Shared Platforms
Establishing and maintaining specialized research infrastructure (facilities, tools and equipment) is expensive but critical to reaching the leading edges of discovery. When shared by multiple users the burden of cost can be lifted, making the resources more accessible and increasing opportunities for collaboration. Our shared platforms include cutting-edge instrumentation, advanced technologies, data processing and analysis.
Fipke Laboratory for Trace Element Research (FiLTER)
The Fipke Laboratory for Trace Element Research (FiLTER) is a state-of-the art research facility located in the Charles E. Fipke Centre for Innovative Research that specializes in trace element analysis and electron microscope imaging. FiLTER offers a range of analytical services to UBC researchers and the broader scientific community on a fee-for-service basis.
The FiLTER lab includes some of the most advanced spectrometry and microscopy instrumentation available, which allows scientists to measure minute particles, scan them at the atomic level, and determine their origin. Researchers can examine how mountains were formed by studying microscopic trace elements in a single crystal within a rock or look for trace element ‘fingerprints’ indicative of mineral deposits that might contain gold, diamonds or other valuable resources.
From food security and forest renewal to the development of novel bio-fertilizers and compostable plastics, UBC Okanagan’s plant growth facility enables our scholars to work collaboratively to benefit the social and economic health of our region. Opened in September 2020, the 5,100 square-foot, state-of-the-art research greenhouse is located in the agricultural land reserve (ALR) on the west campus lands, near the Upper Campus Health building.
The vision is to enable research collaborations between scientists, farmers, and community partners to jointly experiment with a diverse range of plants and crops, including grapes, hops, cherries, lavender, honeysuckle, and more. With capacity for over 10,000 plants, current plantings include breadfruit, lavender, grapevine, flax and rhododendron. The research taking place extends beyond traditional biology and chemistry applications, such as plant-microbe interactions, plant chemistry, and plant-insect interactions, to include emerging fields of study in environmental engineering, eco-criticism, sustainability, and food systems.
Research Data Centre
Fipke Centre for Innovative Research (FIP 222/222A), 3247 University Way | 250-807-8904 | ubco.rdc@ubc.ca
Academic Director: Andrea Craig
The UBC Okanagan Research Data Centre (RDC) is a secure facility where researchers are able to access detailed Statistics Canada microdata. The UBCO RDC branch is part of the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRCDN).
Data
The microdata comes primarily from Statistics Canada survey master files, in addition to administrative records from a variety of sources including tax, employment insurance, social assistance, and hospitalization records.
explore Datasets
Access
Researchers interested in accessing data must submit proposals through the Statistics Canada Microdata Access Portal (MAP). The application process may take up to eight weeks.
Once access is approved, researchers must pre-book appointments to access the RDC.
*The RDC is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment only.
UBC STAR (Survive and Thrive Applied Research)
The UBC STAR initiative utilizes the power of collaborative R&D to solve human performance challenges in extreme environments.
Facilities and Services
COLLABORATION FACILITY
A collaborative research space for researchers and entrepreneurs to test their concepts and validate their ideas. It provides rapid prototyping and new product design services and is fully equipped with the latest software applications and advanced technologies, including 3D printing, scanning and modelling capabilities and on-site technical expertise to reverse engineer parts.
Impact Research Facility (SIRF)
A custom-designed ballistic and blast simulation facility that supports testing and research for applications in ballistic and blast resistant armour, ceramic and other composite materials, occupant protection components of a vehicle, helmets and other protective gear. Technical capabilities include conducting evaluations of the protection performance of body armour and helmets.
UBC Animal Care and Use Program
The UBC Animal Care and Use Program provides animal care and housing, veterinary services, facilities management, ethics compliance, specialized technical services, training to support the dedicated scientists who work with animals as part of their research programs.
Studies that are in vivo (Latin for “within the living”) involve the testing of various biological entities on whole, living organisms or cells for the benefit of human and animal health, the environment and biodiversity of our planet.