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.