Student Newsletter

If you are a current ISGP student, please subscribe to the ISGP-Students mailing list in order to receive the Student Newsletter every Monday.

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ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter February 2, 2026

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

ISGP Community

Call for Poster Abstracts – ISGP Nexus Conference 2026
ISGP is seeking student presenters for the Nexus Conference, taking place March 30, 2026 at the GSS Loft. This year’s theme highlights interdisciplinary collaboration and approaches that cross sectors and systems. Poster abstracts (max 350 words) should include background, methods, results, and rationale. Submit your abstract by Jan 31, 2026 (11:59pm PST) via the submission form.

Meditation Sessions @ UBC Farm Yurt
Free | Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 pm starting Sep 24 | Peer-led mindfulness practice: 20 min silent sit, 10 min technique/Q&A, 15 min walking meditation, 15 min discussion. Beginners welcome; tea and chairs provided (bring a cushion if you like). Location: UBC Farm Yurt (enter farm gate, turn right ~200 m). Open to students, faculty, and community; aligned with the Vipassana tradition. Learn more here

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Courses

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

Funding Opportunities

Wall Research Awards

Graduate awards, ranging in value from $25,000 (for Master’s students) to $30,000 (for Ph.D. students), have been made available through the Peter Wall Legacy Fund, an endowment established by Peter Wall, for graduate students whose research relates to one of three specific areas of interest:

  • sustainable approaches to and development of the general urban environment, including water, energy and transportation infrastructure in British Columbia;
  • environmental protection of oceans, beaches and waterfronts that impact British Columbia;
  • and sustainable approaches to resource-intensive industry in British Columbia.

Projects within these areas of interest will principally relate to British Columbia, but may also apply to and address other Canadian and international regions.

These awards are intended to support students in their 5th and/or 6th year of their PhD program and to students in their 2nd or 3rd year of their Master’s program. Funding is available for up to 12 months for Master’s awardees, or until program completion, and for up to 24 months for PhD awardees, or until program completion. All awards will commence from September 1, 2026.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 4:00PM PT. Applications are submitted by applicants directly to G+PS.

Further information, including eligibility requirements and complete application procedures, is available on our website at: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/wall-awards. Questions can be directed to graduate.awards@ubc.ca.

G+PS Events & Workshops

The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series (Spring 2026)
Online, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) series | Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm | View the full schedule. Sessions include:

Data Visualization for Teaching and Learning Projects: Tips and Tricks
Online | Tuesday, Feb 3 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register

Write to Flourish, Write with Flourish: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person | Wednesday, Feb 4 | 10 am - 3 pm Register

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Feb 8, 14, & 15 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 5.
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Using Mendeley for Citation Management
Online | Friday, Feb 6 | 3:30 - 5 pm Register

Mapping for Academic Publication (Reference Maps)
Online | Monday, Feb 9 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Data Bites - Creating a Data Dictionary for Research Projects
Online | Monday, Feb 9 | 11:30 am - 12 pm Register

Using APIs to GET data from Vancouver's Open Data Catalogue
Online | Tuesday, Feb 10 | 10 - 11:30 am Register

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Feb 10 | 8 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Superpower your work—with calmness
Interactive, with guided experiences, to help you gain practical insights into how stress affects attention, how your concentration shifts under pressure, and how grounding yourself can help you stay steady.
Online | Tuesday, Feb 10 | 12 - 1 pm Register

Quantum Computing Use Cases (3 hours, Technical)
Online | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to Git and GitHub: Part 2
Hybrid | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Communicating Data Like a Human: Use Data to Tell a Story!
Online | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 6 - 8 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Speaking as a Researcher: Turning Findings into Stories
Online | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Developing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement: Drafting and Feedback
Online | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 1 - 3 pm Register
In-person | Thursday, Feb 12 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Data recovery & rescue: Some great geospatial data to cherish
Online | Thursday, Feb 12 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register

Geopackages, or GIS without GIS
Online | Thursday, Feb 12 | 2 - 3:30 pm Register

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Feb 12 | 6 - 8:30 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Maximizing Learning Outcomes from Instructional Demonstration: Balancing Instructor- and Student-Led Experiential Learning
Online, CIRTL webinar | Tuesday, Feb 17 | 9 - 11 am Register. Cap is 50.

GSS x UBC Rec Fitness Classes
Maintain your physical wellbeing with these energizing classes:
Yoga - Tuesdays, 12 - 1 pm, Thea's Lounge | Feb 10 - Mar 24 | $17
Pilates - Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, Thea's Lounge | Jan 28 - Mar 18 | $22
Spin - Thursdays, 1:15 - 2 pm, ARC @UBC Life Bldg | Feb 5 - Mar 26 | $25

Career

Career Advising
Book an online appointment, Learn more.

Partnerships Beyond the University & Community-Based Research Experiences
IBioS panel discussions by and for graduate students
In-person | Tuesdays 4 - 5 pm | see details and register
Feb 3: Shared Goals, Shared Outcomes: Partnerships Beyond the University
Feb 10: Experiences in Community-Based Research

Mix and Mingle: Networking Across Energy, Sustainability, and Innovation
Join the GSS and numberous UBC alumni and professionals (from City of Vancouver, Stantec, Lululemon, Creative Energy and more)
In-person | Thursday, Feb 5 | 5:30 - 7 pm Register

CVs for the Academic Job Market
Online, part of the eight-part CIRTL “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.”
Thursday, Feb 5 | 1 - 2 pm Register.

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Feb 4 | 3 - 5:30 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

The World of Internal Audit: A Cross-Disciplinary Career!
In-person | Tuesday, Feb 10 | 5:30 - 7 pm Register

West Coast Virtual Fair
SFU, UBC, and UVic annual career fair
Online | Wednesday, Feb 11 | 10 am - 4 pm Register

Where Science Meets Strategy: Inside Life Sciences Consulting
Online | Thursday, Feb 12 | 12 - 1 pm Register. For additional resources, you may join Management Consulted through UBC's subscription.

Cover Letters for the Academic Job Market
Part of the eight-part CIRTL “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.”
Online | Thursday, Feb 12 | 1 - 2 pm Register.

Information session: Stanford University
Learn about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars graduate-level scholarship program
In-person | Thursday, Feb 12 | 6 - 7 pm Register

Paid positions: Run for the GSS Executive
Learn more and submit your nomination by Feb 27. Available positions include:

  • President ($24,744/annum; at least 16 hrs/wk)
  • VP Students, VP External Relations, or VP University and Academic Affairs ($20, 760/annum; at least 13 hrs/wk)

Mitacs and Concordia AI Workshops
This five-module program offers research students practical, industry-aligned skills in artificial intelligence, including foundational literacy, applied AI problem-solving, project management, and responsible AI practices. Registration opens 2 weeks before each session and capacity is limited.
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge for each session:

  • AI Foundations for Industry-Ready Research Students – Wednesday, Feb 4, 11 am - 2 pm PT
  • Applied AI Skills for Innovation Industry – Wednesday, Feb 18, 11 am PT
  • AI Strategy and Project Management – Wednesday, Mar 4, 11 am PT
  • Sustainable AI Practices: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility – Wednesday, Mar 18, 11 am PT
  • AI & Career Toolkit for Mitacs Program Participants – Tuesday, Mar 31, 11 am PT

Support & Resources

Register with the Centre for Accessibility
If you are a graduate student with an ongoing medical condition or disability that is impacting your academic experience, you may be eligible for graduate specific accommodations and supports. Contact the CFA to discuss.

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join to connect with other graduate students in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 pm Learn more
Additional group programs include ADHD skills, Relationship skills, 2STGD and Gender Questioning, and more.

Writing Resources
Check out the guides to writing and speaking including videos and a podcast on topics from academic integrity to the methods, challenges, and rewards of writing Learn more

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 26, 2026

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

ISGP Community

Call for Poster Abstracts – ISGP Nexus Conference 2026
ISGP is seeking student presenters for the Nexus Conference, taking place March 30, 2026 at the GSS Loft. This year’s theme highlights interdisciplinary collaboration and approaches that cross sectors and systems. Poster abstracts (max 350 words) should include background, methods, results, and rationale. Submit your abstract by Jan 31, 2026 (11:59pm PST) via the submission form.

Meditation Sessions @ UBC Farm Yurt
Free | Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 pm starting Sep 24 | Peer-led mindfulness practice: 20 min silent sit, 10 min technique/Q&A, 15 min walking meditation, 15 min discussion. Beginners welcome; tea and chairs provided (bring a cushion if you like). Location: UBC Farm Yurt (enter farm gate, turn right ~200 m). Open to students, faculty, and community; aligned with the Vipassana tradition. Learn more here

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Courses

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

Funding Opportunities

Wall Research Awards

Graduate awards, ranging in value from $25,000 (for Master’s students) to $30,000 (for Ph.D. students), have been made available through the Peter Wall Legacy Fund, an endowment established by Peter Wall, for graduate students whose research relates to one of three specific areas of interest:

  • sustainable approaches to and development of the general urban environment, including water, energy and transportation infrastructure in British Columbia;
  • environmental protection of oceans, beaches and waterfronts that impact British Columbia;
  • and sustainable approaches to resource-intensive industry in British Columbia.

Projects within these areas of interest will principally relate to British Columbia, but may also apply to and address other Canadian and international regions.

These awards are intended to support students in their 5th and/or 6th year of their PhD program and to students in their 2nd or 3rd year of their Master’s program. Funding is available for up to 12 months for Master’s awardees, or until program completion, and for up to 24 months for PhD awardees, or until program completion. All awards will commence from September 1, 2026.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 4:00PM PT. Applications are submitted by applicants directly to G+PS.

Further information, including eligibility requirements and complete application procedures, is available on our website at: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/wall-awards. Questions can be directed to graduate.awards@ubc.ca.

G+PS Events & Workshops

Library Orientation for Graduate Students
Online | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 11 am - 12 pm Register
In-person | Friday, Jan 30 | 12 - 1 pm Register

The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series (Spring 2026)
Online, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) series | Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm | View the full schedule. Sessions include:

Research Project Management for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Online from the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies
Tuesday, Jan 27 | 10 - 11:30 am | $15 Learn more and register.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Jan 27 | 1 - 3:30 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams".
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Introduction to NVivo for qualitative data analysis
Online | Tuesday, Jan 27 | 2 - 3:30 pm Register

Quantum Sensing Use Cases (technical)
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 11 am - 2 pm
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Introduction to Git and GitHub: Part 2
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Panel(s) of Early Career Faculty
Online, part of the eight-part CIRTL “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.”
Thursday, Jan 29 | 1 - 2 pm Register.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 29 | 6 - 8:30 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills"
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Beginner R Part 2
Online | Thursday, Jan 29 | 1 - 2 pm Register

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Friday, Jan 30 | 3:30 - 5 pm Register

Be an adjudicator for the 2026 Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference
MURC will be held in-person, Saturday, Mar 21. Adjudicators must also attend a mandatory in-person orientation session on Wednesday, Feb 25, 6 - 7:30 pm Sign up by Jan 31.

2026 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship
An opportunity to conduct research in Switzerland at a laboratory of your choice for a period of 2–3 months.
Learn more and apply by Jan 31

Introduction to Mapmaking with QGIS
Online | Monday, Feb 2 | 10 - 11 am Register

Introduction to Teaching Philosophy Statements
Online | Monday, Feb 2 | 9:30 - 11 am Register

Data Bites - Optimize Directory Structures for Research Data
Online | Monday, Feb 2 | 11:30 am - 12 pm Register

Data Visualization for Teaching and Learning Projects: Tips and Tricks
Online | Tuesday, Feb 3 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register

Write to Flourish, Write with Flourish: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person | Wednesday, Feb 4 | 10 am - 3 pm Register

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Feb 8, 14, & 15 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 5.
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Using Mendeley for Citation Management
Online | Friday, Feb 6 | 3:30 - 5 pm Register

GSS x UBC Rec Fitness Classes
Maintain your physical wellbeing with these energizing classes:
Yoga - Tuesdays, 12 - 1 pm, Thea's Lounge | Feb 10 - Mar 24 | $17
Pilates - Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, Thea's Lounge | Jan 28 - Mar 18 | $22
Spin - Thursdays, 1:15 - 2 pm, ARC @UBC Life Bldg | Feb 5 - Mar 26 | $25

Career

Career Advising
Book an online appointment, Learn more.

Paid Summer Internships: Sustainability Scholars Program
$31.25/hr, 250 hours beginning May 1
Learn more about eligibility and apply by Feb 1. Upcoming info sessions:
Thursday, Jan 22, 12 - 1:30 pm Register.
and Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining your Scholars Application, Monday, Jan 19,5 - 6:30 pm Register.

Employer On-Campus: Ledcor
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 27 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm Register

Knowing What your Employer Wants
This session is the first of several in our Career Series for 2026
Online | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 11 am – 12 pm | Register

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career".
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Start your year with inclusive design in mind
Discover practical ways to incorporate inclusive physical, social, and digital design and equity-centred thinking in any role.
Onine | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 12 - 1 pm Register

Innovation, Storytelling & Storyselling
In-person, Innovation OnBoard event | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 6:30 pm Register

Mix and Mingle: Networking Across Energy, Sustainability, and Innovation
Join the GSS and numberous UBC alumni and professionals (from City of Vancouver, Stantec, Lululemon, Creative Energy and more)
In-person | Thursday, Feb 5 | 5:30 - 7 pm Register

Paid positions: Run for the GSS Executive
Learn more and submit your nomination by Feb 27. Available positions include:

  • President ($24, 744/annum; at least 16 hrs/wk)
  • VP Students, VP External Relations, or VP University and Academic Affairs ($20, 760/annum; at least 13 hrs/wk)

CVs for the Academic Job Market
Online, part of the eight-part CIRTL “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.”
Thursday, Feb 5 | 1 - 2 pm Register.

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Feb 4 | 3 - 5:30 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Mitacs and Concordia AI Workshops
This five-module program offers research students practical, industry-aligned skills in artificial intelligence, including foundational literacy, applied AI problem-solving, project management, and responsible AI practices. Registration opens 2 weeks before each session and capacity is limited.
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge for each session:

  • AI Foundations for Industry-Ready Research Students – Wednesday, Feb 4, 11 am - 2 pm PT
  • Applied AI Skills for Innovation Industry – Wednesday, Feb 18, 11 am PT
  • AI Strategy and Project Management – Wednesday, Mar 4, 11 am PT
  • Sustainable AI Practices: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility – Wednesday, Mar 18, 11 am PT
  • AI & Career Toolkit for Mitacs Program Participants – Tuesday, Mar 31, 11 am PT

Support & Resources

Register with the Centre for Accessibility
If you are a graduate student with an ongoing medical condition or disability that is impacting your academic experience, you may be eligible for graduate specific accommodations and supports. Contact the CFA to discuss.

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join to connect with other graduate students in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 pm Learn more
Additional group programs include ADHD skills, Relationship skills, 2STGD and Gender Questioning, and more.

Writing Resources
Check out the guides to writing and speaking including videos and a podcast on topics from academic integrity to the methods, challenges, and rewards of writing Learn more

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm