New president pledges to boost UBC research excellence

UBC's new President Arvind Gupta pledged in his formal academic installation ceremony today to increase funding for research excellence by $100 million during his presidency, supporting those who discover, develop, and deploy knowledge.

He said the pledge to boost research excellence is fundamental to improving teaching and learning, building engagement throughout B.C. and the world, fostering a vibrant international learning community, and promoting innovation.

Last year UBC received $564 million in research funding for more than 8,440 research projects.

“Excellence in research is what distinguishes great institutions from the rest,” said Gupta. “It’s what puts our students at the cutting edge of knowledge, so they have access to the latest discoveries and revelations.”

The installation ceremony, a formal academic tradition, was attended by more than 1,000 students, faculty, staff, as well as representatives of peer institutions and government.

“The installation of Dr. Arvind Gupta as President and Vice Chancellor is a great moment for UBC and for post-secondary education in British Columbia,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Dr. Gupta’s outstanding track record in research, development, and innovation will further cement UBC’s position as a world-leading research and teaching university that strengthens our whole province.”

Gupta committed to work for enhanced resources for students including more financial assistance, more campus housing, improved physical and mental health facilities, venues for sports, and outlets for culture.

He also promised to build new community partnerships across the province, to forge new research and learning alliances around the world, and to double UBC’s extracurricular student experiences through internship and co-op programs. He said he would achieve his goals through entrepreneurship, consultation and a clear focus on success for students.

Gupta urged the university community to build on the efforts of past leaders that helped make UBC one of the top 25 public universities in the world.

“It is our challenge to build on their contributions – endeavouring to lift UBC from the top 25 to the top 10. That is, I would argue, our responsibility: to take UBC as we find it – and make it better.”