Science in Vancouver

GSC Collaborator Forum 2025
2025-08-19 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
The GSC Collaborator Forum 2025 will bring together scientists, collaborators, and industry partners to explore cutting-edge genomics research. This year’s theme, focus on Single-Cell Technologies, will showcase innovations driving discovery and collaboration at the GSC.
The day will feature a dynamic mix of scientific presentations, a panel discussion with GSC experts, and repid fire presentations at the BC Cancer Research Institute. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the GSC facilities and engage directly with peers and collaborators. The day will conclude with a poster session and networking event at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre.
This full-day event offers a unique opportunity to learn about groundbreaking research, foster collaborations, and celebrate the collective achievements of the genomics community.

Beaty Nocturnal
2025-08-21 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-18 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-16 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-20 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-18 17:00 - 20:30 | Beaty Biodiversity Museum, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
Come by for a night at the museum!
On the third Thursday of every month, the museum will stay open until 8:30 pm. Admission by donation starting at 5:00 pm. All ages welcome!
Each Nocturnal has a unique theme, check out our events calendar to see what’s coming up next!
Schedule:

5:30 pm | Auditorium | Raising Big Blue film screening
7:00 pm | Under the Whale | Half-Hour Collections Highlight

Nerd Nite Sea to Sky #12
2025-09-03 18:30 - 22:00 | Brackendale Art Gallery, 41950 Government Rd, Brackendale, BC, V0N 1H0, Canada
Welcome to Nerd Nite Sea to Sky #12!

Come join us at the Brackendale Art Gallery for a night of fun and learning. Our event will feature three speakers who will share their nerdy passions with you. Get ready for a mix of science, history, and pop culture all in one evening!
Located at 41950 Government Rd, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada, our venue is the perfect spot for a cozy night of intellectual stimulation. Whether you’re a seasoned nerd or just curious, there’s something for everyone at Nerd Nite Sea to Sky!
Doors open 6:30, event starts 7:00. Food is served from the BAG’s awesome kitchen until the end of intermission. Wrap up about 9:00.

Topics for this Nerd Nite
For our first Nerd Nite of 2025/2026 season, we will be featuring the following topics:
How to Finish (and Win) a Game of Monopoly
Polyamory
Psycho Drama

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow nerds in your community. See you there!

Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery and Development
2025-09-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Van Dusen Gardens, Floral Hall, 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver
Jason Crawford, PhD Executive Vice President, Drug Discovery (Gandeeva Therapeutics) Jason Crawford oversees drug development at Gandeeva Therapeutics by translating structural insights derived from cryo-EM and computational predictions into novel medicines. Jason held roles of increasing scientific responsibility and portfolio oversight at adMare BioInnovations (formerly CDRD), with the most senior role as Venture Partner. Prior to adMare, Jason was at AnorMED Inc. where he was a Manager of Development Chemistry and led the drug substance CMC efforts to enable pre-clinical and outsourced GMP production for AMD070 for preclinical to Phase 2 clinical trials, and for plerixafor (Mozobil) for Phase 2 through to regulatory approval. Jason also held medicinal chemistry roles at AnorMED and Microcide Inc. Jason received his BSc and PhD from the University of Victoria and conducted postdoctoral research at Ohio State University. Jason Rolfe, PhD Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (Variational AI) Jason Rolfe is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Variational AI, where he leads the development of Enki™, a generative AI platform purpose-built for drug discovery. With a background spanning machine learning and computational neuroscience, Jason brings nearly two decades of experience to the design of algorithms that create novel, pharmacologically optimized small molecules. Prior to founding Variational AI, he held research positions at Caltech, NYU, and ETH Zürich. He is a vocal advocate for domain-specific generative models in biotech and regularly shares technical insights through Variational AI’s Substack, “Musings on AI for Drug Discovery”.

After Dark: Actually, It Is Rocket Science — Space Edition
2025-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Blast Off Into an Adults-Only Space Night
Grab a drink and explore the final frontier of space — LEGO® style. Suit up for selfies in a LEGO astronaut suit, see rare space artifacts and Apollo-era Hasselbad cameras, and perhaps meet some fictional space-faring villains.
Check out our intergalactic galleries, create glow-in-the-dark stars, and dive into real-world challenges like designing lunar rovers and space habitats. Along the way, hear space professionals separate science fact from sci-fi fiction — the truth isn’t out there, it’s here under the Dome!
Actually, It Is Rocket Science will be a night of cosmic fun, hands-on discover, and no kids in orbit. Don’t space out… get your ticket today!

Crafting Visual Explanations of Complex Science: Philosophy and Practice
2025-09-22 15:30 - 17:00 | Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
This month, Martin Krzywinski, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre will present “Crafting Visual Explanations of Complex Science: Philosophy and Practice.”
You’ll learn practical guidelines for crafting visual explanations of your science: form follows function, treat everything as data, seek crispness, fight the shackles of convention, and ask yourself “Is this good for the reader or for me?”. To illustrate these ideas concretely, Martin will take you through the process of redesigning figures, posters and graphical abstracts — submitted by you or from past case studies.
Submit your work to see this process applied to graphics that are directly relevant to you: https://bit.ly/matrix-n
See event poster for more details

Zoom link if unable to attend in person: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/5936706150?pwd=[REDACTED]

BC Cancer Research Day
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 | UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre, 2750 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4M2, Canada
Our annual BC Cancer Research Day is happening on Friday, September 26th and registration is now open! We are so excited for this year’s theme of “Translating Insights into Impact.” The day will feature keynote and faculty speakers, patient’s perspectives talk and panel, trainee presentations, poster sessions and sponsor booths.
We are delighted to announce our keynote speaker Dr. Samuel Bakhoum who is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Volastra Therapeutics!
Friday, September 26th
UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre (MSAC) | 2750 Heather St.
Scan the QR code or visit the link here! Please note the important dates and deadlines!
If you would like to present a poster or be considered for a trainee talk, you will be asked to submit a 300-word abstract using this form. Please have your abstract ready to complete your registration.

STEMCELL Technologies Workshop
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Diamond Lecture Theatre, 675 W 10th, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
Join us for an interactive workshop hosted by STEMCELL Technologies, showcasing cutting-edge tools and techniques to advance hematopoietic research. STEMCELL representatives will be available to answer questions about their full product portfolio.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 2nd from 12pm – 1pm
Location: Diamond Lecture Theatre
Topic: Tools for Human Hematopoietic Research: Sourcing, Isolation, Expansion & Differentiation
Be sure to register using the QR code or via the link here. Food and drinks will be provided.

27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards
2025-10-02 17:00 - 22:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
On October 2, 2025, we will celebrate excellence in life sciences at the 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards. This distinguished occasion brings together British Columbia’s vibrant life sciences community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our peers and recognize the tireless efforts of those who have devoted their careers to advancing health innovations.
The 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards celebrates and honors the exceptional individuals and organizations that serve as catalysts in propelling the sector forward. We will come together to cheer each other on, and raise a toast for an incredible year.

Space Genetics: Epigenetic Evolution in Cancer and a 500-Year Plan for Synthetic Biology
2025-10-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Space Genetics: Epigenetic Evolution in Cancer and a 500-Year Plan for Synthetic Biology

The future of humankind on Earth is uncertain. Whether by climate disaster, cataclysmic war, or the death of the sun in a few billion years, we face the prospect that at some time, life on Earth may end. As a resourceful species aware that life is at risk of extinction, we have a responsibility to protect life—not only our own, but for all species on Earth and for those still to come (by accidental or designed evolution, or even AI). That means preparing to sustain life, even one day beyond the boundaries of our planet and our solar system. The same capacity for ingenuity that has enabled us to build rockets and land on other planets can be applied to redesigning biology, preparing ourselves to tolerate the extreme environments of outer space, so that we can undertake long-term, sustainable space travel.
In this talk, Dr. Christopher Mason will share fascinating details on how the human body and the microbes within us react to spaceflight, whether it’s for a short trip or a long journey. He will draw on findings from several NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom missions and provide key lessons for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Dr. Mason will highlight recent advances in biotechnology, multi-omics, data modelling, and cross-species genome engineering, which have revealed new ways extremophiles adapt to space and how human cells can be made more resistant to radiation. Ultimately, Dr. Mason will explain how these discoveries and technologies could help us achieve an ambitious, ethical goal: a 500-year plan to reengineer biology so that life can be possible on other planets. He will also reveal the best candidate planets for life in other solar systems.

You don’t want to miss this special event
Get your tickets now!

When: Monday, October 6, 2025
4:00 – 4:30 PM Registration
4:30 – 6:00 PM Keynote Address and Q&A
6:00 – 7:00 PM Reception
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building
Admission is free, however registration is required.
Get Tickets!

Science, Stand-Up, & Song
2025-10-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Gordan B. Shrum Building, 6088 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
Time & Location

Oct 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Gordon B. Shrum Building, 6088 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

About the event

I’m Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos, a stem cell researcher at UBC, musician, and stand-up comedian. This science education fundraiser connects our community so that we can laugh and learn together. The goal is to advance science education in the form of live events and a musical album! Check out my previous music here!

The theme of this show is stem cells! It is presented in partnership with the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME). The variety show will feature brilliant scientists, hilarious comedians, and I’ll provide live, original music along the way! Plus light snacks will be included!

Meet your scientific panel:

Dr. Freda Miller is a neurobiologist and the Deputy Director of the Michael Smith Laboratories, as well as a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at UBC. She is a pioneer in the stem cell field, discovering that our skin contains stem cells that are capable of repairing damaged tissue.

Dr. Nika Shakiba is a systems and synthetic biology expert. She is an Assistant Professor in the SBME at UBC. Utilizing her bioengineering background, her work focuses on understanding cell competition to develop new engineered stem cell therapies. We welcome Dr. Shakiba again for her insightful ideas and inspiring advice!

Dr. Peter Zandstra is the Founding Director of the UBC SBME, as well as the Co-Founder of Excellthera Therapeutics, Notch Therapeutics, and the Centre for the Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine. He is a world-class stem cell bioengineer, whose research focuses on understanding how stem cells contribute to the development of tissue and how we can leverage these mechanisms to design new therapeutic technology.

Meet your comedians:

Akeem Hoyte-Charles has delighted audiences across Canada and the US and has featured in the Grand Montreal Comique Festival and Just for Laughs North West Festival. He has appeared on TV shows on networks including Paramount + and Disney+. His captivating crowd work is a must-see! Back by popular demand, he is our returning champion!

Sean McDonnell is an energetic comedian known for his improvisational wit and keen observations. He was described as a “fantastic talent” by Norm Macdonald and his debut comedy album “All In My Head” reached number 1 on iTunes. He recently released his debut comedy special, “Apologies in Advance” on YouTube.

Danielle Florence is a prominent Vancouver-based comedian performing at notable shows in B.C. like, Jokes Please! and the Ok, Dope Stand-Up Comedy Tour. She co-hosts the Soft for Us podcast, named one of the best podcasts in Vancouver by The Georgia Straight.

Please note:
The venue is accessible. Please contact us through the contact form if you have further questions.
Paid parking is available in close proximity to the SBME building (5-10 min walking distance). The venue is also located beside a UBC bus loop.
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

Vancouver Gairdner National Symposium
2025-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Avenue, Vancouver
Hear from Dr. Paul Negulescu and Dr. Christian Landry about the latest in fundamental science and biomedical research.
Hosted by: Dr. Michael Hayden, University Killam Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC, Founding Director Emeritus, Senior Scientist, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, UBC
Monday, October 20, 2025 IN-PERSON & ONLINE (Zoom details to follow)

LSBC's 10th Annual Invest in BC Presented by Lumira Ventures
2025-10-28 06:30 - 2025-10-29 18:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Join us this fall at Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures!

UBC Innovation & SBME Industry Breakfast
2025-10-30 07:30 - 10:30 | Gordan B. Shrum Building, 6088 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
​Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2025, for the UBC Innovation & Industry Breakfast, co-hosted by the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME), the Faculty of Medicine, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), and Innovation UBC.
​Held at UBC Vancouver to coincide with the LSBC Invest in BC conference, this invite-only morning event is designed for industry leaders, investors, and innovation partners seeking high-impact collaboration opportunities in biomedical engineering and the life sciences.
​Attendees will hear short, focused presentations from UBC faculty whose research is at the forefront of translation and commercialization:
​Confirmed Speakers:
​Dr. Megan Levings – Regulatory T cell therapies for immune tolerance and autoimmunity
​Dr. Anna Blakney – RNA-based vaccines, therapeutics, and biomaterials for drug delivery
​Dr. Nika Shakiba – Stem cell engineering, synthetic biology, and cell competition for regenerative medicine
​This is also a unique opportunity to visit the newly opened Gordon B. Shrum Building, home to SBME’s translational research labs, collaborative spaces, and bio-innovation platforms.

After Dark: Bloody Science — Halloween Edition
2025-10-30 18:00 - 22:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
A Bloody Good Time for Curious Minds
We’re back with our spooky science spectacle, where science gets sinister. This ain’t no kids’ Halloween party: grown ghouls19+ get the chance to explore the eerie dome with a bewitching bevvy.
Step right up! For a shocking side of sideshow science, with performances by Neil E. Dee and his Danger Thrill show, featuring sword swallowing and more. Then dive into the darker side of discovery with forensic experiments that would make even a seasoned CSI investigator squirm.
Explore blood based criminology and learn the science based origins of some classic vampire mythology
Good Stuff to Know
Tickets are Limited. Get yours before they sell out.
Doors Open at 6pm. Make sure you have enough time for all the exciting activities.
Food & Drink. Wine, beer and alcoholic-free sips; burgers and a limited edition shake at Triple O’s; popcorn and snacks at the Snack Lab—all available for purchase.
Science Store is open. Pick up a souvenir to remember the good times.
Wear a Costume. Check our costume policy before you plan a creepy costume.
The Fine Print
19+ Only. Don’t forget your government ID—no ID, no entry!
All Sales Final. Tickets can’t be resold, refunded, or combined with other offers.
Security Checks (and potential body searches). These keep the night smooth and safe.
Costume Policy
Visitor costumes are permitted at this special event.
Science World strives to create an environment where all visitors can feel safe and have an enjoyable experience. To support this, please be aware of the following costume policies:

Costume weapons made of hard plastic or metal as well as those perceived as being too realistic are not permitted. Specific examples include (but are not limited to) guns, swords, spears, staves, axes, etc.
Alterations to skin tone, hair, etc to represent another racial group are not permitted. These include (but are not limited to) blackface, brownface, afro wigs, etc.
Culturally specific clothing and accessories from a background other than your own are not permitted. Examples include (but are not limited to) indigenous headgear and regalia, religious symbols, culturally specific clothing, etc.

Costumes which do not adhere to these policies may result in admission to the event being denied.
If you are uncertain of whether your costume choice may cause others to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, these questions from York University may be helpful:

Is my costume depicting and perpetuating a stereotype or stigma associated with a particular race, culture or religion?
Does my costume include a replication of a garment that is a significant component of a particular religion or culture of which I do not identify with?
Is my costume depicting a historical time-period where that look/costume is now considered offensive and discriminatory?
Does my costume represent elements of a culture or cultural practice that is being commoditized for consumption?
Can I look in the mirror and confidently say that my costume choice would not be considered offensive to a particular race, ethnic origin, gender or religion?

VOLCANO: A Science Comedy Show by Ben Miller
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Pacific Museum of Earth, 2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano?

The Pacific Museum of Earth and the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at UBC present VOLCANO, a one-of-a-kind comedy show by scientist-turned-comedian Ben Miller.
In 2023, Ben became the first stand-up comedian ever selected as an Artist in Residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park — and yes, he’s actually told jokes in front of a lava lake. In this 60-minute show, he blends volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, and everyday quirks (like cats and cookies) into sharp, clever comedy that’s equal parts hilarious and educational.
Whether you’re a scientist, a teacher, a student, or just here for some jokes, you’ll never look at a volcano the same way again. Audiences have called VOLCANO “nerdy and vivid,” “hilarious and clever,” and “the best volcanology jokes you’ll ever hear.”
About Ben
Ben Miller is a NYC-based scientist turned comedian. Over the past 8 years, he has performed at top clubs such as Broadway Comedy Club, Carolines, and The Stand. Ben was once ranked as the top roast battler in NYC. He has a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, has worked on a science bus, 3D printed cookies, and even diffused a few bar fights while on stage. In 2022, Ben’s debut hour, Stand-Up Science, had a completely sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he now tours internationally.
✨ Tickets are free, and everyone is welcome. If you’re able, we invite you to make a donation (suggested $5–$20) to support the Pacific Museum of Earth’s educational programs.

19th Annual Earl W. Davie Symposium
2025-11-06 07:30 - 17:30 | UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver
This annual 1-day symposium honours Dr. Earl W. Davie’s scientific contributions in hemostasis-thrombosis, which have impacted on the care of patients world-wide. He and his colleagues devised the revolutionary Waterfall Sequence for Blood Clotting, and subsequently, throughout the 1960s and ’70s, applied cutting edge technologies to identify and characterize most of the coagulation proteins and their genes. For his many remarkable achievements, Dr. Davie, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Washington in Seattle, was widely acclaimed, receiving numerous awards, including investiture as a member of the US National Academy of Science. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor, and he left a legacy that will be felt for many generations.

Register today!

Research Day on Aging
2025-11-06 09:00 - 17:00 | SFU
Simon Fraser University’s Gerontology Research Centre invites you to the Research Day on Aging. This free event will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (PT) at the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Join us for this university-wide celebration of interdisciplinary research and innovation in the field of aging. This event brings together students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty from across all faculties and disciplines at SFU to explore cutting-edge research on aging, longevity, and older adult well-being.
Whether your work focuses on biology, healthcare, technology, geography, education, business, the humanities, social sciences, or policy—this is your space to connect, share, innovate, and discover.

How to Participate?
Submit a 100-word abstract to gerocom@sfu.ca about what aging-related research you intend to present (*This can be ongoing or completed research)
All students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty are invited to submit abstracts
Submission deadline: October 1, 2025

What to Expect
5-Minute Flash Talks
Present your aging-related research in a fast-paced, engaging format. Topics may include:
Geroscience and the biology of aging
Cognitive aging, dementia, and mental health
Social determinants of health
Technology, AI, and assistive devices
Policy, equity, and age-friendly communities
Aging in arts, education, law, and beyond

Who Should Attend
This event is open to all members of the university, including:
Undergraduate and graduate students
Post-doctoral fellows
Faculty and instructors
Research staff and lab members
Centre, department, and institute representatives
Researchers working on aging-related or gerontological topics from any faculty or discipline at SFU are encouraged to attend and present.

Contact
If you have questions regarding this event, please email gerocom@sfu.ca.

Vancouver Nanomedicine Day
2025-11-12 08:00 - 18:30 | Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver
Advancing Nanomedicine Research in Vancouver and Beyond
​
Vancouver Nanomedicine Day (NMD) is an annual scientific symposium hosted by the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and co-organized by faculty members Dr. Joel Finbloom and Dr. Miffy Cheng. NMD brings together researchers from academia, industry, and other sectors to share high-impact findings and foster collaboration in the field of nanomedicine. In addition to invited speakers from around the world, NMD highlights the cutting edge nanomedicine research conducted in the Greater Vancouver Area.
​
Nanomedicine Day 2025 will take place on Nov 12th at UBC and will feature:
Talks and keynote addresses by internationally renowned experts in the fields of drug delivery, nanomaterial design and characterization, and diagnostics.
A trainee poster session highlighting research in diverse fields of nanomedicine
Networking opportunities during coffee breaks. lunch, and afternoon reception.

McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series
2025-11-27 16:30 - 19:00 | McCarthy Tetrault LLP, 2400 – 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0C5, Canada
Join us for our next event of the McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series!

If you are arriving to this event after 5:30 PM PT, the front door of the building and the elevator will be locked. Please use the intercom outside to contact security, who will give you access.
Join us for the upcoming McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series event in the beautiful Vancouver McCarthy Tétrault offices.
This event will showcase the winners of LSBC’s 2025 Companies to Watch – Recognition Honour Roll! Meet the visionary leaders behind these companies as they share their success stories, achievements and what’s next.
We hope to see you there!

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM PT
Location: McCarthy Tétrault Office
2400 – 745 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC

Agenda:
Doors open: 4:30pm PT
Programming: 5:00pm PT
Networking: 6:00pm PT
Guest Departure: 7:00pm PT

Nice Genes! LIVE: A Genome BC Podcast
2025-12-02 18:00 - 21:00 | H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 3J9, Canada
Be part of an amazing experience and explore how music shapes the brain, memory and learning.

Genome BC and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre invite you to a special evening where music and science collide.
The Nice Genes! podcast goes live under the dome of the iconic Star Theatre for a one-of-a-kind night filled with melody, discovery and a touch of wonder.
Be part of an amazing experience and explore how music shapes the brain, memory and learning.
From toe-tapping performances to audience surprises, this isn’t just a podcast recording, it’s an unforgettable night out.✨
Special Guest:
Lara Boyd
Dr. Lara Boyd is a Professor and Distinguished University Scholar at the University of British Columbia. She is both a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist. Dr. Boyd directs the Brain Behaviour Lab at the University of British Columbia, which performs research that tests ideas surrounding how behaviour and brain health affect learning.
Since joining UBC in 2006 Dr. Boyd has published more than 200 papers and been awarded over $25 million in research dollars. She has won numerous awards for her research and mentorship. Additionally, Dr. Boyd’s TEDx talk “After this your brain will not be the same” has been viewed by over 40 million people.
Additional speaker and performance details to come, watch this space and our Instagram for guest announcements.

Nerd Nite v59: Killer Whales, Leaving Religion, Animals & Climate Change
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Nerdy Science Lecture series continues!
Join us for Nerd Nite Vancouver v59! Dive into captivating talks on Killer Whales’ mysteries, inspiring stories of leaving religion behind, the incredible world of animals, and the pressing issues of climate change. An evening of engaging presentations, lively discussion, and community fun. Don’t miss out—bring your curiosity and join the nerdy fun!
This month we’re donating to Hogan’s Alley Society. add to your ticket to increase this month’s donation!
Taryn Scarff – Killer Whales
In recent years, killer whales have been seen around Vancouver more and more, but these visits may not be as random as they seem. Transient killer whales are marine mammal eaters and travel along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. They frequently visit BC waters, but their visits aren’t random, they’re closely tied to what’s available to eat. This talk will dive into how the seasonal abundance of their prey like seals and sea lions, and even non-prey items like salmon, influences when and where the killer whales show up. Using years of sightings data, Taryn will share what these patterns tell us about the marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea and what this means for the future success of the transient killer whale population.
Bio:
Taryn Scarff has a Master of Science in Zoology from UBC where her research focused on the seasonal presence of killer whales and their prey in BC. She also has a BSc in Applied Biology from UBC and now works in the world of fisheries for a non-profit organization. Every summer she volunteers with the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, rehabilitating harbour seal pups, sea otters and other adorable marine mammals. In her free time, Taryn loves reading, eating good food with friends, and watching any Real Housewives series.
Armin Mortazavi – Leaving Religion
Nerd Nite cartoonist takes the stage once again to nerd out about his religious deconstruction, going from a strong faith, to his struggles believing in God and his internal conflicts with organized religion.
Bio: Armin is a cartoonist and an indie game developer. He currently works in education, making learning materials for adults. Armin likes dogs, Memphis blues barbecue, and playing Skyrim on Friday nights.
Kwasi Wrensford – Animals & Climate Change
Us humans have been drastically modifying our environment, whether it be through building and modifying the land around us, moving species across oceans, or changing the world’s very climate. All those human-caused changes force animals to either adapt and survive their new normal, or pack up and seek out more optimal habitats. Who stays and who goes, however, remains an open question for scientists. Join Dr. Kwasi Wrensford as he takes you on a tour of his travels and studies across North America and what he has learned about how animals are coping with a warming, developed, and rapidly changing world. Kwasi’s work will range from the individual decisions animals make to survive rapidly changing environments, to the implications and patterns for populations at continental scales.
Bio: Dr. Kwasi Wrensford (he/him/his) is a postdoctoral Fellow in the Biodiversity Research Centre and Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on how various animal species’ habitats and ranges are shifting under human-caused environmental change . To do so, he integrates individual animal behavior, wildlife ecology, and global change biology to better understand and coexist with animals in BC and beyond. In his free time, Kwasi enjoys being outdoors, cooking, and making music.

After Dark: Chillusions — Winter Magic Edition
2025-12-03 18:00 - 22:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Step Into a World of Winter Magic — Backed by Science
The nights are getting colder, but the science is heating up at the Winter Magic edition of After Dark! With a drink in hand and curiosity in your heart, explore a night where illusions amaze and science take center stage.
Wander with wonder through our galleries and get spellbound by live magician performances and uncover the secrets behind the tricks in our Puzzles & Illusions gallery. Feel the pull of physics in Eureka, where real forces create seemingly magic effects.
Get creative with a touch of math and geometry and design your own 3D snowflake, and take home your frosty ornament.
Whether you’re drawn to deception, sleight of hand, or the quiet magic of snowfall, this is your night of wonder, science and chillusions — just for adults.
Good Stuff to Know
Tickets are Limited. Get yours before they sell out. Early Bird: $34.95 | Regular $39.95
Doors Open at 6pm. Make sure you have enough time for all the exciting activities.
Food & Drink. Wine, beer and alcoholic-free sips; burgers and a limited edition shake at Triple O’s; popcorn and snacks at the Snack Lab—all available for purchase.
Science Store is open. Pick up a souvenir to remember the good times.
The Fine Print
19+ Only. Don’t forget your government ID—no ID, no entry!
All Sales Final. Tickets can’t be resold, refunded, or combined with other offers.
Security Checks (and potential body searches). These keep the night smooth and safe.

Salish Skies: Indigenous Sky Stories
2025-12-13 14:30 - 18:00 | H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 3J9, Canada
Overview

Uncover lost Salish asterisms! Dr. Shandin Pete explores “The Canoe” and “Cast away Children,” reconstructing ancient Indigenous astronomy.

Uncover Lost Indigenous Star Knowledge
Journey beyond Western constellations with geoscientific ethnographer Dr. Shandin Pete, Assistant Professor at UBC. This powerful presentation provides an overview of ongoing work to reconstruct and understand ancient Salish asterisms, drawing from ethnographic evidence across five Salish-speaking communities in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia.
Dr. Pete’s research highlights deeply connected narratives surrounding three key celestial formations:
“The Canoe” (part of Orion)
“Cast away Children” (Pleiades and surrounding stars)
“Camas Baking Pit” (Auriga)
This exploration contributes to a crucial, nuanced understanding of a once-unified astronomical body of knowledge and illustrates the vital importance of integrating lived experience and archival research into the science of astronomy.
Speaker Profile
Dr. Shandin Pete is a geoscientific ethnographer, hydrogeologist, and science educator who specializes in his Nation’s astronomy traditions. He is from the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana, USA.
360° Planetarium Show: One Sky Project: Indigenous Astronomy
From ancient stargazers to modern sky-watchers, this film explores how the sky connects all. Featuring short stories from around the globe, this journey evokes the endless tales written on the stars across time.
Schedule
2:30 PM Doors open for check-in
3:00 PM – 3:45PM Feature Presentation: Dr. Shandin Pete (Auditorium)
4:00 PM – 4:45PM 360° Planetarium Show: One Sky Project: Indigenous Astronomy (Star Theatre)
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Telescope viewing (if skies are clear) OR global observatory stargazing if cloudy/raining
Seats are limited – Book Now!

Life Sciences BC’s Holiday Party
2025-12-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, 1128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E4R5, Canada
We invite you to join us for an evening of relaxed camaraderie as we toast the holiday season at the annual Life Sciences BC Holiday Party.
Catch up with the community while indulging in light refreshments at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel on Wednesday, December 17th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
We look forward to sharing this delightful evening with you!
Tickets are currently available through our Member-Exclusive Early Bird. If capacity allows, non-member tickets will open on December 3, 2025.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT
Location: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel
Tickets:
LSBC Member-Exclusive Early Bird: $49

Nerd Nite v. 60 Coyotes, Wine, and Therapeutic Chatbots
2026-01-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Three talks. One night. Zero homework. 🧠🍷🤖
Nerd Nite v60 brings together urban coyotes, the science and stories behind wine, and the surprisingly tender world of therapeutic chatbots. Expect smart speakers, curious ideas, and the kind of knowledge you didn’t know you wanted until it’s in your glass and your brain at the same time. Come learn something new, laugh a little, and nerd out responsibly.
Each Nerd Nite you can top up your ticket purchase with an extra donation, this month we’l be donating to the Stanley Park Ecology Society.
Hosted by: Kaylee Byers, Michael Unger, and Amy Liu
Where: The Fox Cabaret
When: Wednesday January 14th; Doors @ 7, show starts @ 7:30
Tickets: Eventbrite
Poster by: Armin Mortazavi
Coyotes – Nathan Lewis
Coyotes coexist with humans in every major North American city, and while conflicts are rare, certain extreme events often control the narrative on urban coyotes with a combination of fact and fiction. One such event occurred in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, where there were an unprecedented 45 coyote attacks on humans in under nine months between December 2020 and August 2021. Following these attacks, speculation regarding possible causes was commonly in the news, but it wasn’t until recently that a scientific study was done to identify the who, what, when, where, and why of it all. Join Nathan Lewis, as he breaks down the “investigation” to uncover the mystery of the Stanley Park coyote attacks.
Bio: Nathan Lewis is a PhD candidate in the Department of Zoology at UBC studying human-wildlife coexistence, with a focus on urban coyotes. He is broadly interested in how coyotes adapt their behaviours to thrive in areas with high human-use and how that may contribute to conflicts with humans. Among other projects, he recently led a study focused on understanding what spatial, temporal, and human factors explained which human-coyote encounters in Stanley Park were aggressive rather than non-conflictual sightings. In his free time, Nathan enjoys wildlife photography (check out @fieldnotesbynathan on Instagram), camping, and playing wingspan.
Wine – Janet Helou
Wine is a surprisingly complex liquid for as many millennia as it’s been around, but why is it still such a mystery to so many people? (Aside from that one friend who is dying to explain malolactic fermentation to you – spoiler: your speaker is that friend).
Join food scientist & sommelier Janet Helou as she strips away the vineyard romance to reveal the even sexier volatile chemistry in your glass – this talk will cover how wine can be made in infinitely different styles and the flavour chemistry behind it all, the natural and non-alc wine movements, and the science of hangovers. We’ll round things out with an industry insider’s “cheat sheet” on how to navigate confusing labeling laws and marketing fluff to find high-quality bottles without overpaying for great wines.
Come for the chemistry, stay for the hangover cures, and leave with the scientific confidence to order the best bottle on the list.
Bio: Janet Helou is a Certified Food Scientist and WSET level 3 Sommelier, with an Honours BSc from the University of Toronto. She is on a mission to empower drinkers with the data they need to navigate a confusing industry—helping them understand everything from the chemistry of a perfect pairing to the biological reality of the morning after. In her free time she enjoys racing her sailboat, Mischief, year-round in Vancouver which should tell you pretty much all you need to know about her character and otherwise questionable decision-making.
Therapeutic Chatbots – Zoha Khawaja
The rapid digitalization of care has increased acceptance of AI technologies designed to reduce healthcare barriers and enhance access. One emerging tool is the use of AI chatbots that analyze vocal biomarkers (voice AI) to diagnose and monitor mental health conditions. With the current lack of mental health resources available and accessible, these technologies have shown promising success for performing clinical tasks such as disease detection and management. However, their future development and use are far from straightforward. The absence of standardized protocols for voice data collection, coupled with a lack of regulations that recognize voice as a valid biomarker, raises significant ethical, legal, and social concerns. This dramatized talk will transport audience members into a not-so-distant future where voice AI technologies have become fully integrated into clinical practice. Through this speculative scenario, the presentation will not only highlight the current challenges faced when utilizing AI chatbots for therapeutic care but also underscore the conditions that must be met in order for voice AI tools to be considered safe and trustworthy medical devices.
Bio: Zoha Khawaja recently graduated from SFU’s Master of Science in Health Sciences program and holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Calgary. As a member of the Bridge2AI Voice Consortium, her thesis engaged both her expertise in bioethics and psychology by exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of using voice AI chatbots for therapeutic care. She continues to work in the Voice Consortium’s lab and is excited to begin her Mitacs internship with a tech startup this winter, focusing on applying insights from her research into real-world clinical practice. In her free time, Zoha indulges in her (many) hobbies, including (and not limited to) skiing, running, dancing, hiking, and painting.
