Call for Applications – 2024 Lind Initiative Seminar: Pop Politics
UBC students, apply by Nov 14th for the Lind Initiative Seminar on Pop Politics in the United States.
Dr. Rashid Sumaila Earns Monaco’s Prince Albert I Medal
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, renowned in ocean sciences, receives 2023 Prince Albert I medal for his impactful, sustainable work.
News Compilation: September 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for September 2023.
Strategic Plan 2023-2028
Our strategic planning process was underscored by principles of collaboration, consultation, and inclusivity and will give direction to SPPGA over the next five years.
Introducing SPPGA Practitioner Fellow Raissa Fontelas Rosado Gambi
SPPGA is pleased to introduce practitioner fellow Raissa Fontelas Rosado Gambi
Prof. Timothy Cheek Named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for “Field-changing Research”
“In sum, Cheek has done more than virtually any other scholar worldwide to bring history to bear on contemporary Chinese politics, and to interpret current Chinese politics through the lens of history.”
Welcoming Dr. Tarun M. Khanna, SPPGA’s newest faculty member
Joining as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Khanna brings with him a wealth of expertise in energy economics and climate policy.
Prof. Veena Sriram named Canada Research Chair in Global Health Policy
Prof. Sriram and two peers in the Faculty of Arts were awarded Canada Research Chairs for excellence.
Call for Proposals: Liu Lobby Gallery 23/24 – Art as a Vehicle for Social Change
Artists and researchers are invited to submit exhibition proposals for Jan-Apr 2024.
Remembering Phil Lind
“His intellectual curiosity, his dedication to the student community, and his boundless generosity were a constant source of inspiration.”
A Brush with History: Restoring the Artistic Landmarks of the C.K. Choi Building
SPPGA celebrates restoration of UBC’s C.K. Choi Building, revitalizing Asian heritage.
The Institute of Asian Research Fellows Program 2023/24 – Call for Applications
UBC grad students, apply to IAR Fellows Program for research on policy and global affairs.
News Compilation: August 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for August 2023.
Professor Andrea Reimer Appointed to BC Climate Solutions Council
Adjunct Professor and political leader Andrea Reimer was recently appointed to the BC Climate Solutions Council.
Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot Appointed UN Chair on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Congratulations to Professor Sheryl Lightfoot, Chairperson of UN Expert Mechanism!
Dr. Sara Shneiderman Appointed MPPGA Graduate Program Director
Dr. Sara Shneiderman brings her leadership as the new Graduate Program Director for MPPGA
News Compilation: July 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for this month
Announcement of Retirement: Professor Paul Evans
UBC School of Public Policy bids farewell to Prof. Paul Evans, retiring after an impactful career as researcher, teacher, and mentor.
Call for Applications: MPPGA Teaching Assistant Positions
Join our Master’s Teaching Assistant team at SPPGA. Explore opportunities and apply today!
Call for Applications: Practitioner Fellowship Program 2023
Apply for transformative 4-8 month fellowships at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
News Compilation: June 2023
Get the Latest Public Policy and Global Affairs Insights With UBC’s SPPGA Curated News Compilation for June 2023.
News Compilation: May 2023
Get the Latest Public Policy and Global Affairs Insights With UBC’s SPPGA Curated News Compilation for May 2023.
The Gambia: Grounds for Sustainable Change
Sara Shneiderman is an associate professor with over 25 years of research work in the Himalayan region. Learn more about her recent trip to Nepal with the Sajag-Nepal Project.
Call for Proposals: Liu Lobby Gallery 22/23 – Eco Visions Theme
The Liu Lobby Gallery invites UBC artists and researchers to submit exhibition proposals for Summer/Fall 2023.
Harsha Walia Breaks Down Borders: Speaking on Climate Migration, Racial Capitalism and Empire
Canadian activist, writer and organizer Harsha Walia tackles issues of border imperialism, racial capitalism and anti-migrant xenophobia in her recent talk with UBC.
2023 IAR Research Travel Grants Awarded
IAR is pleased to support a diverse group of talented students from faculties across the university through a total of $27,000 in 2023 research grants. Congratulations to all recipients!
Life Resettled: The Sajag-Nepal Project with Sara Shneiderman
Sara Shneiderman is an associate professor with over 25 years of research work in the Himalayan region. Learn more about her recent trip to Nepal with the Sajag-Nepal Project.
GreenTech Asia Grows with the Help of Current and Former SPPGA Students
By David Deen (MPPGA, Class of 2023) Students from the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) are playing a key role in defining Canada’s relationships in Asia. Graduates are working in influential positions within public and private sector organizations on both sides of the Pacific. At the forefront is Green Technology Asia Pte […]
News Compilation: April 2023
SPPGA in the news: A Mongolian boy has been declared an important leader for Tibetan Buddhists
News Compilation: March 2023
SPPGA in the news: What does TikTok know about you? and more
News Compilation: February 2023
SPPGA in the news: Loss in the Aral Sea, Global data concerns, Our Very Own Tyler Prize Award Winner, Turkey’s earthquake recovery, Russian’s Invasion of Ukraine, and more
News Compilation: The Tradeoffs of Nuclear Reactors
With climate concerns on the rise, U.S. and Canadian governments have escalated interest in adopting nuclear energy sources. But with an array of concerns still present, research is needed to assess the feasibility of such implementation. SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana and Allison MacFarlane critically examine considerations for widespread nuclear reactor adoption in their recent research, providing […]
Dr. Rashid Sumaila Awarded Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
SPPGA congratulates Dr. Rashid Sumaila for being named the 2023 Tyler Prize laureate.
KPP Plays Key Role in Launch of Korea Study Group in Federal Parliament
The Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP) played a pivotal role in the launch of the Korea study group in the Canadian Parliament. In 2022, the KPP took a new initiative on parliamentary diplomacy and organized two KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation Visits to South Korea (in April and September), led by SPPGA Professor Kyung-Ae Park. Following the visits, the […]
Dr. Pitman Potter Appointed to the Order of Canada
SPPGA commemorates Dr. Pitman B. Potter for his appointment to the Order of Canada
News Compilation: January 2023
SPPGA in the news: Peru’s violent unrest, Elections in the digital age, Nuclear disarmament and more
Call for Applications: IAR Research Travel Grant
The grant will award $1000 to successful applicants who plan to travel for field work.
Zoe Braden & SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane: Final countdown to site selection for Canada’s nuclear waste
Canada stands on the brink of a momentous decision: selecting a final resting spot for its spent nuclear fuel waste. Article by SPPGA Postdoctoral Research Fellow Zoe Braden and SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane.
Meet Julia G. Bentley, SPPGA Policy Practitioner Fellow
A career diplomat whose work has focused chiefly on Asia, Julia G. Bentley has held a variety of senior positions at Global Affairs Canada—most recently as Canada’s High Commissioner in Malaysia.
Profs. Navin Ramankutty and Milind Kandlikar: How Can Machine Learning Help in Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Crop Yields?
Profs. Navin Ramankutty and Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES) examine how machine learning can inform climate change’s impact on crop yields.
MPPGA Student Panthea Pourmalek, Prof. Heidi Tworek, Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Can Elections Survive the Digital Age?
Researchers from SPPGA’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) and the Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research examine the role of social media in elections.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: The Decline and Fall of Nuclear Disarmament in 2022
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the state of nuclear disarmament in 2022.
Prof. Paul Evans: Final Class
On Dec 7 SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans taught his final class, bringing 42 years of university teaching to a close.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Trade Focus to Split in 2023 Between Indo-Pacific, U.S.
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell comments on trade negotiations with India, Indonesia, and ASEAN as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana: Canada’s First New Nuclear Power Reactor in 30 Years Has Embarked on a Crucial Review
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana comment on the review process for Canada’s first new nuclear power reactor in 30 years.
Liu Scholar Sun Ryung Park: Green Tech Race in the Solar Supply Chain: Tracking Innovation
Liu Scholar Sun Ryung Park publishes a paper on innovation tracking in the “green tech race,” particularly in the solar industry in the US and China.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Fusion: It’s Really About Nuclear Weapons, Not Clean Energy
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article on nuclear fusion and highlights the challenges of achieving “clean fusion energy.”
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Canada’s Asian Engagement Sharpens Regional Security Focus
Prof. Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses political governance in the Indo-Pacific, particularly recent leadership changes in Japan and South Korea.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: How Can Fisheries Support Biodiversity Recovery?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is quoted in an article highlighting how fisheries and people can address threats against biodiversity.
Call for Applications: SPPGA Practitioner Fellowship Program
SPPGA is accepting applications from mid to senior-career professionals in public policy, international development, global affairs, government, and related areas to partake in research and engagement activities.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Firmly Dips Its Toe in Indo-Pacific Waters
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans writes an article on Canada’s long-waited Indo-Pacific Strategy and how it will advance Canada’s relationships with its allies and partners.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: Globalised Food Systems Are Making Hunger Worse
A 2018 study co-led by Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) is mentioned in an article about global food systems.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: What Commentators Get Wrong (and Right) About North Korea
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) writes an article about the ‘unfair portrayals’ of North Korea and its implications for policy and security.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mongolians Brave the Cold to Decry Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes comments on the anti-corruption protests in Mongolia and the consequences of leaderless movements.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Protests in Peru After Ousting of President Pedro Castillo
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) speaks about the protests in Peru after the ousting of President Pedro Castillo.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Energy or Weapons? What the Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Really Means
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article about a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion research. He comments on nuclear power’s viability as an energy source and what this means for weapons development.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: Scientists Produce More Energy in a Fusion Reaction Than Was Used to Ignite It
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane shares thoughts on a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion in a radio broadcast with CBC News.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: The High Seas: The Last Frontier for Ocean Finance
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the new the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement and how it can help manage the High Seas.
Prof. Matias Margulis: Planning A Holiday Feast? Be Prepared for the Sticker Shock, Experts Say
Prof. Matias Margulis (SPPGA; LFS) comments on rising food prices and how it affects Canadians’ festivities this holiday season.
The Phil Lind Initiative 2023 | Call for Volunteers
EVENT VOLUNTEERS | PHIL LIND INITIATIVE (Un)Civil Discourse: The Sorry State of Political Polarization in the United States What it is. The Phil Lind Initiative is an annual dialogue series and course hosted by the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and is made possible by a […]
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: 10 Billion Mouths to Feed
Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) discusses how combating global food insecurity requires a complex set of solutions.
Elena Gordillo Fuertes: The Slow Violence of Air Pollution in Mongolia
MPPGA Student and IAR Fellow Elena Gordillo Fuertes writes an article on the toxicity of air pollution in Mongolia.
Prof. David Boyd: Here Are 5 Things To Know About COP15 and How It Affects B.C.
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) outlines how the COP15 biodiversity summit impacts B.C.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Charities Offering Meals Grapple Shrinking Donations and Soaring Demand
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen comments on how political conflict and food insecurity are affecting organizations offering hot meals during the holidays.
Prof. Gerald Baier: Speculation Grows in B.C. Over Snap Provincial Election
Prof. Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on the consequences and implications if Premier David Eby were to call a mid-election.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mass Protests in Mongolia Decry ‘Coal Mafia,’ Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes writes an article on mass protests in Mongolia due to recent revelations about coal mining corruption.
Prof. Vina Nadjibulla: Canada Rethinks Its Relationship with China
SPPGA Adjunct Prof. Vina Nadjibulla speaks in a podcast about Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy and what it means for Canada’s relationship with China.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Plutonium is Plutonium, Period, and Separating It Increases Nuclear Proliferation Risks
Prof. M.V Ramana co-writes an article on the global security risks of separating plutonium from spent nuclear fuel.
Prof. Veena Sriram Awarded 2022 SSHRC Grant
Assistant Professor Veena Sriram has been awarded research funding for a critical analysis of health worker protests in the COVID-19 era
News Compilation: China’s Zero-COVID Policy
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses civil unrest in China as a result of the country’s zero-COVID approach.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: This Is How the U.S. Totally Misjudged the War in Ukraine
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) comments on the American and allied intelligence agencies’ predictions for the Russia-Ukraine war.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Growth Rate Declining
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the declining growth rate of seafood and how it will impact minority groups.
Prof. Paul Evans: Families with a Proud Legacy in China
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans and his book “Engaging China” are referenced in an article about the legacy of Canadian missionaries and the importance of Canada’s relations with China.
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng: Women Politicians in Southeast Asia Face Abuse
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng writes an article about the rise of violence towards female politicians and activists in Southeast Asia.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Can Wild and Farmed Fish Co-Exist?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the current aquaculture system and how land-based systems could be an alternative to open-net fish farming.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Power No Solution for the N.W.T., Some Experts Suggest
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the lack of economic incentives to manufacture small modular reactors (SMRs) for remote communities in Canada.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Scientists Say Farmed Fish Can’t Replace Fish Caught in the Wild
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses in a podcast a potential supply shortage of seafood.
Prof. M.V Ramana: New-build Nuclear Must Face Down Industry’s Costly Past
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Reacts to Alleged Chinese Political Interference
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans comments on the allegations of China’s involvement in Canadian politics.
Prof. David Boyd: Barrick Gold Under Fire by UN for Toxic Spills From Veladero Mine in Argentina
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) signed a UN letter expressing concern about toxic spills from the Veladero mine in Argentina.
Prof. Gerald Baier: B.C. Liberals Gamble on New Name: B.C. United
Prof. Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on the implications of the B.C. Liberal party’s name change.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Plant-based Seafood Substitute Meets Demand For Food Sustainability
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the benefits of plant-based substitutes for fish to achieve a more sustainable food supply.
Call for Applications – 2023 Lind Initiative Seminar: (Un)Civil Discourse (PPGA 591C)
UBC students, apply by December 7 to the 3-credit Lind Initiative Seminar on the topic of the 2023 Phil Lind Initiative series, (Un)Civil Discourse, in Term 2 at UBC Vancouver.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Farming’s Growth Rate Has Already Peaked, and Now It’s in Decline
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses aquaculture over-optimism and seafood farming’s declining growth rate.
MPPGA Student Norma Patiño Sánchez Receives 2022 Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship
Congratulations to UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student Norma Patiño Sánchez for receiving the 2022 Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: From Nuclear Power to Bamboo: The Climate Solutions at COP27
A study co-authored by SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane on nuclear waste is mentioned in an article about climate solutions proposed at COP27.
Prof. M.V Ramana: Will Expanding Canada’s Plutonium Interests Support the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana co-writes an article on the security risk of separating Canada’s plutonium interests (subscription).
Prof. M.V Ramana: Climate, Conflicts, Prompt New Look at Old Nuclear
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: COP27: Which Countries Will Push to End Fossil Fuel Production?
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-writes an article on the need for international participation to end fossil fuel production.
Congratulations to 2022 Simons Award Recipients!
Six UBC students received the 2022 Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security for their research on nuclear disarmament, nuclear energy, and global security.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: TPG&E Resubmits License Renewal for Diablo
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana warns about the implications of renewing a previously withdrawn license to operate the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant (subscription).
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Vancouver Critical Mineral Firms Caught in Chinese Investments
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) acknowledges Canada’s abrupt change in direction on Chinese investments in Canadian critical-mineral exploration.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Musk’s Twitter Takeover Creates Uncertainty for Professionals Using Platform for Good
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) discusses how Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter impacts individuals and their professions.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: AI May Help Authorities Track ‘Ghost’ Fishing Boats
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the importance of AI technology development to detect illegal fishing accounts in the ocean.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Why It’s So Hard to Decide Whether Nuclear Power is a Good Idea for the Climate
Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the financial costs and safety risks of using nuclear power as a main energy source in Canada.
Call for Applications: Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment
Applications are open to UBC graduate students studying environmental issues and is supervised by an SPPGA faculty member.
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: The Indo Pacific’s Green Industrial Policy Race
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discuss the race for green innovation and policy among Indo-Pacific nations.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Elected as Brazilian President
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell’s research is quoted in an article about Lula’s victory in Brazil’s presidential election.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada and China – Looking to The Future
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans discusses Canada and China’s economic relations as China soars to become the world’s most powerful economy.
MPPGA Student David Deen Co-produces Home Away from Home: The Untold Story of Canada’s ‘Little Tibet’
MPPGA Student David Deen co-produces a broadcast depicting the Tibetan community’s fight to preserve its identity in Canada.