UBC experts on B.C. trade mission
A delegation led by Premier David Eby will visit Japan, South Korea and Malaysia from June 1-10 to promote B.C trade with Asia and expand international markets.
Joining the Premier are Agriculture Minister Lana Popham and others, including UBC Vice President, Research and Innovation Dr. Gail Murphy.
Dr. Murphy and other UBC experts are available to comment.
UBC delegates
Dr. Gail Murphy
Vice President, Research and Innovation, UBC
Email: gail.murphy@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- B.C. life sciences sector
- B.C. AI sector
- Impact of UBC spin-offs
*available 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Japan time
Prof. Jason Hein
Professor, Department of Chemistry
Email: jhein@chem.ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- robotics, automation and AI in chemistry and chemical manufacturing
- supports Canadian startups and innovation in pharmaceutical development
- leads UBC’s Acceleration Consortium, turning research into commercial biotech solutions
*Unavailable June 2 and June 4
Prof. Nozomu Yachie
Professor and Director of Research, School of Biomedical Engineering
Email: nozomu.yachie@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- biomedical engineering
- will be exploring opportunities to expand Vancouver’s bioinnovation ecosystem through international partnerships
*Unavailable the afternoon of June 3 in Tokyo and on June 6 in Vancouver.
Ayako Takagi
Industrial designer, BioProducts Institute
Email: ayako.takagi@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English, Japanese
Expertise:
- will present a protype wood-leather soccer ball developed at BioProducts Institute at the Osaka Expo on June 4
Trade and innovation, Canada-Asia relations
Prof. Kristen Hopewell
Professor and Canada Research Chair in Global Policy, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA)
Tel: 604-822-4687
Email: kristen.hopewell@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- international trade and economics policy
- Canada-Asia relations
Orlando Rojas, PhD
Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Bioproducts, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Email: orlando.rojas@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English, Spanish
Expertise:
- plant- and marine-derived biomass and biopolymers
- green chemistry
- develops nature-based materials and systems
- leads efforts toward the defossilization of the chemical and materials industries, focusing on renewable feedstocks and circular bioeconomy strategies
*Available June 3, 5, 6
Dr. Samuel Roscoe, PhD
(He/Him/His)
Lecturer, Division of Operations and Logistics, Sauder School of Business
Tel: (236) 339-1758
Email: samuel.roscoe@sauder.ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- regional innovation and technology partnerships
- sustaina oh it’s a list Ibility and trade
- supply chains, investment and economic diversification
*Unavailable June 3
Dr. Peter Zandstra
Director, School of Biomedical Engineering
Email: peter.zandstra@ubc.ca
Interview languages: English
Expertise:
- stem cell bioengineering and regenerative medicine
- develops cutting-edge therapies that reflect B.C.’s biotech strengths and international potential in health innovation and partnerships
