Today, UBC formally celebrated the newly named MacIsaac Health Building and the historic $40-million gift from Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac — the largest ever made to a Canadian school of nursing. This future-ready hub for health innovation is home to the MacIsaac School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, UBC Student Health and Wellbeing, Arts Research Commons and the Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic. Now accepting patients, BC’s first team-based teaching clinic will provide primary care for up to 4,450 patients without a regular provider, while students from nine health disciplines learn alongside licensed health professionals. The MacIsaac Health Building reflects UBC’s vision for the future of health education, research and care — bringing disciplines together to advance knowledge and improve health in communities: bit.ly/4yVSHNF @UBCNursing, @ubcappscience, @UBCKin, @UBC_Arts, @ubcLFS, @ubcpharmacy #UBC #HealthEducation #Nursing #TeamBasedCare #Kinesiology #Philanthropy

Meet Dr. Jonathan Wakefield (@jonwakeblue), UBC's new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Bayesian Space Time Modeling for Global Health. Dr. Wakefield is an internationally recognized statistician working toward more equitable access to health and resources. His research has transformed how countries and global organizations, including the UN and WHO, estimate mortality, disease burden and health and demographic indicators. This work is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, where data is often more limited. Learn more about Dr. Wakefield and the research he's bringing to UBC: bit.ly/471Ghb7 @ubcscience

Today, @PZandstra and I published an op-ed in @TheHillTimes arguing that Canada's innovation challenge isn't a shortage of discoveries or startups — it's our ongoing challenges in scaling domestic companies to global competitiveness. The solution lies in universities, industry, and government working together more deliberately. For those without a subscription, here's the core argument: @U15ca universities have launched 1,300+ startups since 2010, and more than 90% of @UBC's 300+ spinoffs have stayed in Canada — but access to growth capital remains a persistent barrier. Companies like @AbCelleraBio have demonstrated what’s possible. Now we need the partnerships and investment to replicate it at scale and we share some ideas towards making progress. Read the full piece here (behind paywall): hilltimes.com/2026/09/23/sca…

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 President's Service Awards for Excellence and the President's Staff Awards! Learn more about the staff who are making UBC a great place to teach, learn and work: bit.ly/4h0izSD

Homecoming football game at Thunderbird Stadium! Big win 25-20 for @UBC Thunderbirds against Regina in front of 10,000 fans. Amazing to meet great students and alumni, do the official coin toss with @AMS_UBC President Dylan Evans and enjoy the game! Go @ubctbirds!

Meet Dr. Crystal Kolden, UBC’s new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Wildfire Resilience. A former wildland firefighter and world-leading wildfire researcher, Dr. Kolden’s work aims to strengthen Canada’s ability to prepare for, respond to and reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfires. Her research explores nature-based solutions that can strengthen community safety, protect water supplies and safeguard critical infrastructure, while enhancing biodiversity and reducing carbon loss. Learn more about Dr. Kolden and the research she’s bringing to UBC: bit.ly/4AawexS @ubcokanagan

UBC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Wall Legacy Awards. This year’s recipients are advancing research focused on sustainability in BC, including work to better understand the microbial networks that sustain our oceans and reduce the impacts of toxic tire-derived chemicals on people and aquatic ecosystems. Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Keeling from @ubcscience and Dr. Rachel Scholes from @ubcappscience, who have each received a $1-million Wall Fellowship, as well as this year’s Wall Research Award recipients. Meet the 2026 recipients and learn more about their research: bit.ly/4iu9fHK

Twelve UBC faculty members have been recognized for their scholarly achievements and contributions through election to The Royal Society of Canada (@src_rsc) as Fellows, or as Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Congratulations! Learn more: bit.ly/4yO5r9h

A welcome back message from UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon.💙 @ubcprez @ubcokanagan

What a day to celebrate the UBC community! 💙 It was wonderful to come together to mark this historic $40-million gift from UBC alumni Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac. Their generosity will help shape the future of nursing education, research and health care for generations to come. Thank you, Matthew and Natalie, for being part of this special moment—and for believing in the people and possibilities that make UBC what it is. @UBCNursing @ubcappscience @ubcprez #UBC #Nursing #HealthEducation #Philanthropy #HigherEducation

UBC has received a $40-million gift from alumni Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac, the largest donation ever made to a school of nursing in Canadian history.  In recognition of their generosity, UBC will name the MacIsaac School of Nursing and its new home, the MacIsaac Health Building, in their honour.   This gift will strengthen nursing education, research and practice and help the MacIsaac School of Nursing—ranked among the top three in Canada and top 25 globally—to prepare the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders to meet BC's growing and evolving health-care needs.  UBC is deeply grateful to the MacIsaacs for this extraordinary investment in the future of nursing and health care. Learn more: bit.ly/4xwzcLf @UBCNursing, @ubcappscience, @ubcokanagan #UBC #Nursing #HealthEducation #Philanthropy #HigherEducation

UBC and @langaracollege have formalized a new collaboration to improve student mobility, expand access and support learner success. The agreement creates new opportunities for transfer, scholarships and academic pathways. Read more: bit.ly/4gKjvZH

UBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Ginter and the reappointment of Mike Walker to the UBC Board of Governors. Sally is an executive leader with extensive experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Her background spans local government, health care and social services, with extensive expertise in organizational leadership, governance and strategic oversight. Mike is a lawyer specializing in business and social enterprise, with deep roots in Vancouver’s non-profit sector. His background also includes journalism and urban policy, along with work in law reform, community relations and housing development. Congratulations to Sally and Mike on their appointments! We look forward to the leadership, experience and perspectives they will bring to the Board and the UBC community. Learn more: bit.ly/4bZDeDm

UBC has ranked 9th globally in the Digital Leaders 2026 Global Ranking, a benchmark of the universities producing talent that drives entrepreneurship, AI, data science, computer science, and digital transformation. This recognition reflects UBC's commitment to excellence in research and education, and to preparing graduates to address complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact. It also highlights the university's contribution to strengthening Canada's leadership in the digital and AI-driven economy. Learn more: bit.ly/45tz8Qf

The University of British Columbia has ranked 2nd in Canada and 32nd overall in the 2026 NTU World University Rankings. From groundbreaking discoveries to real-world impact, UBC continues to set the standard for research excellence on the world stage. Learn more: bit.ly/4gDiySK