The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2023
December 21, 2023
From climate anxiety to cheese rolling, psychedelic research and a big moment for mushrooms, these were VIU’s top stories of 2023. #1: Say cheese Our most unusual mention comes courtesy of VIU Theatre student Delaney Irving, who won a unique global contest – in a very unique way. Irving made... Read more
Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs
December 18, 2023
VIU honorary research associate part of Smithsonian study on woolly dogs published in the journal Science. A study from researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) sheds new light on the ancestry and genetics of woolly dogs. The now-extinct breed was a fixture of... Read more
VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities
December 13, 2023
Dr. Serene Kerpan is the lead author of a nationally funded report. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Kinesiology Professor Dr. Serene Kerpan is studying the impact of prenatal exposure to opioids and neonatal abstinence syndrome with First Nations communities. Kerpan co-leads a research project... Read more
VIU professor using patient-oriented approach to medical assistance in dying research
December 12, 2023
Dr. Caroline Variath received a Michael Smith Health Research BC award for her work. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Nursing Professor Dr. Caroline Variath is researching ways to enhance awareness of and access to end-of-life care for patients. Medical assistance in dying (MAID) has been legal in... Read more
VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley
December 7, 2023
The research includes a public survey online now until the end of December. How, when and for what purpose people use trails in the Cowichan Valley region is the subject of a Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher’s latest project. Aggie Weighill is a VIU Tourism and Recreation Management... Read more
VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
What can COP28 realistically achieve? 🌍 We had a soul-filling week at VIU. The VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $350,000 for students in need and engaged with a record number of new donors. We celebrated by giving students cookies, smiles and heart balloons. Every dollar... Read more
VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases
November 22, 2023
Dr. Andrew Loudon received a $165,000 NSERC Discovery Grant to pursue his research. Dr. Andrew Loudon is working to protect the Columbia spotted frog from a deadly disease and breed a more disease-resistant and resilient Pacific oyster. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) microbiology professor’s... Read more
VIU students showcase innovative seafood creations during Urchin Tank
November 20, 2023
What: Urchin Tank – Seaweed Challenge When: Friday, November 24, 5 to 7:30 pm Where: VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Urchin Tank is back this fall with five new student teams competing to see who has created the best fermented seaweed... Read more
Putting a human face to the Canadian war experience
November 7, 2023
Expert commentary with Dr. Stephen Davies, Director of the Canadian Letters and Images Project Vancouver Island University History Professor Dr. Stephen Davies is founder of the Canadian Letters and Images Project, an online, digital archive of Canadian wartime letters and related materials. He... Read more
VIU News & Experts: November 3, 2023
November 3, 2023
In this issue of VIU News & Experts: Telling the stories of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice Conflict resolution expertise President and vice-chancellor re-appointed VIU experts in the news Celebrating diversity through movement at WorldVIU Days Putting a human face to war VIU... Read more