Innovation and collaboration at the forefront in UBC Applied Science 2024/25 Research Report
The urgent challenges of our time require impactful and innovative solutions. In the UBC Applied Science (APSC) 2024/25 Research Report, we highlight our strengths, accomplishments and the collective aspirations that are driving us toward meaningful and lasting change. Guided by a deep commitment to collaboration and purpose-driven research, the report highlights the initiatives and strategic partnerships across our two campuses that are contributing to a more resilient and sustainable society.
As we look to build a more sustainable and equitable future, our researchers are making influential advances in clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and health equity. These efforts align closely with the priorities identified in Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget—sustainability, affordable housing, health care, and national defence. We also continue to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity in research, deepening the community partnerships that bring our values to life.
“Our researchers continue to push the boundaries of innovation - from battery storage to AI-enabled health care, sustainable materials and community-led systems design, APSC research continues to deliver measurable, real world outcomes at the local, national and global scale.”
-Dr. Walter Mérida, APSC’s Associate Dean of Research and Partnerships, 2017-2025
Highlights
- Diversified funding: The Faculty brought in $98 million in research funding in 2024/25, including a five-year high of $30 million from the non-profit sector. A targeted shift in strategy and support has led to increasing success with high-value grants, reflected in a 48 percent increase in funding per project over the past five years.
- Reputation and recognition: Applied Science now holds an all-time high of 31 Canada Research Chairs, including seven net new positions earned through exceptional success in major federal and internal funding competitions over the past three years. This national success is complemented by APSC’s global influence, with nearly half of the Faculty’s research publications resulting from international collaboration.
- Collaboration across scales: Applied Science attracted 12% of UBC’s total industry funding in 2024/25, the second highest of any faculty. Notably, investment from international companies nearly doubled over the previous year. With partnerships in local communities, across the country and around the globe, APSC research is making a lasting social and economic impact.
- Entrepreneurial spirit: Applied Science researchers continue to co-develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, launching eight new enterprises at the forefront of emerging technologies, and accounting for 27% of UBC’s total issued patents in 2024/25.
Discover how Applied Science is making an impact on the world’s complex challenges through ambitious, innovative and collaborative endeavours in the full report.
