Amanda Vincent's work with Project Seahorse has helped regulate worldwide trade of the endangered marine species. The project has also analysed the use of marine species for souvenirs in Mexico.

Related Links

• Fisheries Centre
• Canada Research Chairs

Leading Research

Discover a Better Way

Visit the world's leading universities and you'll find researchers on the front lines of the world's greatest challenges. By virtue of their energy and accomplishments -- as well as ultra-modern research facilities -- these innovators attract growing levels of funding that in turn help create centres of global research activity. In the process, they also attract the next generation of dynamic star researchers.

Professor Amanda Vincent is a case in point. Named a Leader for the 21st Century in 1999 by TIME Canada magazine, she came to UBC in 2002 as a Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation. Vincent was attracted by the opportunities provided by the world-class UBC Fisheries Centre, now led by Daniel Pauly -- himself named one of the 50 most influential scientists by Scientific American magazine.

Vincent leads an international team of 60 researchers and staff through Project Seahorse. Among other activities, the team conducts primary research on seahorses and marine life, fosters community-based conservation in Philippine fishing villages, works to moderate demand for marine species in Hong Kong's traditional medicine community, and advocates for sustainable international fishing policies. It has convinced the 166 countries making up the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to begin regulating the international trade in sea horses -- a landmark decision for marine fishers.

With the help of federal funding, the university has attracted 101 leading world experts like Vincent from Canada, the U.S. and countries around the world to become prestigious Canada Research Chairs. They are helping drive the university's unprecedented growth in research funding as well as its global reputation for innovation. In a survey conducted by Thomson ISI, UBC experts were ranked among the most cited in the world in leading journals, and second among Canadian universities.

In the coming years UBC will seek to increase research funding from industry, provincial and federal sectors. The university will recruit outstanding graduate students in all fields and disciplines. New initiatives will enhance the university's research infrastructure, funding support and recognition programs. And UBC will actively collaborate with local and regional communities, investing research efforts to address concerns such as sustainable use of resources, health care, transportation, immigration and social development.

UBC's community of leading researchers has put the university in the top ranks of international research activity. In 2003-04, they attracted $343 million in government and industry funding, in support of 5,576 projects across UBC's 12 faculties.