Faculty

North Korea in a Changing World

Prof. Kyung-Ae Park’s Knowledge Partnership Program at UBC hosts the first-ever seminar on North Korea in the parliament.

How to fight disinformation, according to a historian of media

Disinformation is nothing new. Here’s how to fight it, according to historian and policy expert Heidi Tworek.

Diplomats: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters

What exactly do diplomats do, and why should we care? This introduction to the world of diplomacy is an educational resource created by Joël Dalibard as part of his residence as an SPPGA Practitioner Fellow.

Nuclear Energy and Power-Hungry AI: Faculty Expert Opinion

With the power-hungry tech industry looking to nuclear energy to meet the rising demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI), SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M. V. Ramana provide expert opinion about its risks, costs, and long-term sustainability. AI’s Energy Demands and Nuclear’s Uncertain Future In the recent Georgetown Journal of International Affairs article, “AI’s Energy […]

Canada’s Federal Election: Expert Opinion on Foreign Interference, Misinformation and Democracy

SPPGA faculty members offer expert opinion on foreign interferences and misinformation impacting the results of Canada’s upcoming federal election

Prof. Sara Shneiderman Awarded Surya P. Subedi Prize

Prof. Sara Shneiderman and co-authors: Bina Khapunghang Limbu, Jeevan Baniya, Manoj Suji, Nabin Rawal, Prakash Chandra Subedi, and Cameron David Warner awarded the Royal Asiatic Society 2024 Surya P. Subedi Prize.

Announcement of Retirement: Professor Moura Quayle

The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs bids a heartfelt farewell to Prof. Emeritus and Founding Director Moura Quayle, a distinguished thought leader in UBC’s academic community

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

Hitting Back Against Trump’s Tariffs: Faculty Expert Opinion

In the midst of cross-border uproar surrounding proposed tariffs by American president Donald Trump, SPPGA faculty and associated researchers weigh in with expert opinion on how our nation’s future might be impacted by a trade war and what we can do to fight back.

Prof. Rashid Sumaila Awarded King Charles III Commemoration Medal

Rashid Sumaila receives a King Charles III Commemoration Medal, nominated by the Honorable Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra.

Former Foreign Minister Marc Garneau Spotlights Prof. Kyung-Ae Park’s Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP)

The work of Prof. Kyung-Ae Park has recently been highlighted by Marc Garneau, Canada’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his newly published memoir.

The Looming Threat of Nuclear Weapons: “the bomb” and Faculty Insights

From Trump’s executive orders putting nuclear safety at risk, to weapons manufactures who profit off of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, read faculty insights and events on looming nuclear threats

Where do Canada’s fruits and vegetables come from? New website maps the flow into provinces

Prof. Navin Ramankutty and Dr. Kushank Bajaj (SPPGA; IRES) help Canadians reconnect with the story of their food with the new website Canada Food Flows

Trump’s Return: Faculty Insights in the Media

SPPGA faculty members offer their expert insights into how Trump’s return will impact Canada, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond.

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.

Shaping Policy for Myanmar’s Future: UBC Myanmar Initiative Visits Ottawa

In October 2024, the UBC Myanmar Initiative at SPPGA visited Ottawa to meet with MP’s and policy practitioners and present their research findings on possible post-conflict scenarios in Myanmar.

SPPGA Year in Review: 2023-24 Highlights

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs continues to foster interdisciplinary research, innovative educational programs, impactful policy engagement and a range of other events and activities.

Building Cooperative Security in Asia Pacific: Canadian Track-Two Initiatives,1989-2005

Written at the beginning of a turbulent Indo-Pacific era, this is an aide mémoire focused on Canadian efforts led by academics and officials working with Asian partners to advance cooperative and human security in a region then described as Asia Pacific.

Mine Water Management and Stewardship: Nadja Kunz Canada Research Chair Renewal

SPPGA Prof. Nadja Kunz has been renewed as the Canada Research Chair of Mine Water Management and Stewardship in recognition of her valuable contributions to the field.

News Compilation: December 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for December 2024.

From Earthquakes to Floods: Prof. Sara Shneiderman on Preparedness and Multi-Hazard Approaches

Prof. Sara Shneiderman discusses key findings in her latest publication about disaster preparedness in BC.

News Compilation: October 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for October 2024.

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

SPPGA Professors Tricia Logan and Matias Margulis Receive SSHRC Awards

SPPGA Professors Tricia Logan and Matias Margulis are amongst the eight-three UBC-led research projects receiving SSHRC awards this year.

News Compilation: September 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for September 2024.

Professor Heidi Tworek Elected to Royal Society of Canada

Congratulations to Professor Heidi Tworek, one of five UBC Arts professors announced today by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) as new Fellows and Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.

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.

Fueling Discovery: 2023/24 Grants & Funding

In the 2023/24 academic year, SPPGA faculty secured $18.2 million in new funding, through 30+ competitive funds. Building on her work in health communications, Prof. Heidi Tworek joined the health communications stream of The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society at SFU, and her group succeeded in securing a $13.5 million grant on providing […]

Influencing Policy: 2023/24 Publications & Presentations

SPPGA faculty members’ 150+ publications covered pressing issues in a variety of fields including international trade, global challenges to democracy, social protection systems, health and care workforce policy, and climate change. Prof. Kristen Hopewell’s article on the return of development policy space in the multilateral trading system published in the Review of International Political Economy […]

Expert Commentary in the Media, 2023-24

This past year, SPPGA faculty and scholars achieved significant media visibility with their expert commentary sought in topics spanning from global diplomacy to climate change, nuclear energy, and Indigenous rights.

News Compilation: August 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for August 2024.

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”.

News Compilation: July 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for July 2024.

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.

News Compilation: June 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for June 2024.

The Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment (CARE) Program

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) announces the Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment (or CARE) Program: an innovative partnership with Sciences Po in Paris, the University of Toronto, and the University of Guelph.

News Compilation: May 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for May 2024.

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.

Prof. Max Cameron elected Vice President and President-elect of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA)

Congratulations to SPPGA/POLI Prof. Max Cameron who has been elected Vice President and President-elect of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of […]

Announcement of Retirement: Professor George Hoberg

UBC School of Public Policy bids farewell to Prof. George Hoberg, retiring after an impactful career as researcher, teacher, and mentor.

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.

News Compilation: April 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for April 2024.

News Compilation: March 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for March 2024.

News Compilation: February 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for February 2024

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.

News Compilation: January 2024

Stay informed with the latest news compilation for January 2024

Rashid Sumaila Named Among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

SPPGA Prof. Rashid Sumaila was recently named among the 100 most influential Africans of 2023 by New Africa Magazine for his work as a “global champion of the oceans.”

News Compilation – Prof. M.V. Ramana: Global Launch of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2023

Prof. M. V. Ramana’s 2023 Report: Global nuclear challenges and prospects.

SPPGA Faculty Awarded SSHRC Funding for Prominent Research Initiatives

Transformative Memory International Network and other projects involving SPPGA faculty to receive Partnership and Insight Grants.

News Compilation: December 2023

Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for December 2023.

New provincial funding will advance research by the UBC Disaster Resilience Research Network (Dr. Sara Shneiderman, co-lead)

UBC boosts disaster resilience research

“Who stands to benefit?” To engage in deep-sea mining or not. Not, say international scientists

Rashid Sumaila-led analysis reveals deep sea mining’s minimal benefits, significant harm.

New Publication: Shépa – The Tibetan Oral Tradition in Choné

In Golung Village, an auspicious arrow invites fortune. “Shépa,” a vibrant Tibetan oral tradition, thrives, preserving local stories in a trilingual book.

News Compilation: November 2023

Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for November 2023.

SPPGA Assist. Prof. Tarun M. Khanna awarded Hampton New Faculty Grant

Congratulations Assist. Prof. Tarun M. Khanna for being honored with the Hampton New Faculty Grant!

News Compilation: October 2023

Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for October 2023.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Like a Garden that Flourishes: Art and Post-Conflict Healing

‘I am like a garden that flourishes and grows’: The impact of war and displacement on women with disabilities in post-conflict Uganda For two weeks in May 2023, Masters of Public Policy and Global Affairs student Liliane Umuhoza and School of Public Policy and Global Affairs Associate Professor Erin Baines at the University of British […]

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.

KPP Delegation Celebrates Canada-Korea Ties’ 60th Anniversary

Prof. Kyung-Ae Park led the KPP delegation to South Korea, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Canada-Korea diplomatic ties.

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.

News Compilation: April 2023

SPPGA in the news: A Mongolian boy has been declared an important leader for Tibetan Buddhists

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 […]

Final countdown to site selection for Canada’s nuclear waste geologic repository

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.

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.

An activist march during the 2022 presidential election in the Philippines

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.