UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 13 | Nov. 7, 2002

UBC Gains $46 Million for High-Tech Facilities

Funds Aimed at Doubling the Number of Grads

By Hilary Thomson

UBC will receive $46 million in provincial funding for facilities to support students in high-tech programs.

“This is a strong endorsement of UBC’s leadership in high-tech education,” says UBC President Martha Piper. “The expansion builds our capacity for learning and research and allows us to make an even greater contribution to B.C.’s economy.”

The funding is part of a $95-million capital expansion program at B.C.’s four public universities to support the provincial government’s commitment to double the number of B.C. graduates from high-tech programs.

The funds will support the construction of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Bldg., a six-storey, 10,000 sq. metre-structure that will be located between East Mall and Health Sciences Mall immediately south of the Health Sciences Parkade. Construction will start in December 2003.

In addition, two facilities will be expanded with construction starting April 2003.

“Through this outstanding commitment, UBC will be able to dramatically improve and expand its programs in electrical and computer engineering and computer science - which are essential in fueling the high-tech industry,” says Michael Isaacson, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science.