Casting Light on the Workings of Illegal Fishing Markets
New research by professors Philippe Le Billon and Rashid Sumaila outlines how industrial-scale illegal fishing continues to undermine ocean sustainability, coastal livelihoods, and global seafood markets despite decades of regulation and recent advances in surveillance technology
#PowerU with Andrea Reimer: World Cup Edition
What can we learn about power mapping by using the 2026 Men’s World Cup as a case study? SPPGA Adjunct Professor Andrea Reimer teases out the different forms of power that are on the field in this 4-video series.
Listen Now: Beyond Fires and Floods on Media Indigena Podcasts
Media Indigena’s Beyond Fires & Floods podcast series offers an opportunity to engage more deeply with the Indigenous voices and perspectives shaping how climate change is understood and communicated today.
The Path Forward for Nuclear Waste in the U.S.
New report released by bipartisan experts (including SPPGA Director and Professor Allison Macfarlane) details how the formation of a nuclear reactor owner-led corporation could successfully manage and dispose of nuclear waste in the U.S.
Vancouver residents motivated to prepare for disasters, but seek more support and connection
A new report from UBC’s Disaster Resilience Research Network (DRRN) in collaboration with the City of Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) is authored in part by by Prof. Sara Shneiderman, MPPGA student Hang Cheng Ip and recent MPPGA alum Raahina Somani.
Reparations in Higher Education: a conversation with Tricia Logan
Prof. Tricia Logan leads the SSHRC Insight Grant–funded project “Facing Colonial Complicity and Mobilizing Reparations in Canadian Higher Education”
International Security Scholar Dr. Alex Yu-Ting Lin joins SPPGA Faculty
At a time when questions of power, security, and global order are becoming increasingly urgent, we are pleased to welcome international security scholar Dr. Alex Yu-Ting Lin to the SPPGA faculty.
Crisis of Democracy in the Andean Region: Report by Professor Max Cameron
Prof. Maxwell Cameron is the lead author of a new policy report that investigates crises of democracy in the Andrean region
Training Future Policy Leaders to Tackle Climate Change: A Conversation with Prof Milind Kandlikar
Professor Milind Kandlikar reflects on his career in a conversation with SPPGA, sharing his motivations and unpacking the global issues that he strives to address.
Challenges in Partnered Research: Dr. Moura Quayle, Associate Provost, UBC Vancouver
In this podcast, Moura touches on her work with SPPGA and the Knowledge Exchange Unit, emphasizing the vital role of staff in fostering meaningful relationships with external partners.
Difficult Archives, Difficult Memories: Transformations in Black and Indigenous Worlds
The Transformative Memory International Network held a MemoLab, bringing together more than 40 artists, activists and scholars in an experimental space involving artistic creation, knowledge exchange and emplaced learning at sites of memory.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Prof. Tricia Logan Provides Expert Comment
Prof. Tricia Logan spoke with media this week on and in the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Protecting elections in the age of generative AI: Q&A with Chris Tenove
CSDI’s Chris Tenove discuss the risks and potential positive uses of generative AI in elections
Meet Practitioner Fellow Ginette Azcona, Senior Data Policy Specialist at UN Women
Ginette Azcona is senior researcher, data scientist, and policy specialist at UN Women based in New York.
Dr. Soo Yeon Kim joins SPPGA as Pacific Affairs Editor & Faculty Member
Dr. Soo Yeon Kim joins SPPGA faculty as an Associate Professor who offers a wealth of expertise in global political economy and trade politics.
Why Nuclear Energy is Not the Solution to the Climate Crisis: Q&A with M.V. Ramana
SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana elaborates on his new book “Nuclear is Not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change”.
Meet Tricia Logan, SPPGA’s Incoming Assistant Professor
“Listening and giving space for all voices in the room is so important. Especially for governance or policy, to learn effective ways to challenge structures of historic harms and/or build from positions of strength.”
Food Security, Climate Change & Biodiversity Loss: A Conversation with Professor Rashid Sumaila
Professor Rashid Sumaila reflects on his career in a conversation with SPPGA, sharing his motivations and unpacking the global issues that he strives to address.
Welcoming Dr. Candis Callison to the SPPGA faculty
“My interest in how diverse publics come to know and care about climate change drives my research” Learn more about our newest faculty member Candis Callison.
Prof. Sara Shneiderman Recognized for Excellence in Mentoring
Prof. Sara Shneiderman is being honoured with the Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to the guidance and support of graduate students.
Advancing Gender Equality and Security with Erin Baines and Liliane Pari Umuhoza
SPPGA Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA student Liliane Pari Umuhoza recently presented at the third annual RN-WPS symposium at the University of Ottawa.
Welcome 2024 Liu Scholars
SPPGA welcomes four 2024 Liu Scholars – strong advocates for social change who will be working with SPPGA faculty members on pertinent topics.
Julian Dierkes Awarded Mongolian Friendship Medal
Described as Mongolia’s “highest state honor” this award commemorates the long-standing academic and policy-engaged research on Mongolia which Prof. Dierkes has undertaken over the past decade.
SPPGA 2022-23 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2022-23 annual report.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Rights and Representation Support Justice Across Aquatic Food Systems
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research study that examines the significance of injustices in aquatic food systems.
SPPGA Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2021-22 annual report.
Allison Macfarlane: “Fixing” the Nuclear Waste Problem? The New Political Economy of Spent Fuel Management in the United States
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane co-authors a publication analysing the economic, geographic and technological aspects behind spent nuclear fuel management in the U.S.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: The Four Domains of Global Platform Governance
‘The Four Domains of Global Platform Governance’ is an essay series co-edited by Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) for CIGI. Each section examines platform governance from four distinct policy angles: content, data, competition and infrastructure.
UBC and Stanford-led Research Finds Small Modular Reactors will Exacerbate Challenges of Highly Radioactive Nuclear Waste
Small modular reactors, long touted as the future of nuclear energy, will actually generate more radioactive waste than conventional nuclear power plants, according to research from the University of British Columbia and Stanford.
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Dr. Chris Tenove, MPPGA Students: Online Hate in the Pandemic
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chris Tenove, MPPGA alumnus Wilson Dargbeh and MPPGA student Oliver Zhang, publish an article outlining case studies on hate and harassment targeting health communicators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Five UBC SPPGA Faculty Awarded SSHRC Funding for Projects
Profs. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF), Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History), Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History), Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES), and Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development, Partnership Grants, and Insight Grants for various projects.
MPPGA Students: A Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall published a report on One Health Commission exploring the implementation of One Health in jurisdictions in Asia to find ‘good practices’ that can inspire, inform, strengthen, and accelerate One Health policy implementation in British Columbia, Canada.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty Appointed as Renewed Canada Research Chair in Data Science for Sustainable Global Food Systems
Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) was appointed as a renewed Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Data Science for Sustainable Global Food Systems. Prof. Ramankutty is one of four new and renewed CRCs in the Faculty of Arts at UBC.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Fish Crimes in the Global Oceans
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors the first global analysis research article examining data linkages among fisheries-related violations from 2000 to 2020.
SPPGA Faculty Awarded Research Excellence Clusters Funds
Six faculty members with the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs have received funding through the Research Excellence Clusters initiative in 2022/23, among the forty research excellence clusters led by researchers on the Vancouver campus.
Ketty Anyeko: “Justice is Lived”
Ketty Anyeko (SPPGA Postdoctoral Research Fellow) writes about their doctoral research findings, discussing women’s senses of justice and reparations after wartime sexual violence in Northern Uganda.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: Ten Facts about Land Systems for Sustainability
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) collaborates with other experts to create a study aiming to guide policymakers, practitioners, and scientists towards meeting sustainability challenges in land use.
MPPGA Student Tasha Carruthers, Prof. M.V. Ramana and Others on Decolonizing Energy and Small Modular Reactors
In collaboration with SPPGA Prof Ramana, MPPGA student Tasha Carruthers co-authors this article discussing why the Kebaowek First Nation is calling for an alternative to a planned nuclear reactor.
Prof. Heidi Tworek Awarded Canada Research Chair in History and Policy of Health Communications
Associate Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) has been appointed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in History and Policy of Health Communications.
Prof. Tara Cookson Awarded Canada Research Chair in Gender, Development, and Global Public Policy
SPPGA Assistant Professor Tara Cookson has been appointed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Gender, Development, and Global Public Policy.
Summary of Amicus Briefs by Prof. Erin Baines in the Case of The Prosecutor vs Dominic Ongwen
Read a summary of two Amicus Briefs in the case of The Prosecutor vs Dominic Ongwen at the International Criminal Court by Prof. Erin Baines.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila Receives Prestigious SSHRC 2021 Impact Award
Dr. Rashid Sumaila is the recipient of the 2021 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Impact Award in the Partnership category. Dr. Sumaila will receive the Impact Award on behalf of the OceanCanada Partnership, a SSHRC-funded research initiative.
From Flies to File Storage: Policy Issues in the Life-Cycle of Explanatory Journalism
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) co-authors a report based on multi-disciplinary and multi-lingual research about the production, distribution, and impact of explanatory journalism in Canada.
Research Network on Women, Peace and Security and MINDS Combine Forces to Address Threats to Well-being of Women and Girls
The Research Network on Women, Peace and Security, an international, bilingual research hub leading a multi-faceted study of the Government of Canada’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, was recently funded $750,000 over three years by the Department of National Defence via the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security program.
Professor George Hoberg Publishes New Book: “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis”
What are the risks around a so-called “resistance dilemma” in a world hungry for clean and renewable energy? SPPGA Professor George Hoberg’s new book, “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis,” is a fresh take on the climate movement and its shift from lobbying to blocking new fossil fuel infrastructure.
MPPGA Global Policy Project Catalogue
We’ve launched the full catalogue of Global Policy Projects from UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students, showcasing their work with clients on real-world policy challenges. Learn about each project, browse policy reports, and view presentations.
Four New UBC SPPGA Faculty Projects Receive SSHRC Funding
SPPGA congratulates professors Philippe Le Billon, Rashid Sumaila, Sheryl Lightfoot, and Kristen Hopewell whose projects received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development and Insight Grants.
SPPGA Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs has published its 2020-2021 annual report which features our faculty’s research projects, policy engagement, and notable achievements, student and alumni profiles, and our various convening and learning activities.
2021 Global Policy Project Symposium Highlights
As a defining element of UBC’s professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) curriculum, the Global Policy Project (GP2) provides the opportunity for MPPGA students to engage with policy makers and civil society organizations on a real-world policy challenge, in Canada and around the world. Learn more on the Global Policy Project page. On April […]
When the Hegemon Goes Rogue: Leadership amid the U.S. Assault on the Liberal Trading Order
In her latest publication, SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell argues that the EU has taken the lead in defending the established order of the WTO, despite the focus on U.S. and China’s rising trade tensions under the Trump administration.
Study Identifies Major Barriers to Financing a Sustainable Ocean Economy
The latest report Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) co-authored found four major barriers to a sustainable global ocean economy. The report recommends public-private partnership models to help close the gap in conservation financing.
Expertise, Labour, and Mobility in Nepal’s Post-Conflict, Post-Disaster Reconstruction
The SSHRC-funded Partnership Development Grant ‘Expertise, Labour, and Mobility in Nepal’s Post-Conflict, Post-Disaster Reconstruction’ released two policy briefs on reconstructing Nepal regarding finance and law following the 2015 earthquake. Each brief was produced by a team led by Principal Investigator, Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; Anthropology).
David Boyd, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, co-launches Researchathon on Sacrifice Zones and Human Rights
Join this year’s researchathon, hosted by Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) and Marcos A Orellana, which investigates “sacrifice zones” – places of severe pollution or environmental degradation where profits have been prioritized over people and public interests.
Professor Kristen Hopewell Appointed Wilson China Fellow at the Wilson Center
SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell, Canada Research Chair in Global Policy, has been appointed a non-resident Wilson China Fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Learn more about what this appointment entails.
The Case for Universal Recognition of the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES), in his role as the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, co-authored a report on “The Case for Universal Recognition of the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment.”
Research by Prof. Erin Baines and Justice and Reconciliation Project and the Conviction of Ongwen at the International Criminal Court
Previous research conducted by SPPGA Associate Professor Erin Baines and the Justice and Reconciliation Project in Uganda generated debate in Uganda and globally, and informed the defence of Dominic Ongwen at the International Criminal Court.
Nepal’s Challenges in Delivering Education Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
MPPGA Students Nabila Farid, Boyd Hayes and Riya Sirkhell outline the challenges Nepal and South Asian countries have faced in delivering education during Covid-19 as part of their Global Policy Project.
MPPGA Information Sessions
Looking to join the Fall 2021 cohort of the professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program? The program has hosted four virtual information sessions to help prospective students understand the unique benefits of the program and to navigate the application process. The recordings are available below. Contact the Program: Why Choose the MPPGA […]
COVID-19 Research by MPPGA Summer Research Assistants
Over summer 2020, MPPGA students conducted research related to the Covid-19 pandemic with UBC professors and produced infographics that illustrate their research question, main findings, and policy relevance. Learn more.
Professor Kristen Hopewell Awarded SSHRC Tier 2 CRC in Global Policy
Professor Kristen Hopewell has been awarded the SSHRC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Global Policy in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia.
Global Public Policy Project Reflection: Applying an Equity Lens with the City of Vancouver
A team of Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) students at the University of British Columbia published a reflection of their immersive Global Policy Project that took place in 2019 and 2020 with their client, the City of Vancouver – Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability Department. Read the reflection below: Global Public Policy Project […]
Media Mentions: David Boyd Presents on Right to Healthy Environment to UN
On October 27, David Boyd presented a report to the United Nations General Assembly. He looks at the link between human rights and a healthy environment, and how the right to a healthy environment can hold governments and businesses accountable.
Why Trade Restrictions Must Be Eliminated During COVID-19’s Second Wave
“The use of export restrictions is damaging to global health systems – and ultimately undermines efforts to combat the Coronavirus.” Professor Kristen Hopewell & Joshua Tafel (MPPGA Alumni) speak on the restrictions of exporting medical products. More at The Conversation.
Professor Heidi Tworek’s “News from Germany” Wins Book Prizes
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) is the recipient of the 2020 Ralph Gomory Prize and the 2019 Ernst Fraenkel Prize for her book, News from Germany: The Competition to Control World Communications, 1900- 1945.
Starting Local: Creating Value from Mining in Rural Communities
Read the latest report from Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA/Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering), Dr. Jocelyn Fraser, and Zorigtkhuu Bat-Erdene on developing strategies for local procurement of the mining industry in Mongolia.
Dr. Ramankutty Work in Agricultural Land Use Mapping Featured by NASA Earthdata
Find out how Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA & IRES) uses Earth observing data to study global patterns of agricultural land use and the environmental impacts of these actions. Read more from his profile with NASA Earthdata.
The Launch of The Xinjiang Documentation Project
We are pleased to announce the launch of The Xinjiang Documentation Project. Based at the Institute of Asian Research in UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, this multi-disciplinary research project aims to document and highlight the detention of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.
Global Policy Engagement: A Look Back at the 2019-2020 MPPGA Global Policy Projects
Eight second year student teams completed their immersive Global Policy Projects in various regions around the world throughout 2019 and culminating in spring 2020. The Global Policy Project is a core component of UBC’s professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program.
Small Modular Reactors Aren’t the Energy Answer for Remote Communities and Mines
The energy costs associated with small modular reactors exceed those of diesel-based electricity. Policy-makers should focus on renewables, argue SPPGA Professor Ramana, Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA & Mining Engineering), and MPPGA alumna Sarah Froese. Read the article in Policy Options.
Leaving Big Tech to Govern Themselves Doesn’t Work. They’re Getting Even Worse
The appearance of Silicon Valley giants at US Congress last week made one thing plain: these huge companies represent an alarming concentration of economic and political power. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) suggests that the world’s largest tech firms are failing to play their part in keeping us safe.
Japan’s Leadership in the Liberal International Order: Impact and Policy Opportunities for Partners
Since 2016, Japan has shown remarkable leadership on several dimensions of global and regional economic governance, including trade governance, economic and data governance, regional rules-based order, and environmental governance. How significant is this new phase of Japanese international leadership in historical perspective? What factors are driving this new global leadership? What are implications for Japan’s partners, including Canada, and the US?
SPPGA 2019-2020 Annual Report
Learn more about the unique strengths and activities of UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and our Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program in our 2019-2020 Annual Report.
MPPGA Graduates Ready to Influence Policy Change on Global Issues
Our Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students don’t have to wait until graduation to make their mark on the world. Hear from several graduates on their most memorable program moments, their policy career plans after graduation, as well as their advice for our current and future students.
What Constitutes “Local”? Exploring How to Create Local Value from Mining in Rural Mongolia
In the remote areas, such as southwestern Mongolia, with very few local businesses, what constitutes “local” procurement? Now in its third year, this research partnership provides a unique opportunity to learn about effective approaches to public engagement when designing a mine. Stay tuned for details.
Informing Public Knowledge, Practice & Research: The Community-UBC Refugee & Migration Working Group
The Community-UBC Refugee & Migration Working Group connects members from across sectors and agencies who work collectively to inform public knowledge, practice, and research. Learn more about their past and current work.
Hong Kong Contextualized: Exploring Conflict Through Students’ Lens
Pro-democracy versus pro-China rhetoric has fostered a climate of anxiety on one of Canada’s largest universities; this series, written by MPPGA student Cassandra Jeffery, explores the effects, and potential solutions of, deepening ideological polarization by showcasing the diverse perspectives surrounding the Hong Kong conflict.
Professor Sara Shneiderman Awarded a Fostering Research Partnerships Fund Grant
SPPGA Associate Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; Anthropology) was awarded a Fostering Research Partnerships Fund (FRPF) grant for her project titled, “Understanding Nepali-Canadian Experiences in BC: Immigration, Intergenerational Change, and Well-Being,” in collaboration with Dr. Rina Pradhan.
UBC Performing Well According to Times Higher Education Rankings
UBC continues to do well in international rankings, placing in the top 100 in all categories in the Times Higher Education subject rankings in 2019. UBC also placed well in rankings based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SPPGA 2018-2019 Annual Report
Learn more about UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2018-2019 Annual Report.
National Survey Results and Findings on Canadian Public Attitudes on China and Canada-China Relations
The results of a national survey on Canadian public attitudes on China and Canada-China Relations have been released by UBC. It is the fourth in a series conducted over the past two years intended to survey Canadian views on a wide range of issues.
China Choices: Recalibrating Engagement in a Turbulent Era—Canadian & Australian Views
Workshop co-chairs, SPPGA Professors Timothy Cheek and Paul Evans, released a report entitled, China Choices: Recalibrating Engagement in a Turbulent Era, Canadian and Australian Views.
Rapidly Changing Arctic Fisheries Potential Requires Comprehensive Management
UBC researchers Travis C. Tai, a post-doctoral researcher at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and Rashid Sumaila, professor at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, use an integrated modeling approach to estimate the potential of commercial fisheries across Canada’s Arctic in response to climate change.
Transformative Memory Partnership: An International Network
Learn about an international exchange on transformative memory between artists, activists and academics in Gulu, Uganda, led by SPPGA Professor Erin Baines and GRSJ Professor Pilar Riaño Alcalá.
Professor Rashid Sumaila Receives CRC in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics
Professor Rashid Sumaila (IOF; SPPGA) has been awarded the Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics, Tier 1.
Assistant Professor Nadja Kunz Receives Prestigious Title of Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship
Assistant Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA, Mining Engineering) has received the prestigious title of Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship at UBC. Learn more about her research.
Engaging Stakeholders to Support Sustainable Outcomes from Mining: New Models for Mine Design
UBC researchers from SPPGA and the Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering are investigating community engagement strategies to assess which approaches are most effective for enabling project stakeholders to provide input to mine planners as engineering design decisions are being made.
Unlocking Value in the Early Mine Life Cycle
Report: Creating and Sharing Value with Communities in the Early Mine Life-Cycle: The Case Of Erdene Resource Development Corporation In Mongolia
Report Release: Child Tracing in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda
SPPGA & the Women’s Advocacy Network in Uganda have released a report, “Child Tracing in post-conflict northern Uganda” and highlights from their advocacy trip to the UN.
How to Conserve Half the Planet Without Going Hungry
This paper explores the possibility of giving 50% of the earth’s surface back to nature.
Technical and social problems of nuclear waste
M.V. Ramana of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs recently contributed an article to WIREs: Energy and Environment.