The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was proud to participate in Life Sciences BC’s 10th Annual Access to Innovation conference, held on February 26, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. This event brought together thought leaders from academia, research, health institutions, government, and industry to discuss the latest trends, developments, and policies shaping British Columbia’s life sciences sector.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Innovation, Transforming Health, Shaping Tomorrow,” set the stage for insightful discussions on how BC can continue building on its Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing strategy. The conference explored ways to drive economic growth while delivering meaningful innovations that improve patient care.
The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was honoured to contribute to this dialogue through a featured panel discussion titled “Training Tomorrow’s Workforce: Building Industry-Aligned Academic Programs.” Representing the Faculty on this panel were:
- Dr. Lalitha Raman-Wilms, Dean
- Dr. Thomas Chang, Professor and Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
- Dr. Jessica Kalra, Assistant Professor
The panel focused on how academic institutions can tailor their programs to align with the evolving needs of the life sciences industry. Discussions included strategies for integrating cutting-edge research into curricula, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and equipping students with the skills required to thrive in this rapidly advancing sector. Panelists highlighted UBC’s commitment to preparing graduates who can drive innovation and make a lasting impact in healthcare and biopharmaceutical sciences.
Beyond the panel, the conference provided invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. Faculty members engaged with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore new partnerships and initiatives that will help shape the future of life sciences education and practice in BC.
Photo credit: Life Sciences British Columbia