BPI Research Day 2026
May 1, 2026, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Life Science Centre (LSC) - West Atrium at 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 (Click the link to find the exact location of the venue)
ABOUT THE EVENT
"Connecting & Empowering Next-Gen Innovators"
Join us for our annual signature event, where we celebrate BPI researchers' innovations in sustainable bio-based materials. Open to BPI affiliates, partners and supporters, this event offers an invaluable opportunity for learning, networking, and building partnerships.
We're excited to spotlight our rising researchers through a poster competition, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and enhance their presentation skills. Designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and broaden the reach of research, this event strengthens connections within and beyond the BPI community.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 27, 5 PM
PROGRAM
- 10:00 AM Coffee & Mingle
- 10:30 AM Welcome & BPI Update
- Dr. Charles Haynes, Head, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, UBC
- Dr. David Kitts, Dean pro tem, Faculty of Land & Food Systems, UBC
- Dr. Orlando Rojas, Scientific Director, BioProducts Institute, UBC
- 11:00 AM Poster Session #1
- 12:00 PM Networking Lunch
- 12:30 PM Poster Session #2 (Lunch continues)
- 1:30 PM Keynote Presentations
- Dr. Tianxi Yang, Assistant Professor, Food Science, UBC
- Dr. Saad Khan, INVISTA Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University
- 2:00 PM BPI ATR Update - Dr. Titichai Navessin, Director of Operations, BioProducts Institute, UBC
- 2:05 PM Award Ceremony
MC: Dr. Gregory Paradis, Assistant Professor, Forest Resources Management, UBC
POSTER COMPETITION
All BPI-affiliated undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdocs, are invited to join the poster competition. Click here to find the presentation guidelines and judging criteria.
Abstract submission deadline is Apr 17.
Competition Prizes
- Best Poster Awards: The top three posters will each receive a $500 travel and education award for conference or course registration.
- EDI.I Excellence Award: One winner will receive a $500 travel and education award.
- PackLead Poster Award: The top poster from the UBC PackLead Program will receive a $500 travel and education award.
- People’s Choice Awards: One audience favorite per session will receive a $100 Visa gift card.
STAMP RALLY & GIVEAWAYS
Guests can participate in a stamp rally to win a prize. Those who visit 15+ posters and collect stamps from the presenters can enter the prize draw to win a $100 gift card.
PARKING
We suggest using one of the following parkades which are located within a 5 min walk. Their rates are $2.25 per 1/2 hour up to a daily max of $22.
- Health Science Parkade, 2250 Health Sciences Mall, V6T 1Z3
- Thunderbird Parkade, 6085 Thunderbird Boulevard V6T 1Z3
For more details, view the university parkade and parking lot map.
Registration
Late registrations from BPI affiliates and partners are still welcome. Please note that food service priority goes to those who registered before the April 27 deadline, and printed nametags may not be provided for late registrants.