Science researchers honoured by RSC

UBC Science researchers investigating sustainable agriculture, fish adaption and plant immune response have been named fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC).

Drs. Colin Brauner, Claire Kremen and Xin Li join more than 60 researchers in the Faculty of Science recognized by the RSC since 2000. Fellows of the RSC are distinguished Canadians from all branches of learning who have made remarkable contributions in the arts, the humanities, the sciences, as well as in public life. 

“Today, we’re pleased to welcome the newest fellows and college members of the Royal Society of Canada. Their work spans breakthroughs in medicine, technology and climate research, contributions in the arts and literature, leadership in reconciliation, and efforts to build a more inclusive future,” said Dr. Françoise Baylis, FRSC and president of the RSC. “These individuals are shaping Canadian society through their scholarship, creativity and impact – today and into the years ahead.”

Dr. Julian Olden—a pre-eminent Canadian freshwater ecologist currently with the University of Washington who will join UBC Science in 2027—was also among the 2026 class of fellows and college members. One-hundred and five individuals were elected to the RSC this year. 

“My congratulations to Claire, Colin, Xin and Julian—along with all of UBC’s new fellows,” said Dr. Mark MacLachlan, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “This is well-deserved recognition of the groundbreaking research they are undertaking to better understand the natural world— producing knowledge that will help build more resilient systems for Canadians.”

Impacts of environmental change on aquatic animals

Internationally recognized for discovering novel physiological mechanisms of gas exchange in fish, Dr. Brauner has revealed new insights into the early evolution of vertebrates. He has also made significant contributions to developing practical solutions to the impacts of environmental change on aquatic animals, fish conservation, aquaculture and the management of salmon fisheries—a crucial, yet threatened, Canadian resource.

A sustainable future for agriculture

Dr. Kremen is an internationally renowned conservation scientist. She has made key contributions at the leading edge of conservation biology, ecology and agro-ecology, seeking solutions for working landscapes that provide a sustainable future for humanity and biodiversity. Her research into diversifying agriculture has identified paths that benefit both humans and nature. Increasing uptake of these techniques is reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture worldwide.

Understanding plant immunity

A Canada Research Chair in Plant Immunity and a world-leading expert in plant microbe interactions, Dr. Li uses molecular genetics, genomics and biochemical tools to study signal transduction in model plants and phytopathogenic fungi. She has made many groundbreaking discoveries and published consistently in top journals including Science, Cell, and Nature. In 2024 and 2025, she was recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher.

Sustainable freshwater management

Dr. Olden is a pre-eminent Canadian freshwater ecologist who advances the science of sustainable freshwater management. Olden is globally recognized for his foundational advancements in ecohydrology, invasion biology, and macroecology, with his most influential contributions involving pioneering work on the study and implications of biotic homogenization for biodiversity conservation. Olden’s citation rate is among the highest in ecology, and his work is frequently used to inform freshwater management and policy. Prof. Olden is joining UBC in 2027 as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Freshwater Ecosystem Sustainability.

For details on all of UBC’s new 2026 RSC fellows, visit the VPRI website.