
In CBC Radio’s “What On Earth”, host Laura Lynch explores climate solutions with guest experts and activists. UBC Mechanical Engineering’s Assistant Professor Alexandra Tavasoli was interviewed as one of three experts on carbon capture technology in the January 14, 2024 episode, “War, peace and a changing climate”. After discussing the environmental impacts of war, and […]
Tackling urban freight emissions with improved measurements & models
Photo by Andy Li on Unsplash Researchers Dr. Amanda Giang and Dr. Patrick Kirchen are working to improve urban freight systems emissions through mitigation planning in a new five-year project. Looking at marine, road and rail freight transport, they will develop planning tools that integrate real-world data, allowing government and industry to make informed decisions […]