UBC ranks second in Canada on university rankings

UBC placed second on Maclean's list of best engineering programs and Times Higher Education rankings this year. UBC Engineering has consistently been among the top one or two positions on rankings tables over the last five years, proving a consistent commitment to excellence, innovation and student experience.

“These rankings are a reflection of UBC Engineering's remarkable achievements,” said Dr. James Olson, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science. “They also demonstrate the real-world impact our engineers have on our cities and communities by advancing equality and diversity, pioneering climate solutions, and creating meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

Global impact on global issues  

UBC Applied Science welcomed German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, earlier this year in a visit that highlighted UBC Engineering's strong research partnerships with Germany. The President toured the soon-to-open Smart Hydrogen Energy District, a unique hydrogen research platform, and spoke with researchers working on clean energy and climate change solutions.

UBC is one of the few Canadian academic institutions with research partnerships with the three major German research institutions – Fraunhofer Society, Max Planck Society and Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, which includes the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).

Breaking barriers  

Engineering researchers are also pushing the envelope when it comes to studying and developing technological advances through work such as collaborating with Honda to develop a breakthrough ‘robot skin’ that will improve prosthetics and human-robot interactions, and transforming construction vehicles into AI-powered smart robots.  

Taking on climate change

UBC engineers are pursuing a wide range of innovative solutions to address environmental concerns, including successfully eliminating ‘forever chemicals’ or PFAS from drinking water, using fruit waste as fuel and turning bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands into carbon fibre.

Engineering students, too, are among those redefining sustainable construction. Third Quadrant Design, a student design team, designed and built an award-winning teaching and learning space on campus that is near zero in embodied carbon.  

UBC’s four-year Environmental Engineering program received accreditation this year, enabling the Faculty to deliver on its mission to create the leaders for tomorrow. The program aims to provide an outstanding educational experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed to tackle the complex environmental challenges of our time.