Events
November
2025
| Event Location: HENN 202 |
PHAS undergrads, come meet our PHAS Alumni panel to get some good stories, tips, tricks and recommendations on carving out a career path with a Physics, or Astronomy degree in Canada and abroad.
Panelists, faculty and staff will be available after the presentations for questions and networking!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Lukasz Fidkowski, University of Washington
Abstract:
Recently there has been a convergence of ideas from quantum condensed matter, quantum field theory, and quantum information theory in the study of topological phases of matter. I will give a pedagogical overview of some of these ideas, and then describe recent progress my collaborators and I have made in understanding these phases.
Bio:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: HEBB 114 | Speaker: Laura Grego, Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: Surrey Public Library Room 418 | Speaker: Karen Kavanagh and Thomas Jennewein
Hello all,
Saturday Morning Lectures is a series of public lectures meant to explain local physics research in plain language. This week, SFU's Karen Kavanagh and Thomas Jennewein will speak about how electrons make better images than light, and all about quantum communication from space. These talks are for interested students and members of the public.
Date: Nov 15, 2025
Location: Surrey Public Library Room 418
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (1100 Chestnut St. Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9) |
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre celebrates Cosmic Nights!
November 14th: (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence)
Meet our PHAS graduate students showcasing a booth at this popular event! We'll be doing our best to respond to the question of what other life could be out there, beyond our terrestrial planet.
This 19+ event is for all those who are interested in space, our universe and beyond!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Douglas Scott, University of British Columbia
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Anthony Ayari (CNRS)
Vacuum electron sources have a long history dating back to the end of the nineteenth centur
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Gwen Grinyer, University of Regina
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Sacha Kocsis, Xanadu
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: Earth Sciences Building (ESB) 1013 (2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC) | Speaker: Ben Miller
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 + inside HENN 307 |
Beef and Pizza!
Got some beef with your Physics or Astronomy classes? Or maybe some thoughts about your PHAS degree or the department that you want to share?
Want to exchange them for some free pizza?
Come to UBC Physics Society’s term event: ‘Beef and Pizza’ on November 5th, from 11 am to 2 pm, outside HENN 200 or inside HENN 307!
This is your chance to share feedback about PHAS courses, labs, degree programs, or the department in general, and enjoy some free pizza while you’re at it.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
November
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Roland Bacon
Abstract:
The WST project aims to design and construct an innovative 10-metre class wide-field spectroscopic survey telescope (WST) in the southern hemisphere. It will feature the parallel operation of two cutting-edge instruments: a high-multiplex (30,000), large field-of-view (3 square degrees) multi-object spectrograph (MOS) operating in both low- and high-resolution modes, and a giant panoramic integral field spectrograph (IFS).
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Dr. Christopher D. Woodgate, School of Physics, University of Bristol, UK
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: David Setton, Princeton University
Abstract:
One of the biggest mysteries of the early era of JWST's operation has been "Little Red Dots," compact sources with strange V shaped spectral energy distributions and broad emission lines. These sources have been incredibly hard to model, and over the course of three years, leading theories have ranged from over-massive and over-abundant galaxies that assembled Milky Way levels of stellar mass in the first Gyr of cosmic time to over-massive and over-abundant luminous active galactic nuclei that defy models of black hole assembly.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: Brimacombe 288 (2355 East Mall) | Speaker: Samikshya Sahu, Departmental defense
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: UBC Mathematics Department (1984 Mathematics Road, UBC-V campus; Room: Math 100 |
UBC Applied Mathematics Meeting — Register by October 18, 2025
We are excited to invite you to the "UBC Applied Mathematics Meeting" this Fall. It is a one-day conference dedicated to the newly created SIAM Student Chapter at UBC, Vancouver, Canada.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Charles Antoine, Ambassadeur médiation de CNRS Physique 2025, CNRS and Sorbonne Université
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery (1825 Main Mall, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z2) | Speaker: Bronwen Tate (School of Creative Writing) and Adele Ruosi (Department of Physics & Astronomy)
Abbas Akhavan: One Hundred Years
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Sabrina Pasterski, Perimeter Institute
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: TRIUMF auditorium (4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC) | Speaker: Larry Nittler, Arizona State University
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Larry Nittler, Arizona State University
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: Virtual event (zoom) | Speaker: Philippe Bélanger - Departmental Defense
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: David Reitze, Caltech & LIGO
Abstract:
The first direct detection of gravitational waves from a pair of colliding black holes 10 years ago opened a new window to the high energy universe. Since 2015 the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA international gravitational-wave detector network has observed hundreds of events, mostly pairs of black holes but also binary neutron star mergers as well as neutron star - black hole collisions. The information revealed in these detections is changing our understanding of the Universe.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Nadia Lichtig, Quantum Studio artist in residence
Note: this event is part of the Quantum Studio program sponsored by the French Consulate. Please join us, and interact with Nadia during her residency at QMI.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our new Spring Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level) | Speaker: Alannah Hallas
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works! All are welcome!
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 202 (Department of Physics & Astronomy 6224 Agricultural Road, UBC-V campus) |
Welcome to our Fall 2025 Science Slam! The greatest science communication competition...ever! This event is a partnership between the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Science Slam Canada.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: Chemistry building B250 (2036 Main Mall) | Speaker: Sarah Burke
*This event is part of a Lectures in Modern Chemistry series, hosted by the Department of Chemistry*
Theme: Functional Materials, Nature of Matter, Technology
Abstract: TBD
Bio:
Sarah holds a joint appointment as Associate Professor in the UBC Chemistry and Physics & Astronomy departments.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: In the atrium outside of HENN 200 |
We welcome you to our new Spring Weekly PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Ellis Owen, RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
Abstract:
Cosmic rays interact with astrophysical systems across a vast range of scales, from turbulent galactic environments to the large-scale structure of the Universe. Closely linked to violent, high-energy processes, they act as a dynamic feedback agent, regulating the physical conditions and long-term evolution of galactic and circum-galactic ecosystems. Depending on their energy, cosmic rays can also propagate into galaxy halos and through the cosmic web.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: TRIUMF auditorium (4004 Wesbrook Mall) |
Welcome to the start of this academic year's Saturday Morning Lectures, proudly presented by TRIUMF, UBC, and SFU.
The lab’s longest-running public lecture series, Saturday Morning Lectures is an all-ages public lecture series that explores the role of physics at the leading edge of science, from the infinitesimally small world within the atomic nucleus to the furthest reaches of the known Universe – and everything in between
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Philip W. Phillips, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
October
2025
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Philip Phillips, Urbana-Champaign
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Matija Cuk, SETI Institute, CA
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: P.A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, UBC-V campus (2194 Health Sciences Mall) | Speaker: Dr. Mark Van Raamsdonk, UBC
Title: Our Quantum Universe
Bio:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory (AERL) Room 107 (2202 Main Mall) | Speaker: Nivretta Thatra, UBC IRES
Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) Professional Development Seminar with Nivi Thatra
Abstract:
Help improve the reach of your resaerch and your skills! Communicating your work to a wider audience can help inform policy and society, and gets you hired. Join Nivi Thatra for this free workshop covering how to:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: William G. Unruh, UBC and Texas A&M University
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: UBC Brimacombe building (AMPEL), Room 311 | Speaker: Alannah Hallas, UBC Physics & Astronomy
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 |
ASTRO JAMBOREE!
PHAS Students!
Come join us for our annual ASTRO Jamboree! This event brings together PHAS folks working in a wide range of astronomy and astrophysics research areas at UBC, driven by some of the most exciting questions in modern science.
Our faculty, postdoc and student researchers are seeking answers to:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: James Fraser, Queen's University
Abstract
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: Quantum Matter Institute (2355 East Mall) |
Special Event!
This week's Tuesday Tea is an invitation to join QMI Donut Day, this Wednesday at 3pm!
PHAS students, post-docs, faculty and staff: Come join us at the Brimacombe Building (2355 East Mall) - (approximately 700m from Hennings, or a 4min walk) for some tasty treats! QMI is happy to host as many of us that will make the trek with coffee, tea, timbits, cookies, fruit, and more!
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Jennifer West, Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO)
Abstract:
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (1100 Chestnut St. Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9) | Speaker: Featuring Lucas Kuhn (PHAS graduate student)
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre celebrates Cosmic Nights!
Join us for an evening of galaxies, gravitational waves and astrophotography, highlighting our own Lucas Kuhn as featured presenter! This 19+ event is for all those who are interested in how we discover the universe.
Tickets can be found at: Cosmic Nights: How We Discover The Universe (19+) Tickets, Fri, Sep 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: Hennings front entrance (6224 Agricultural Road) |
Join us for this annual student Welcome Back BBQ, hosted by the PHAS PHYSSOC student club!
About PHYSSOC
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 288 (Brimacombe Building - 2355 East Mall) | Speaker: Dong Chen, PhD defense
Abstract:
Point defects in quantum materials, once regarded as imperfections, are now recognized as central players in shaping electronic properties. They can scatter quasiparticles, modify local order, and in some cases host entirely new states of matter. Scanning tunneling microscopy provides a uniquely powerful window into these effects, combining atomic-scale spatial resolution with spectroscopic access to electronic structure. Yet in practice, the contributions of different defect types are typically entangled, obscuring their individual roles.
Subscribe to daily event email notifications
September
2025
| Event Location: online via zoom | Speaker: Niclas Heinsdorf, PhD defense
Title: Altermagnetic Instabilities from Quantum Geometry
Subscribe to daily event email notifications