Professor Santa Ono recently took office as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. Professor Ono shares his early priorities and interests as well as gather input from alumni and friends on how we can continue to strengthen our university. He also speaks with Professor Andrea Damascelli, Professor and Scientific Director of the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, about the important research and innovation being carried out at UBC.

Recorded April 25, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan.

The government of Canada has tabled legislation legalizing and regulating the sale, possession and use of cannabis. While the benefits and drawbacks of legalization have been debated for years, the complexity of doing so has become clear now that legalization is imminent. Hear from our panel of experts in Toronto as they discuss what this means for the evolution of the cannabis growing industry, the medical challenges and opportunities, and what lawmakers have considered and should consider when designing a cannabis legalization framework.

Recorded April 20, 2017, in Toronto, ON.

Scientific evidence has been telling us for years that our oceans are in peril. So why have we not been able to rectify the situation?

Hear from Dr. Daniel Pauly, internationally-acclaimed fisheries scientist and principal investigator of the Sea Around Us, in a discussion that will bring to light the perilous state of the world’s oceans today.

Dr. Pauly touches upon what actions would really need to be taken – by policy makers and citizens alike – in order for the overwhelming evidence of damage to our oceans to be translated into policy and practice to save them from a dire future.

Scientific innovation is accelerating at a breathtaking rate, with big data and related disciplines such as genomics opening up new possibilities in areas including health, sustainability and the environment.

As advances are made though, as a population, are we even aware of the types of moral, ethical and scientific questions that we should be asking?

As part of the UBC University Killam Professor Lecture series, hear from three of UBC's newest Killam professors and world-leading scientists Dr. Sarah Otto, Dr. Loren Rieseberg and Dr. Bob Hancock in a discussion on the impact and implications of big data and genomics within their fields.

With the rise of populism in the U.S. and Europe, the time is right for a frank discussion on the realities of racism and critical reflection on white privilege in Canada. Recent events make it clear that it can and does happen here. Experts from UBC and the University of Alberta participate in this provocative panel discussion.

Recorded March 20, 2017, at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre.

In March 2016, Canadian-Iranian academic Dr. Homa Hoodfar, best known for her research on the role of women in Muslim societies, was arrested in Tehran by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. She was accused publicly of "dabbling in feminism and security matters" related to the recent election, and in June, after her bail was increased, she was jailed in Tehran's Evin Prison. There she faced many long interrogation sessions, constant threats of lengthy jail sentences and psychological torture while suffering from deteriorating health. In late September, after months of campaigning and diplomatic maneuvering, she was finally released and returned to Canada.

Hear from Professor Hoodfar as she shares her story and discusses the reasons why academic freedom remains so important in modern society and why freedom of expression needs to be protected as a global right. The conversation was moderated by Dr. Kathryn Harrison, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and a Professor of Political Science at UBC.

The Master Mind Master Class speaker series is an alumni UBC program that offers an unprecedented look into the minds of modern thinkers making a unique impact on the world, and the lessons they’ve learned.

Nearly one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. While many start experiencing symptoms as youth, the stigma surrounding mental illnesses often leads individuals to delay or avoid diagnosis. Much work is being done locally to help our youth get the help they need in order to build healthy, fulfilling lives. This spring in the Okanagan, a new facility called Foundry Kelowna will open its doors and, for the first time, youth will have access to coordinated and integrated primary care, clinical mental health, substance use, social services, and youth and family peer support and navigation. Will these commitments to youth mental health decrease the stigma of seeking treatment? Will Kelowna be able to improve access to care in a population where 75% of young people who need help do not get access to it? In what ways can early mental health support and treatment help to prevent future crises?

Recorded February 23, 2017, in Kelowna, BC.

From sustainability to technology to science education to health care, what are the key innovation opportunities and challenges facing BC? What investments will boost our economy and improve British Columbians’ quality of life? Listen as a panel of UBC researchers highlight key science and tech issues in the lead up to BC’s 2017 election.

This event took place February 21, 2017, at Science World at Telus World of Science in Vancouver, BC

Professor Santa Ono recently took office as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. In a series of In Conversation events, presented by alumni UBC, Professor Ono will share his early priorities and interests as well as gather input from alumni and friends on how we can continue to strengthen our university. Hear from this accomplished researcher and educator, who is a firm believer that dialogue is crucial for sharing ideas and bringing about transformation.

Winemakers in BC have traditionally used stainless steel and oak barrel vessels in the fermentation and ageing processes. Yet there are two new kids on the block: amphora (clay) and concrete now making their way into local cellars. Each affects the makeup of the wine differently, not only because of the diverse materials but also because they allow varying amounts of oxygen to be exposed to the wine within. Winemakers and experts have their preferences as there are advantages and disadvantages to all types in their cost-effectiveness, insulating properties and space efficiency. But what are their effects on taste and expressions of terroir? Historically, consumers can recognize and appreciate the unique qualities that fermentation in oak can impart to wines, but can they recognize the qualities of the others? Does the vessel play an important role in consumer’s enjoyment of wine?

Recorded January 26, 2017, at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre on UBC's Vancouver campus.