Café Scientifique
2024-02-29 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Musqueam Cultural Centre, 4000 Musqueam Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6N 3S2, Canada
We’re excited to invite you to a free special event hosted by Indigenous leaders and researchers from the University of British Columbia. Join us for an evening at Café Scientifique at Musqueam Cultural Centre on February 29th, 2024, where we delve into the critical topic of the gut microbiota and its impact on Indigenous health.
RSVP for the Event
Event Highlights:
• Film Screening: “Let Them Eat Dirt”, a thought-provoking film that explores how food and environmental factors shape our gut microbiota.
• Expert Panel Discussion: Engage in conversations with Indigenous leaders and health experts. We will explore the effects of colonization on traditional diets and lifestyles, and their link to modern health challenges in Indigenous communities, including diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory diseases.
• Interactive Dialogue: Learn how Indigenous knowledge and practices around food and health are key to improving gut health and overall well-being. Our discussion will also cover the challenges in reviving traditional food practices and addressing healthcare barriers in contemporary Indigenous communities.
Meet Our Panelists:
• Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Director, Indigenous Engagement, Faculty of Medicine, UBC
• Cynthia Jamieson – Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor
• Jared Qwustenuxun Williams – Indigenous Foods Educator and Consultant, Award-Winning Writer
• Ninan Abraham – Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology and Zoology, UBC
• Brett Finlay – CIFAR Senior Fellow and Co-Director, Michael Smith Laboratories, UBC
Moderated by Carolina Tropini, Assistant Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering and Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, UBC.
Your presence and participation will greatly enrich our discussions. Please RSVP by February 29th. For any inquiries or special accommodations, feel free to contact us at sarah.coffin@ubc.ca.
We look forward to seeing you at this event!

Blakes Breakfast: Navigating Life Sciences M&A: Thought Leader Insights
2024-03-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, 1-133 Melville St., Vancouver, BC, V6E0C5, Canada
We invite you to join us for our Blakes Breakfast Speaking Series: Navigating Life Sciences M&A: Thought Leader Insights, taking place on Tuesday, March 5.
This event features a panel of experts who will share invaluable insights to the process of M&A, the current state of the market, how to work with financial and legal advisors, and much more.
This event can be attended virtually or in person. In person attendance will offer continental breakfast and the opportunity to converse with some of these experts one-on-one before and after programming, as well as participate in the programming discussion in a live setting. Virtual attendees will be able to join the discussion through the chat thread during the programming portion.
We hope you can join us!

Theme: Navigating Life Sciences M&A: Thought Leader Insights

Get your tickets!

Genome BC's Genomics and Society Symposium 2024
2024-03-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Sngequ House, Sngequ House, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Genome British Columbia is excited to invite you to the first Genomics and Society Symposium. Three panels will explore emerging topics across the social and biological sciences through moderated discussions and Q&A with the audience. Specifically, the event will cover opportunities and challenges in the areas of food security and vertical farming, genetic counseling, and environmental DNA. Furthermore, Genome BC held two policy foresight workshops in the fall covering the same topics and the results will be shared and discussed in the event. What is the future of food, genetic counselling, and eDNA? Which are some of the future scenarios in those areas and which are the policy options moving forward? How can BC benefit the most from these technologies? Join us for an event designed to ignite your curiosity and provide networking opportunities.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Find out more and register today!

Nobel Prize Lectures
2024-03-06 18:30 - 21:30 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Science is celebrating the 2023 Nobel Prize Awardees at an in-person event hosted at Science World. SFU researchers discuss the impact of these prizes and the connection between fundamental and applied research.
SFU Faculty Presenters:

Mark Brockman, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, for the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology
Byron Gates, Chemistry, for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Shawn Sederberg, School of Engineering Science for the Nobel Prize in Physics

For questions, please contact sfuscienceoutreach@sfu.ca

Register now!

Pathways to Biotech: Navigating Your Science Career
2024-03-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Join us for an exclusive event where you’ll hear directly from STEMCELL Technologies professionals.

Event Highlights
Join us for an exclusive event where you’ll hear directly from a panel of STEMCELL Technologies professionals and gain insights into their roles, experiences and the diverse opportunities within STEMCELL Technologies.
Following the event, there will be a live Q&A session with the expert panelists.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step into the shoes of STEMCELL Technologies professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the exciting and impactful work they do. Whether you’re a student aspiring to join the tech industry or a seasoned professional looking for inspiration, this event will be an enlightening and enriching virtual experience.
About STEMCELL Technologies
STEMCELL Technologies is a company of Scientists Helping Scientists. United in our efforts to enable scientific research and discovery, STEMCELL provides specialized cell culture media, cell separation technologies, instruments, accessory products, and educational resources to scientists working in stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapy research in over 70 countries. Founded in Vancouver in 1993, STEMCELL is now Canada’s largest biotechnology company, and offers exciting career opportunities at and away from the bench.
The Women in STEM Virtual Career Fair
STEMCELL Technologies is proud to be a partner of SCWIST’s Women in STEM Virtual Career Fair, an event dedicated to empowering and advancing women, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, racialized communities, new immigrants, individuals with disabilities and other under-represented groups accelerate their career development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Register for the Career Fair.

Science Slam: Slam to the Future
2024-03-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Welcome to the wonder of Science Slam! We are Vancouver’s most epic science showdown. Sit back, relax, and watch as our competitors battle to achieve science communication fame and glory while learning something new in our future themed event.

What exactly is a science slam? Based on the format of a poetry slam, a science slam is a competition where speakers gather to share their science with you – the audience. Competitors have five minutes to present on any science topic without the use of a slideshow and are judged based on communication skills, audience impact and scientific content. Props and creative presentation styles are encouraged — no slides!

Doors open at 7pm, event begins at 7:30pm.
Limited early bird tickets are available!

Interested in presenting/Slamming? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/e3PeN92u4UsKBsEx6

See you there! Get your tickets now.

Notes:
The venue is wheelchair accessible. The main cabaret room is accessible through a ramped entrance. We also have a wheelchair accessible washroom in the space as well.
Venue is a 19+ venue with non-gendered bathrooms.
Masks are not required but they are encouraged.
Science Slam acknowledges that this event takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil Waututh Nation. Many of our attendees, Science Slam included, are guests of these territories and must act accordingly.
Science Slam is an inclusive event, as a result hate speech and abuse will not be tolerated.

Postdoc Career Fair
2024-03-08 11:00 - 14:00 | British Columbia
Want to hear more about your career opportunities in industry and academia? Want to chat with companies about job prospects? Then join the UBC Postdoctoral Association at the Postdoc Career Fair on March 8th!
Friday March 8th:

Industry – 11:00am-12:30pm (in-person)
Academia – 1:00pm-2:00pm (virtual)

Propels: Company Creation 101
2024-03-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, 6163 University Boulevard, Vancouver
In-Person at Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (Lower Level), 6163 University Boulevard, Vancouver, B.C.

Would you like to understand what it takes to create a company? Join this workshop hosted by the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering to learn more about market research, business models and risk assessment. In this two-part event, you will also hear from local UBC start-ups about their commercialization journey as they provide real-world case studies and personal insights.
Register to attend

SBME Seminar: Publishing in Science: An Inside Look
2024-03-14 09:00 - 10:00 | UBC, Vancouver
Dr. Di Jiang’s biography
Senior Editor
Education: Beijing Medical University (now PKUHSC); BA, St. Mary’s College of Maryland; PhD, The George Washington University
Areas of responsibility: Molecular biology, DNA biology, RNA biology, nuclear and chromatin biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology development, gene regulation, epigenetics

Location:
BMCBH 101 LT + Zoom

Propels: From Lab to Industry: Navigating the Transition
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Explore strategies for transitioning academia to a successful career in industry, and hear from SBME alumni who’ve made the transition.
Panelists:
• Leon Lin | Senior Scientist, Research and Development | STEMCELL Technologies
• Aditi Sitolay | Founder | Synoro Med
• Noor Shaikh | Product Management Lead | Innovere Medical Inc.
Registration is required.
Register for this session
This session is virtual.
Zoom Link for Session

Using One Health to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses: Interactions with Mammals and Development of Countermeasures.
2024-03-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Life Sciences Centre & Online
Presented by: Dr. Arinjay Banerjee
Principal Scientist, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Organization, University of Saskatchewan
Co-Lead, One Health, University of Saskatchewan
Adjunct Member, Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UBC
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm PT
Hybrid: Life Sciences Centre Room 1003 (LSC3) & Zoom
In-person: Life Sciences Centre, Room 1003 (LSC3)**
** Lunch will be provided in LSC3
Virtual via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 93974317252
Password: [REDACTED]

BIG Research Day
2024-03-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Life Sciences Institute, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, Canada
The BIG Research day is an annual tradition of Bioinformatics, Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genome Science + Technology graduate programs at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
Over 100 graduate students from all three programs gather to present their research projects and attend seminars and workshops by academic and industry professionals. Undergraduate students interested in this event are also welcome to join.
Every year the BIG Research Day explores different research areas. Our theme this year is: Novel Techniques And Limitations To Modern Methods
Learn more!

Science World After Dark
2024-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Science World After Dark is a special event where adults (ages 19+) take over the dome. Explore the exhibits and galleries at your leisure. Enjoy drinks, food, music and more, and experience a night out for adults that is a little bit out of the ordinary.

After Dark at Science World, you can…

Groove to the beat — the DJ will be spinning tunes all night!
Experience exciting live science shows at Centre Stage.
Explore our permanent galleries and check out our Feature Exhibition: Dream Tomorrow Today.
NEWLY ADDED! Get creative in our Maker Studio and learn how to use Cricut smart cutting machines to make your very own customized greeting cards!
Wet your whistle with a cold beer, cider, or glass of wine.
Grab your favourite childhood dinner in Triple O’s.
Visit our Snack Lab for snacks, treats, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Visit our Science Store for fun and exciting educational toys, books, activity kits, and unique gifts.

Good stuff to know:

Early bird tickets ($35+GST) are available until March 1 at 11:59 pm. After that, tickets will be available online ($40+GST) at until March 21 at 3pm — unless sold out earlier.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled or combined with other coupons, discounts, offers or promotions.
There will be no tickets available at the door.
Food and drinks are available for purchase.
After Dark is open to adults 19+ only.
Please note: For the safety of all attendees, security checks will be conducted at the entrance to the event.

CGSHE Trainee Research Symposium: Spring 2024
2024-03-26 12:30 - 14:30 | SFU and Online
The Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity is proud to present our next Trainee Research Symposium! The symposium will showcase ten-minute presentations by CGSHE trainees from UBC and SFU on intersectional approaches to gender equity and sexual health, followed by a Q&A session. The CGSHE Trainee Research Symposium is co-hosted by CGSHE in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
This event will take place in person on Tuesday, March 26, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the FHS Student Commons in Blusson Hall (SFU Burnaby Campus). It is open to the broader UBC and SFU community to attend. Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking research and discussion. Lunch will be provided for attendees.
For those who cannot join us in person, we invite you to join us via Zoom. Please select the virtual option when selecting a ticket for this event if you would like to attend via Zoom.

Cities of Futures Past: Examining the Social-Ecological Legacies Affecting Urban Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
2024-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | SFU & Online
To create a more just future for our ecosystems and societies, we have to look to our past. Past changes in our ecosystems impact present day ecosystem function, health and structure, just as historical social decisions (like policies) have longstanding legacies. Cities, in particular, provide a unique opportunity to explore the intersection where humans and their constructed ecosystems co-exist.
It is in these environments that we can interrogate how our past shapes our social-ecological present. Hence, if we hope to build resilient cities for our future, it is imperative that we deconstruct how past societal processes have shaped our ecological present.
In his talk, Dr. Chris Schell will explore how one of those social legacies enshrining residential segregation and disinvestment in Black neighborhoods (i.e., redlining) continues to influence social and environmental features of cities today.
Dr. Schell will also demonstrate how modern inequities in environmental health and socioeconomics have tangible impacts from human behaviour to biodiversity.
RSVP today!

ABOUT CHRIS SCHELL

Dr. Christopher J. Schell is an urban ecologist, professor, Afrofuturist, father, and writer.
Research in the Schell Lab combines animal behavior, physiology, urban biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, and One Health to investigate how carnivores – namely coyotes, foxes, and raccoons – adapt to life in cities.
In addition, Schell’s lab integrates critical discourses on how structural oppression (e.g., redlining, pollution burden, and socioeconomic disparities) directly shape the very urban features associated with human-wildlife interactions, conflict, and adaptation.
This transdisciplinary work aims to disentangle how environmental injustices have structured our urban ecosystems and how we can harness those lessons to build more just, biodiverse, and resilient cities.
Schell is a National Geographic Explorer, Grist Fixer, Cal Academy Fellow and Board Member, and Affiliate Faculty with the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, with his work featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, Vox Explained, and various NPR radio events.
A born-and-raised Los Angeleno now firmly planted in the Bay Area, Schell weaves his lived experiences as a Black man and Californian to co-produce justice- and equity-centered research programs with local communities that regenerate urban nature, environmental health, and access for all peoples.
X (Twitter): @UrbanSchell
Website (available March 1): https://schell-lab.squarespace.com/

The Economic Evaluation of Precision Medicine in Diabetes: Models and Approaches
2024-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Vancouver General Hospital Research Pavilion, 700-828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z1M9, Canada
Virtual or In-Person at Vancouver General Hospital Research Pavilion, 700-828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.

Join C2E2 for a spotlight session on evaluations of precision medicine with Dr. Talitha Feenstra.
Standard economic evaluations, including cost-effectiveness and cost-utility studies, present outcomes at the population level. Novel precision medicine strategies may ask for tailored approaches that use existing simulation models in a novel way, or even require adjustment of these simulation models. In this talk, different examples of evaluations of precision medicine in diabetes will be presented and discussed to gain insight into the possibilities and pitfalls of evaluating precision medicine interventions.
Register to attend

Science of Cocktails
2024-04-11 20:00 - 23:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Our largest fundraising event is back! Your ticket to Science of Cocktails supports students, teachers, and families across BC with FREE access to Science World.
During Science of Cocktails, we transform the dome into the Canada’s largest cocktail laboratory. You’ll engage with the city’s most talented bartenders as they showcase the science behind their tastiest tipples and enjoy mouth-watering food samples prepared by locally renowned restaurants and caterers. Witness astounding science shows, explore our galleries, and mix and mingle with the nerdiest cool kids in town.
It’s the best of Science World and Vancouver’s food-and-beverage industry distilled into a night unlike any other.
2024 General Admission: $185

Open bar with multiple bar stations serving unique cocktails
Access to a variety of special cocktail science activities, hands-on demos and Science World programming
Tastings prepared by locally recognized chefs

To purchase group tickets of 10 or more, please contact reserve@scienceworld.ca
2024 VIP: $289
All the inclusions of a General Admission ticket, plus:

Early event access
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
Premium cocktail offerings & hors d’oeuvres
Live entertainment

To purchase group tickets of 10 or more, please contact reserve@scienceworld.ca

Norman Bethune Symposium
2024-04-18 07:00 - 18:00 | UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver
Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for CBR’s 12th Annual Norman Bethune Symposium! The symposium will be held in a hybrid-format with opportunities for attendees to join in-person or virtually.
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Venue: UBC Robson Square, Vancouver, Canada
Webcast: HERE (Starts at 8:00am PT)
Program: HERE
Inaugural “Don Brooks and Dana Devine Transfusion Science Innovation Address”: Dr. Stephen Withers, Professor Emeritus, UBC Chemistry
Register: HERE
Submit an abstract: HERE
Travel Awards: HERE

Digital Health Conference
2024-04-25 09:00 - 18:00 | Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0B9, Canada
We are thrilled to launch our inaugural Digital Health Conference on April 25, 2024. This day-long event will connect sector leaders for in-depth discussions on the important role digital health has in the future of healthcare. As health technologies evolve, they present unprecedented challenges and opportunities to improve patient care and individual health outcomes. From AI-powered medical devices and diagnostics to technologies accessing real-time data, the possibilities for digital health truly are exciting.
The event will offer comprehensive programming which includes company pitches, insightful keynote presentations, engaging fireside chats, and thought-provoking panel discussions focusing on innovations within the digital health sector.
Join us in shaping the conversation and learn about the evolution of British Columbia’s health tech/digital health sector.

Cafe Scientifique: Reinventing Cardiac Care - An AI-Empowered Paradigm
2024-04-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada
Data is increasingly shaping our healthcare landscape. From electronic health records to wearable devices, huge amounts of data are generated every hour, offering insights into individual and community health trends, treatment efficacy, and resource allocation. Analyzing these data can allow healthcare providers to personalize treatments, predict health outcomes, and streamline operations for better patient care. However, realizing this potential will require access to large amounts of personal health information and advanced computational capabilities.
With our clinical and research partners, we are developing artificial intelligence algorithms that can analyze patient heart ultrasounds, or echocardiograms, and detect the presence of heart diseases in real time. The goal of this AI-guided tool is to support primary care so that patients have faster access to the echocardiograms they need to receive tailored healthcare in their own communities.
We extend our warm invitation to all families, healthcare providers, and knowledge keepers from BC’s communities to join us at our public engagement event and share your perspectives, preferences, concerns, and questions related to the development and deployment of AI tools for healthcare. These conversations will guide the practical applications of AI research and how best to implement these advances for the benefit of you, your family, and your community alike.

Learn more!

Day of Immunology
2024-04-28 12:00 - 14:30 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Connie Eaves
2024-05-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Chan Centre, 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of Dr. Connie Eaves, distinguished scientist at BC Cancer’s Terry Fox Laboratory and professor in the Department of Medical Genetics and the School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC.
It is difficult to convey what a great loss this is to the cancer research community not only in British Columbia and Canada, but throughout the world. Connie leaves a lasting international legacy as trailblazer in the field of stem cell research and an advocate for more women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Eaves family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Connie starting at 1:30 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the Chan Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. More information can be found on the website here. This Celebration of Life is open to all those who would like to attend. For planning purposes, we kindly ask that anyone who would like to attend complete the short form found here.

Living Innovations: BC’s Path to Biological Engineering
2024-05-08 08:00 - 2024-05-09 17:00 | Online
This year, Genome BC’s Annual Genomics Forum theme is “Living Innovations: BC’s Path to Biological Engineering.” As we bring together thought leaders and innovators from the life sciences community, business, industry and policymakers, we aim to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue, with discussions dedicated to harnessing the power of genomics to advance health care, the sustainability of our natural resources, environmental conservation and technological advancements.
This thought provoking online event features two half-days of insightful sessions highlighting technological breakthroughs and how we could address challenges while anticipating the ethical, ecological and economic impact of integrating genome engineering into our daily lives.
DAY ONE — Engineering Better Health Outcomes
Day one will focus on how genomic engineering is revolutionizing precision medicine through targeted modifications, offering hope in tackling conditions like sickle cell anemia, mitigating hereditary hearing loss and extending these innovative strategies to a spectrum of rare genetic disorders, cancer and beyond.
DAY TWO — Eco-Innovations
On the second day, we will delve into the significance of genomic engineering in promoting climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture. We will also explore the revolutionary impact of these technologies on mining processes as well as the development of bio-based products and biodegradable materials. Furthermore, we will discuss the critical role of genomic engineering in species conservation. Our sessions will highlight how these technologies are paving the way for a sustainable future by reducing our ecological footprint and contributing to the conservation of vital biodiversity.
Addressing Challenges and Anticipating Impacts
Throughout both days, our sessions will illuminate the path to ground breaking advancements and confront the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead. Engaging with the ethical, ecological and economic dimensions, we aim to chart a responsible and inclusive course for integrating genomic engineering into our daily lives and industries.
Join us on May 8-9, 2024 to be part of a pioneering community dedicated to harnessing the power of genomics for a healthier, more sustainable, and ethically conscious world. Together, we will explore topics on the cutting edge of science and envision a future where these advancements lead the way in solving the complex puzzles of our time.

Learn more!

SynBio6.0
2024-05-16 08:00 - 2024-05-17 17:00 | AMS Student Nest, 6133 University Boulevard, Vancouver
SynBio6.0 (May 16-17, 2024) aims to bring the research community together to celebrate Canadian progress in this exciting and fast-growing field. The goal of this event it to promote collaborations and the exchange of ideas between synthetic biology research groups in Canada.
This event provides a forum for our trainees to develop their skills in the science and business of synthetic biology. Trainees are invited to attend tutorial workshops, participate in discussion of synthetic biology training programs, to present their work through oral and poster presentations, and to network with other synbio researchers.
Register and Present

Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Use in Nanomedicine
2024-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Plasmonic nanoparticles such as gold, silver, or their alloys are interesting nanomaterials for application in nanomedicine therapeutics and diagnostics. In this talk, I will briefly introducing plasmonic nanoparticle characteristics, then discuss recent developments in this field at Polytechnique.
Among the developments I will describe is a new method for delivering exogenous biomolecules into targeted cells using an ultrafast laser and plasmonic nanoparticles. We have used the technique of plasmon-mediated laser nanosurgery to effectively perform gene transfection in various living cells and delivery of biomolecules in vivo in animal models for ophthalmic applications. I will share some of our recent results on laser trigger release of antitumor drugs from lipid nanoparticles containing gold nanoparticles.
Moreover, we have synthesized alloy nanoparticles using an improved seeded-growth approach. We use these spectrally distinctive plasmonic nanoparticles as biomarkers to perform quantitative multiplexed 3D imaging of cells and tissues. This technology has been commercialized by our spin-off company, Vega BioImaging, to assist pathologists with their diagnostics.
Our plasmonic-based techniques show promise as innovative tools for basic research in biology and medicine, and could be adapted for use as therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic clinical tools.

StemCellTalks Vancouver - Building Blocks of Life: Applications of Stem Cells
2024-05-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver
Stem cells are a revolutionary tool in the world of medicine due to their versatility and potential in bettering the lives of patients suffering from a variety of complex diseases. StemCellTalks is a one-day conference for high school students from grades 10-12 that are keen on learning more about stem cells and their applications. This unique opportunity will allow students to interface and learn from researchers in their respective stem cell disciplines. Throughout the day, immersive and interactive activities will help solidify students’ understanding of their newly acquired knowledge, think critically, and participate in experiential learning. We would love to have you join us on this day! If interested, please fill out the Google Form or click here to learn more!

ISCT 2024
2024-05-29 08:00 - 2024-06-01 17:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Connect with global experts from across academic, regulatory, and industry. Participate in robust debates, collaborate on developing solutions to sector challenges, and secure a front-row seat to presentations and conversations advancing the field of cell and gene therapy.

50+ Roundtable Sessions: Developed by harnessing the expertise of key opinion leaders from ISCT expert committees, ISCT 2024 roundtable sessions provide an interactive platform for in-depth discussions and debates on pivotal subjects including iPSCs, exosomes, CAR-Ts, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing and regulatory harmonization.
Join our roundtable sessions to remain well-informed on solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges, engage in conversations propelling the industry forward, and forge connections with potential future collaborators.

Translational Pathway Program: Immerse yourself in the future of cell and gene therapy with thought-provoking talks and presentations from the most esteemed cell and gene therapy leaders from across the globe. Our Translational Pathway Program provides key education and data on the most novel research spanning the spectrum of translation including science and innovation, translation to the clinic, first in human to clinical acceleration, launch and patient access.
Attend our plenary and concurrent sessions to discover the latest breakthroughs in gene-edited EVs, autologous and allogeneic iPSC clinical trials, CAR-Ts, NK cells, Tregs, point-of-care manufacturing, clinical site qualification standardization, investment and partnering.

Global Showcases & Corporate Sessions: Hear directly from industry leaders representing prominent international organizations to discover the current status of commercialization efforts in the cell and gene sector. Gain firsthand knowledge and education about the revolutionary technologies on the horizon that are poised to define the future of cell and gene therapy.

BioBasics 101: The Biology of Biotech for the Non-Scientist
2024-05-29 09:00 - 2024-05-30 15:30 | Oceanic Plaza, 1035 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
LSBC, in partnership with Biotech Primer, is pleased to present BioBasics 101: The Biology of Biotech for the Non-Scientist. This intensive two-day ‘master course’ is designed to help non-scientists gain a foundational understanding of the science that forms the backbone of biopharma so that you can converse more effectively with colleagues, clients, regulators, and scientists.
On day one, instructor and biotech consultant Kevin Curran, Ph.D., will focus on the function of DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell signaling and how each interacts in both healthy and diseased tissue.
Day two will build on your newfound molecular biology knowledge, including a more in-depth look at genetic disease and how genetic engineering is used to create personalized medicine options for patients.
The course concludes with a survey of small molecule drugs, biologics, and vaccines and explains how each mitigates disease at the molecular level.
Upon completion of this course, you will have:

Fluency in the essential terminology of the biopharma industry
An understanding of the science driving your company or client’s products
Improved ability to communicate with colleagues and stakeholders
Determination of where your organization “fits” in the healthcare landscape
Increased comprehension of innovative therapies within the biopharma industry

Seating is limited, so register early to reserve your spot.

AGENDA
Day 1:
8:30-9:00am | Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:15am | Introductions
9:15-10:15am | Industry Overview
10:15-10:30am | Break
10:30-11:30am | Biology: Basis of Biopharma
11:30 – 12:00pm | DNA: Biopharma’s Blueprint
12:00-12:45pm | Lunch
12:45 – 1:45pm | DNA: Biopharma’s Blueprint
1:45-2:00pm | Break
2:00-3:15pm | Proteins: Biopharma’s Workhorse
3:15-3:30pm | Wrap-Up
Day 2:
8:30-9:00am | Continental Breakfast
9:00-10:00am | Genetic Engineering
10:00-10:15am | Break
10:15-11:30am | Genetic Basis of Disease
11:30-12:15pm | Genomics: Understanding the Genetic Basis of Disease
12:15-1:00pm | Lunch
1:00-2:15pm | Genomics: Understanding the Genetic Basis of Disease continued
2:15-2:30pm | Break
2:30-3:15pm | Drugs Mitigate Disease: An Overview
3:15-3:30pm | Wrap-Up

Group Discount:
5% off when registering 5 or more participants.
Class Size:
If the enrollment falls below the minimum requirement of 20 people, the program may be canceled or postponed. It is essential to ensure that enough participants are enrolled to proceed with the program effectively.
Maximum of 30 participants.

SBME Symposium 2024
2024-06-04 09:30 - 17:30 | AMS Student Nest, 6133 University Boulevard, Vancouver
UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is thrilled to announce that our 6th annual Symposium will be held on June 4th, 2024. This community event invites students, researchers, industry, and other biomedical engineering enthusiasts to participate in an exciting day of research presentations and networking.
About the Symposium
Our keynote speaker this year is Dr. George Church, geneticist and founder of Synthetic Biology at Wyss Institute, Harvard University. The Symposium will also feature talks from other leading biomedical engineering researchers, as well as a lunch and poster session highlighting the incredible work of our SBME graduate students.
We invite biomedical students from UBC and beyond to participate in our Symposium Poster Session! This is a great opportunity for trainees to present their research to a wide audience of researchers and industry partners. There will also be prizes for top submissions!
In addition to presenting a poster, trainees are invited to submit their poster abstract for review; top abstracts will be selected and students will be invited to give a Trainee Talk during the Symposium.

Find out more here!

An Evening with Jeff Karp
2024-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | 1387 Railspur Alley, 1387 Railspur Alley, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3R7, Canada
In the age of convenience, information overload, and endless exposure to stimuli, it’s easy to trudge through the motions of life, pressured, distracted and seeking instant gratification. When this way of living becomes the norm, it can immobilize us, making it feel impossible to reclaim control of our lives with intention and enthusiasm.
There’s another way. Join us at Upstart & Crow on Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m. to learn about getting LIT with author, Harvard Medical School professor and renowned bioinspirationalist, Jeff Karp. Karp will be in conversation with Upstart & Crow cofounder, Ian Gill.
In his new book, LIT: Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature’s Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas and Ignite Action (William Morrow), Karp teaches us to harness the vital wisdom and power of nature to place us into a lit state. Lit is a life magnifier, a heightened state of awareness that drives curiosity, connection, and energy. In short: being lit takes us off autopilot and helps us stay alert, present, and fully engaged.
Diagnosed with learning differences and ADHD at a young age, Karp persisted through nearly insurmountable struggles. After discovering that he could think about thinking at age seven, he became his own science experiment, tapping into the lit state through trial and error to achieve hyper-awareness and explore his curiosity, creativity and connection to nature. Decades later, as a biotech innovator, husband and father, lit continues to encourage opportunities for innovation in his professional and personal lives.
This is a free event, but please register for your spot on this Eventbrite, as capacity is limited. Books will be available for purchase.
About the author:
Jeff Karp, Ph.D., is an acclaimed mentor and biomedical engineering professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, a Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has dedicated his research to bioinspired medical problem-solving, and his lab’s technologies have led to the formation of twelve companies. The technologies they have developed include a tissue glue that can seal holes inside a beating heart; targeted therapy for osteoarthritis, Crohn’s disease, and brain disorders; “smart needles” that automatically stop when they reach their target; a nasal spray that neutralizes pathogens; and immunotherapy approaches to annihilate cancer. Dr. Karp is also head of innovation at Geoversity, Nature’s University, a rainforest conservancy located in one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. He was selected as the Outstanding Faculty Undergraduate Mentor among all faculty at MIT and the top graduate student mentor of Harvard-MIT students. Dr. Karp lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife, children, and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
More about Upstart & Crow:
Located on Granville Island, Upstart & Crow is a literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events, workshops, literary launches, unique partnerships — and yes, we also sell books!
Health precautions:
We want this event to be fun and safe. Masks are welcome, though we won’t enforce them. We hope that folks who come will be vaccinated and boosted and will stay home if they feel ill.
Accessibility:
The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees.
Questions: hello@upstartandcrow.com.
