Science in Vancouver

VCHRI Research Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of Health Care Through Research
2025-06-02 08:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Paetzold Auditorium, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
This event will bring together local researchers, health professionals and industry partners who are passionate about advancing research and innovation in health care.

Join us on June 2 to discover how VCHRI’s innovative research is seamlessly integrated into patient care, driving impact across our communities. Connect with leading researchers, health care professionals and community members while discovering the latest advancements and cutting-edge solutions reshaping the future of health care.
What to Expect
A dynamic day filled with engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, innovative demonstrations and networking opportunities with experts and peers. Discover cutting-edge research and explore the advancements driving the future of health care.
The full speaking program will be available in May. Follow #VCHRIResearchSummit for event updates.
Speaking topics will include:
– Breaking barriers to improve access with technology and AI​
– Transforming care through patient-centered clinical trials
– Healing with state-of-the-art regenerative medicine
– Spotlighting the next generation of innovators
– Exploring genetics, environment and lifestyle in personalized medicine
– Advancing health equity through research
– Streamlining approval processes for health research in B.C.
– Navigating the future of health care: Advancing research innovations for improved patient care

2025 UBC Psychiatry Research Day
2025-06-05 08:30 - 16:30 | Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver
Join us for the UBC Department of Psychiatry Annual Research Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Research day is an annual forum for showcasing novel research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice. It brings together faculty, trainees, and clinicians to explore advances in psychiatric neuroscience, clinical interventions, and mental health policy. The event features a diverse range of presentations, including lectures, trainee-led research talks, and poster presentations highlighting both fundamental and applied research.
Registration is open April 1 to May 23, 2025: REGISTER ONLINE

Dr. Charan Ranganath: The Boundaries of Memory: How Cortico-Hippocampal Interactions at Event Boundaries Support Memory and Prediction.
2025-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
In neuroscience, episodic memory is depicted as a process of activating “engrams” in the hippocampus that provide a static and faithful record of the past. In reality, behavioral research has established that human memory is dynamic and constructive, such that we do not replay the past, but rather, we rely on prior knowledge about events, along with a small amount of retrieved information to imagine how the past could have been. Drawing from this work, I propose a radical alternative to the dominant view in systems neuroscience: Rather than recording every moment of experience, the brain might reconstruct past events from prior knowledge and a small amount of event-specific information encoded at moments of high uncertainty or prediction error called “event boundaries”. Our data are consistent with the view that the hippocampus and neocortex serve as complementary learning systems, with the former playing a role in recording snapshots of cortical activity at event boundaries, and the latter involved in using prior knowledge to understand and reconstruct past events. Beyond episodic memory, this division of labor might be computationally optimal for spatial navigation, prediction, and decision-making.

BC-CfE Update Spring 2025 on Syndemic Conditions
2025-06-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard street, Vancouver
We are pleased to invite you to the BC-CfE Update. The focus of this event will be on HIV and syndemic conditions, including substance use, mental health, and comprehensive care clinical models. This is an open educational event sponsored by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY:
Friday, June 6, 2025
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (doors open at 11am for check-in and networking lunch)
Grand Ballroom – North Tower *
Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel (across from St. Paul’s Hospital)
1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
* in-person attendance is limited
This one credit-per-hour Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the British Columbia Chapter for up to 4.5 Mainpro+® credits [SESSION ID# 300894-001].
The schedule and speaker lineup will be available closer to the event. Check back soon for updates!
Following this conference, attendees will be able to:

Discuss the interaction between psychosocial factors and various co-morbidities within syndemic theory
Identify strategies to accelerate the control of syndemics within key populations in British Columbia
Illustrate the emerging role of preventive therapy for the control of bacterial sexually transmitted infections
Discuss the role of enhanced primary care and supervised consumption to enhance outcomes among persons who use drugs within inner city settings

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND IS NOW OPEN:
Register Here

Careers in Scientific Writing: Virtual Webinar
2025-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) Trainee Committee and Canadian Science Publishing are hosting a career development session focused on Scientific Writing.

Beaty Nocturnal
2025-06-19 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

Science, Stand-Up, & Song
2025-06-19 19:00 - 21:30 | Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Hello! I’m Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos, a Postdoctoral Fellow at UBC conducting stem cell research to help us better understand and mitigate the complications of preterm birth. This event is a fundraiser for my science education album! Check out the 3 singles I’ve published from the album here!
Science, Stand-Up, & Song aims to bridge the gap between scientists and the public.
The show will feature:
3 brilliant scientists:
–Dr. Chana Davis is a Medical Scientist at Gilead Sciences where she connects healthcare professionals to the latest updates on cancer research and treatments. Dr. Davis is a passionate science communicator, as the Founder of Fueled by Science and a Contributing Writer with Those Nerdy Girls.
–Dr. David Ng is a geneticist and the Associate Director of the Michael Smith Laboratories, where he supervises the Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory. He is a remarkable leader in science education, with a special talent for combining art with science.
–Dr. Adriana Suarez-Gonzalez is a Senior Science and Technology Advisor at 10X Genomics, a company at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, allowing for the study of large datasets of cells at a single cell resolution. Dr. Suarez-Gonzalez provides essential guidance and support to scientists across many disciplines of biology.
4 hilarious comedians:
–Yumi Nagashima is a charming Tokyo-born, Vancouver-based stand-up comedian, singer, & dancer. Yumi has performed at top comedy venues all over the globe – Montreal’s Just for Laughs Showcase, Jakarta International Comedy Festival, and Comedy Central Asia in Singapore.
–Alannah Brittany is a wonderfully observant Vancouver-based comedian, actor, and producer. Alannah has been featured on the Just for Laughs Originals album, CBC Gem’s New Wave of Stand-Up, and Apple TV.
–Bradley Fung is a witty Vancouver-based stand-up comedian, who hosts Buds and Suds monthly comedy showcase. Bradley has appeared in YVR Funny Season 2 and Just for Laughs Best of the West.
–*Special Guest Appearance*
1 host to perform original science songs along the way!
We are proudly supported by a 2025 Canadian Association for Neuroscience Outreach & Advocacy Award!

Queer Your (Science) Network
2025-06-25 11:30 - 13:30 | SFU
It’s Pride Month, and Sci-Space and Out On Campus are back with another collaboration to celebrate queerness and the LGBTQIA+ community!

All are welcome to join a low-key & inclusive event to socialize, meet new people and meet up with friends, and enjoy some refreshments.
Whether you’re out and proud, proud and prefer not to disclose it, a fierce ally, or curious about the community (or refreshments!), we invite you to participate in the “get-to-know you” bingo with a queer and science slant to learn about other wonderful folks in your community.
RSVP here — Registrations are encouraged for food planning, drop-ins are always welcome!
If you have access needs that are not addressed in this event description, please email Constantin at ooc2@sfss.ca

Summer Social
2025-06-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Zymeworks, Suite 800 114 East 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1GA, Canada
We invite you to join us for our most anticipated event of the summer—the LSBC Annual Summer Social! Join us for a lively evening of camaraderie as we gather as a community to celebrate the life sciences sector and kick off summer. We’re delighted to host this year’s social on June 25th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM PT at the stunning Zymeworks office. This is the perfect occasion to mingle with peers, foster new connections – and have fun.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT
Location: Zymeworks Office
114 E 4th Ave, Suite 800, Vancouver, BC
Tickets:

LSBC Members Early Bird (available until June 10th): $49 plus taxes/fees

*Tickets are currently available exclusively to Life Sciences BC members. Depending on capacity, a limited number of non-member tickets may be released closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates or consider becoming a member to secure early access.
Want to learn more about a Life Sciences BC membership and its benefits? Reach out to our Memberships team at membership@lifesciencesbc.ca.

After Dark: Lift-Off — LEGO® Bricks Edition
2025-06-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3Z7, Canada
Build worlds. Explore galaxies. All with LEGO® bricks.
Go into the depths of space with fellow LEGO® lovers at the adults-only After Dark: Lift-Off with LEGO® Bricks. Be among the first to explore our brand-new feature exhibition, Artemis Space Adventure with LEGO® Bricks, presented by White Spot Restaurants—on opening night, no less.
Put your skills to the test with fast-paced LEGO® challenges hosted by Vancouver’s Community for Adult Fans of LEGO®. Launch astronaut minifigs with precision, spot bricks like a Master Builder, and (space) race against the clock in a speed build. Create your own MOCs (My Own Creation) with guided prompts and code a micro:bit robot to navigate space.
Plus, catch one of three bite-sized talks with our curator, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, for an insider’s look. At Lift-Off, dive into a night of cosmic competition and hands-on LEGO® exploration — no kids, no cleanup, just pure play.
Whether you’re a die-hard builder or a curious newcomer, this is your launchpad for drinks, discovery, and a night that’s out-of-this-world.
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.
Pick Up a Wristband upon entry for one of three talks.
First Come First Served when you code your own micro:bit robot.
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.

9th Global Conference on Public Health and Epidemiology
2025-06-28 13:00 - 17:00 | UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver
9th Global Conference on Public Health and Epidemiology (GCPHE) – June 28, 2025 – Vancouver, Canada
The 9th Global Conference on Public Health and Epidemiology, organized by the Global Conference Alliance Inc., continues its legacy of bringing together an international community of experts, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. This highly anticipated event stands as one of the best public health events in 2025, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
As one of the biggest epidemiology events in Vancouver, this gathering is designed to address evolving challenges in public health and epidemiology. Participants will engage with groundbreaking solutions and forward-looking strategies, fostering advancements in areas such as the intersection of chronic and infectious diseases, environmental health challenges, and the transformative role of technology in global health.
For professionals looking to book an international epidemiology science conference, this event promises to deliver rich discussions and networking opportunities. By joining the public health conference in Canada, attendees will contribute to reducing health disparities and promoting equitable health solutions on a global scale.
This event also provides a seamless experience with a Canada conference invitation letter, supporting participants in their travel arrangements. By attending, you will not only redefine traditional practices but also champion innovation to build a healthier, more inclusive global society.

The Past, Present and Future of Evidence Based Medicine
2025-06-29 10:00 - 12:00 | St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
This summer, attend a guest lecture by Dr. Gord Guyatt, a pioneer of Evidence-Based-Medicine (EBM) in Canada and a Canadian Medicine Hall of Famer. And don’t forget to stay after to network with the future of research at the Providence Research Trainee mixer. Held both virtually and in-person at the Cullen Theatre in St. Paul’s hopsital, this is a free, one hour lecture followed by food and drinks.
For more information, contact info@advancinghealth.ubc.ca.
