Male soldier thinking with mental health, reflection or memory with trauma in corridor.

Human Health in Harsh Climate Conditions

UBC leads innovative research in healthcare delivery and health promotion for northern and remote communities, developing technologies and approaches that address the unique health challenges faced by people living and working in Arctic conditions.

Researchers at UBC are advancing healthcare solutions for harsh climate conditions, including telemedicine technologies, AI-assisted diagnostic tools, and targeted interventions for mental health challenges prevalent in northern communities. These innovations are critical for supporting the health and wellbeing of Arctic residents, military personnel, and industrial workers operating in extreme northern conditions.

UBC's interdisciplinary approach combines nursing science, medical technology, and engineering expertise to create comprehensive healthcare solutions that can be effectively deployed in remote Arctic locations with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Men's Health Research Program

Founded and led by Dr. John Oliffe, this program addresses critical gaps in men's health, particularly focusing on mental health challenges, suicide prevention, and health behaviour modification. The program's research on male suicide prevention is particularly relevant for northern communities.

Biomedical Engineering and AI Research

UBC's strength in biomedical engineering, led by researchers like Dr. Purang Abolmaesumi and Dr. Robert Rohling, focuses on AI-assisted medical imaging, point-of-care ultrasound systems, and telemedicine technologies. These technologies are essential for providing advanced healthcare services in remote Arctic locations.

Climate Change Health Effects Research

UBC researchers are investigating the health impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, air quality changes, and environmental stressors that disproportionately affect northern communities. This research informs adaptation strategies for protecting health in changing Arctic conditions.

Major Partners

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Research Expertise

John Oliffe portrait

John Oliffe

Professor, School of Nursing, Canada Research Chair in Men's Health Promotion

Men's mental health research, suicide prevention strategies, masculinity and health behavior, community-based health interventions, health promotion in northern and remote communities

Purang Abolmaesumi portrait

Purang Abolmaesumi

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Distinguished University Scholar

AI-assisted medical imaging, point-of-care ultrasound systems, machine learning applications in healthcare, remote diagnostic technologies, medical image analysis for telemedicine

Robert Rohling portrait

Robert Rohling

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Medical imaging technologies, ultrasound system development, haptic technologies for remote medical procedures, biomedical signal processing, telemedicine system design

Tim Salcudean portrait

Tim Salcudean

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Medical robotics, ultrasound imaging systems, haptic interfaces for medical applications, remote surgical technologies, biomedical instrumentation

Anurag Singh portrait

Anurag Singh

Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine

Northern clinical research, remote healthcare delivery, clinical trials in northern populations, healthcare system design for remote communities

Lyndia Wu portrait

Lyndia Wu

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Canada Research Chair in Wearable Brain Injury Sensing

Wearable sensors, brain health sensing, injury biomechanics, sleep disorders, sensors and instrumentation, AI in healthcare

Research News

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UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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