UBC’s Vision for 2050: Going from Strength to Strength

As part of the strategic plan refresh, UBC community members shared their ideas about what teaching, learning, research and work would ideally look like at UBC over the next 25 years.

Their diverse perspectives outline an ambitious and optimistic future—one that addresses today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Achieving these ambitions will require members of the UBC community to work together to support continuing plans and fulfil new priorities—sustaining the university’s global leadership in research, teaching and innovation.

At the University of British Columbia in 2050, teaching, learning and research are, as always, the vital cornerstone of our vision; “to inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world.” More than ever, UBC is recognized as the best and most exciting university in Canada, and one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world.

Our critical partnerships with the Musqueam and Syilx Okanagan Nation on whose territories our main campuses are situated are more important than ever. We remain committed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, and UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Truth and Reconciliation Commitments. Thanks to efforts by Indigenous leaders, scholars, students and communities, we are a leading university globally in the implementation of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights.

As a premier educational destination and a globally recognized leader in research and innovation, we fully embrace our responsibility to use our knowledge and expertise to address society’s greatest challenges and opportunities. UBC is known as a hub for strong reciprocal partnerships that unite academia, industry, government and community organizations. These partnerships empower us to carry out innovative, interdisciplinary research, ask big questions, advance knowledge on pressing issues and deliver solutions with broad local and global impact.

Knowing that wellbeing is integral to the academic success of the university, the physical and mental health of our community is a key focus for UBC and has become fully integrated in our programs and facilities. Our students learn to think critically, analytically and creatively through active participation. They gain real-world experience and develop the expertise to realize opportunities we cannot yet imagine and solve problems that do not yet exist. By working together across disciplines, we ensure graduates are prepared to apply their scholarship to the biggest societal challenges of their time. We are leaders in lifelong learning, offering flexible programs and pathways that support upskilling, re-entry into education, and personal and professional development for learners of all ages.

UBC operates as an integrated system with two distinct and complementary campuses—Vancouver and Okanagan—both celebrated for their unique educational strengths, natural beauty and strong community partnerships. We are even more connected with the cities and regions we serve and we collaborate with regional partners to enable sustainable transportation and housing solutions that ensure accessibility for students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

UBC’s campuses are designed for innovation, discovery and impact. New models of collaboration leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual spaces. These UBC models enable accessible and inclusive teaching and learning, as well as groundbreaking research.

Our campus environments are more than just beautiful spaces—they are true communities where people feel valued and included. Rooted in a shared respect for all perspectives, backgrounds and traditions, we unite people through common goals of learning, collaboration and growth. The UBC community is one where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and purpose and is empowered to reach their greatest potential. UBC is consistently ranked as a top employer both provincially and nationally, attracting the world-class faculty and staff required to meet its academic and research mission.

We base our actions on the belief that the future of humanity and the planet depends on those who work together to question assumptions, create and expand knowledge, test new ideas and develop new ways of thinking. Guided by this unwavering belief, we learn with and educate the next generation of leaders and change makers to create a just, prosperous, healthy and sustainable world in 2050 and beyond.

Tuum Est.