I am delighted to inform you that Dr. Purang Abolmaesumi has been appointed on a three-year term as Senior Advisor to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation on Artificial Intelligence, effective September 1, 2026. In this role (0.6 FTE), Purang will: provide strategic advice and executive leadership to advance UBC's artificial intelligence research and innovation strategy; advance major institutional initiatives; optimize the implementation of AI across the research enterprise; and position UBC effectively within the provincial, national and international AI ecosystem.
The role will also: advise on responsible AI use across the research lifecycle; ensure alignment with other UBC policies, guidelines and requirements; improve access to AI expertise, data, compute and technical support; identify major research funding opportunities and coordinate institutional applications; and represent VPRI and UBC in AI discussions at multiple levels.
We are grateful to Purang for his commitment to this role and his ongoing support for UBC’s research community. Please join me in welcoming him to this important new role.
Peter Zandstra
Vice-President, Research & Innovation