Report: Learning from Disasters in Scholarship and Practice
Report published deriving from the event “Learning from Disasters in Scholarship and Practice: A South-North Knowledge Exchange between Nepal and British Columbia” held at UBC.
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.
2026 Global Policy Project Symposium: Policy in a Changing World
MPPGA students take the stage at the 2026 Global Policy Project (GP²) Symposium to present their findings after months of research, fieldwork, and collaboration.
Nuclear Ambitions, Nuclear Consequences
SPPGA faculty Allison Macfarlane, Hugh Gusterson and M.V. Ramana examine the real costs of nuclear ambition, from weapons proliferation and regulatory erosion to waste governance and the promises being made to developing countries.
Dialogue in a Moment of “Rupture”: 2026 IAR Indo-Pacific Symposium Recap
The Institute of Asian Research brought together world-leading scholars and practitioners for the 2026 IAR Indo-Pacific Symposium examining the forces reshaping Asia’s political, economic, and technological landscapes
Global Policy Project: MPPGA Students Tackling Real-World Policy Challenges
MPPGA students travelled internationally to conduct fieldwork for their capstone Global Policy Projects (GP²), working directly with client organizations to tackle real-world policy challenges across Peru, Uganda, India, and Norway.
Climate Leadership in Paris: UBC at the 2026 CARE Conference
SPPGA sent a delegation of ten participants to the 2026 Annual CARE Conference Paris, including six students who took part in panels, research poster presentations, and a student-led simulation exercise during the three-day experiential conference.
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.
Prof. Tsering Shakya on Entangled Territories: Tibet Through Images
Tsering Shakya talks with MOA Curator Dr. Fuyubi Nakamura about his collaboration on the exhibit Entangled Territories: Tibet Through Images
2024-25 SPPGA Year in Review
The past academic year was defined by groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and meaningful policy engagement.
The Institute of Asian Research Hosts Former Thai PM-Designate Pita Limjaroenrat
On November 14, 2025, UBC’s Institute of Asian Research (IAR) hosted a vibrant fireside chat with former Thai PM-designate and Harvard Kennedy School Visiting Fellow Pita Limjaroenrat.
Reframing Climate Change through Indigenous Narratives
Moderated by Rick Harp and co-convened by SPPGA/CIS Prof. Candis Callison, this panel discussion featured powerful reflections from journalists and storytellers Judi Kochon, Paul Seesequasis, Tanya Talaga, and Mark Trahant
Institute of Asian Research Welcomes Fellows for 2025-26
IAR welcomes scholars representing a wide range of departments and disciplines including 23 MPPGA students, 10 PhD students, 8 MA students, and 1 Law student.
Building Bridges: Community Engagement across the Institute of Asian Research
Across UBC’s Institute of Asian Research, the common thread that unites five research centres and associated programs is the transformative power of community engagement.
Reflections on Community Engaged Research with ORICE
With projects spanning mental health systems strengthening in Kenya, gender-based violence analysis in BC, and human rights advocacy for imprisoned scholars, ORICE students share how their research has contributed to a variety of community-based organizations.
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.
Advancing Climate Justice: Reflections from CARE Interns at UBC
From Paris to Vancouver, Anouk Bassou, Justine Babin, and Leo Ruesche Neggia share their experiences as part of the Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment (CARE) Internship Program
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”
GP² Reflections: MPPGA Students Explore Pathways to Clean Heating in Mongolia
As a part of their GP² project, MPPGA students seek to address issues of coal-powered heating and high GHG emissions in Mongolia.
Chronicle of Indonesia Knowledge Exchange 2025: Transformative Memory International Network
The Transformative Memory International Network, co-led by SPPGA Prof. Erin Baines, gathered in Indonesia for dialogue, reflection, and creative engagement on how memories of violent pasts are passed across generations.
Future Leaders in Defence: MPPGA Student Lindsay Burlie reflects on Peacekeeping, Purpose & Service
MPPGA student Lindsay Burlie represented UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at The Future Leaders in Defence Forum
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.
UBC Himalaya Program Hosts Critical Conversation on Translating Indigeneity across Contexts
The UBC Himalaya Program’s talks this year explored discourses on ecology, national politics, and indigeneity in the context of the region.
Fostering Dialogue, Cultural Exchange and Community at the Centre for Japanese Research: Highlights from 2024-25
the UBC Centre for Japanese Research is proud to reflect on a year rich with dialogue, cultural exchange, and intellectual community.
Exploring Music, “Homeland Security”, and Media Freedom: Highlights from the Centre for India and South Asia Research 24-25
CISAR held a wide range of events this year with themes from music to media freedom and featuring acclaimed guests such as P. Sainath and Ali Sethi.
Thinking through Southeast Asia: Community Conversations at the Centre for Southeast Asian Research, 2024-25
CSEAR’s programming this year marked key historical events and explored “what it means to see the world through the lens of Southeast Asia”.
Exploring Chinese History, Ideology, and Film: Highlights from the Centre for Chinese Research 2024-25
The Centre for Chinese Research at UBC held a wide range of events in 2024-2025: including research talks, movie screenings, and more.
Leading Research on Korea at UBC: Highlights from the Centre for Korean Research 2024-25
The Centre for Korean Research arranged a range of events in 2024-25, including talks with Jamie Doucette, Kornel Chang, and Peter Kwon.
2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
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.
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
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
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.
Juan Cristóbal Collado, MPPGA Second Year Student Exploring Solutions to Global Sustainability
Meet Juan Cristóbal Collado, a student in his second year of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program. We chatted with Cristóbal to learn more about his background of conducting policy projects in Mexico, as well as how the MPPGA program has fostered his interest in research focused on natural resources and […]
Welcome 2025 Liu Scholars
Introducing 2025’s Liu Scholars, outstanding PhD students who will be mentored by our faculty to conduct multidisciplinary research to drive global impact.
Netheena Mathews, MPPGA Second Year Student Designing Policy through a Journalistic Lens
Meet Netheena Mathews, a current second-year student of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. We chatted with Netheena to discover how her unique experiences have shaped her interest in policy design, and listened to her key takeaways from the MPPGA program thus far. Introduce yourself! What is your background? I joined the […]
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.
Case Competition: MPPGA Students Develop Policy Solutions for Energy Transitions
MPPGA students reflect on their takeaways from the CARE Sustainability in a Changing Climate Case Competition, focusing on policy design for energy transitions.
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.
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.
Japan Lower House Election Report
On October 27th, Japan held its 50th Lower House Election. Read CJR Assistant Mei Terasawa’s in-depth analysis here.
Su Thet San, MPPGA Second Year Student Rethinking Policies Affecting Minorities in Myanmar
Before joining the MPPGA Program, Su Thet worked at a local NGO in Myanmar and their current interests are deeply informed by this experience. Read more about their research and their experience with the program so far.
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.
Beware the Shrinking Imagination: Timothy K. Eatman Unpacks Experiential Education
Dr. Timothy K. Eatman speaks on the importance of strengthening modern institutions to support a strong democracy, urging community-building and creativity.
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.
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 […]
Politics, Democracy, and Media Freedom in Southeast Asia: Talks by CSEAR 2023-24
The Centre for Southeast Asian Research organized a range of talks during the past academic year, reflecting on key political issues in Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond.
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”.
Myanmar Initiative Hosts Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop
Young scholars and professionals whose research focuses on Myanmar gather for an important array of events.
Newly Announced Banting Postdoctoral Fellow Marco Zenone Tackles Online Exploitation of Cancer Patients
Public health researcher Marco Zenone receives the Banting Postdoctoral Scholarship, allowing him combat health misinformation through research at SPPGA.
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.
Celebrating the History of the Centre for Chinese Research
The Centre for Chinese Research (CCR) at the University of British Columbia has a rich history of fostering academic, cultural, and professional ties between Canada and the Sinophone world. CCR’s commitment to living Chinese culture and social life is reflected in the Chinese name for the Centre 中華研究中心 or “Zhonghua”— which is also the cultural […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
2023 Simons Award Recipients in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
UBC students won the 2023 Simons Award for research in nuclear disarmament and global security.
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.
Working Papers from Workshop Held at UBC on June 20, 2023
This page collects working papers from the workshop on The Systemic Impact of the Twin Digital and Green Tech Revolutions in the Indo-Pacific held at UBC in June 2023.
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 […]
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 […]
Dr. Rashid Sumaila Awarded Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
SPPGA congratulates Dr. Rashid Sumaila for being named the 2023 Tyler Prize laureate.
Dr. Pitman Potter Appointed to the Order of Canada
SPPGA commemorates Dr. Pitman B. Potter for his appointment to the Order of Canada
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. 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
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.
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.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Protect Global Values of the Southern Ocean Ecosystem
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research article on how climate change and overfishing threaten the value of the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
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.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Murder at Sea
A study by Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) on illegal fishing and trade is mentioned in an article by Hakai Magazine.
Profs. Maxwell Cameron and Gerald Baier: Partisanship and Political Learning
A study involving Profs. Maxwell Cameron and Gerald Baier (SPPGA; Political Science) examines hyper-partisanship among aspiring politicians and policymakers. This project was part of the 2019 Institute for Future Legislators program at the CSDI.
KPP Organized a High-level Discussion on the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korean Peninsula
The Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP) organized, on September 15, 2022, a panel discussion on Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and the Korean Peninsula at the Annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.
Prof. David Boyd: Slovenia: UN Expert to Assess Effects of Environmental Risks on Human Rights
Through a visit to Slovenia, UN Special Rapporteur and Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) will assess how environmental risks affect human rights.
Prof. David Boyd: Portugal: Accelerate Rights-Based Climate and Environmental Action
UN Special Rapporteur and Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) calls for accelerating rights-based climate action in Portugal.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: The Historical Role of Cities in Recursively Shaping Global Food Systems – Southeast Asia
Read her book chapter about urban agglomerations in Southeast Asia and their role in shaping, and being shaped by, global food systems.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot: UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan Funding Sees Student Projects Get off the Ground
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science; FNIS) advocates for funding Indigenous student-led projects through the UBC Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund.
Liu Scholar Karen Wong: Why Do Some Older Adults Have Less Access to Information and Community Technology?
Liu Scholar Karen Wong writes a policy brief explaining the barriers older adults face when trying to access Information and Community Technology.
Liu Scholar Oludolapo Makinde and Prof. Philippe Le Billon: AI and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
Liu Scholar Oludolapo Makinde and Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-author a research paper examining the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving natural resource governance.
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.
The Right to a Healthy Environment and Biodiversity Law: Embedding an Intersectionality Approach for Transformative Change
Learn about the recent work of Dr. Claudia Ituarte-Lima, visiting scholar at SPPGA and senior researcher at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
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.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Molten Salt Reactors Were Trouble in the 1960s—And They Remain Trouble Today
Prof. M.V. Ramana authors an article examining the use of molten salt reactors, and why they pose more of a risk than reward as a source of nuclear power.
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. Kyung-Ae Park Led the KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation to South Korea
A delegation of five Canadian parliamentarians visited Seoul, South Korea, from April 9-16, 2022, led by SPPGA Prof. Kyung-Ae Park, Founding Director of the Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP).
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Emerging Powers, Leadership, and South–South Solidarity
Prof. Kristen Hopewell analyses how emerging powers have leveraged South-South solidarity and developing world leadership status to reinforce bargaining positions in WTO negotiations.
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.
Prof. Veena Sriram: Workers, Not Warriors: 4 Lessons from Health Worker Protests During COVID-19
Prof. Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored a research article highlighting the key challenges health workers have faced amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, and what we can learn from them.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Vietnam Protests Annual South China Sea Fishing Ban
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) reports on Vietnam’s protest against the annual Chinese ban on fishing in the South China Sea.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Sand Mining: Stopping the Grind of Unregulated Supply Chains
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors a journal article about the environmental impact of sand mining and the need for supply chain regulations in the industry.