Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences,The University of British Columbia
Check out our video library for short (1–3 minute) documentaries that showcase the incredible science and technology available at PCIGR.
PCIGR’s nUBC facility is adjacent to the Pacific Museum of Earth. The facility was specifically designed with education and outreach in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows incorporated into the design permit what we call “science that you can see”. A large digital display that faces the museum showcases science facts, current research, recent publications, people, and upcoming events. PCIGR has also participated in the museum’s professional development activities, offering geochemistry training workshops for teachers from across the province.
From 2012 to 2018, PCIGR served as a critical training platform and major analytical hub for the Multidisciplinary Applied Geochemistry Network (MAGNET), an industrial-stream NSERC CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) initiative. Over its 6-year history, the program trained over 70 students and postdoctoral fellows from 5 Canadian universities. MAGNET provided extensive opportunities for research, lab exchanges, conference/workshop attendance, professional development, networking and industry interaction, including internships with some of the top analytical, environmental, and resource companies worldwide. The program is now evolving into a professional network for geochemists across Canada.
PCIGR partners with the Vancouver School Board and STEM Fellowship, a federal non-profit organization, to offer research internships for high school students. The pilot program in March 2016 was extremely successful, with the facility hosting six interns selected from a competitive pool of >45 applicants. The 2017 program grew in popularity—this time over 60 applications were received and PCIGR hosted 10 students from secondary schools across Vancouver.