This October, UBC Arts faculty made headlines across major outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, Science, and CBC. Their expertise informed stories on artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, social connection, and the politics of global governance.
Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions
Detangling Canadian data
Dr. Heidi Tworek discussed how Canadian tech companies and policymakers are carving a path toward data sovereignty during the Canada–US trade war.
The Globe and Mail
No more Mr. Nice Bot: Some chatbot users push back against flattery, fluff
Dr. Chris Tenove commented on how chatbot users are pushing back against flattery and “friendly” AI personalities.
CBC
Department of Asian Studies
New course at UBC examines why so many people find horror so entertaining
Dr. Ji-yoon An was interviewed about her upcoming course, “Cinematic Monsters of Asia,” which explores classic horror tropes—from vampires to zombies—through contemporary films from Korea, Japan, and Thailand, revealing why audiences are drawn to monsters that both terrify and humanize.
Castanet
Department of Linguistics
Sora’s uncanny AI makes it difficult to distinguish real from fake
Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed commented on the risks of scaling AI video generator Sora and the challenges of regulating hyperrealistic content.
The Globe and Mail
Department of Political Science
Canada’s Other Superpower Problem
Dr. Stewart Prest told The New York Times that despite deep disagreements, Canada and China stand to gain “economically and politically” by finding common ground as their leaders meet to reset relations.
New York Times
Chinese watching US moved more by policy, events than entrenched ideology: paper
A study co-authored by UBC political scientist Dr. Xiaojun Li was featured in the South China Morning Post, highlighting research that found Chinese views of the United States are shaped more by shifting policies and political events than by entrenched anti-American ideology.
South China Morning Post
No red flags around foreign political contributions, says Yukon’s chief electoral officer
Dr Stewart Prest said that parties accepting out-of-jurisdiction donations have “an onus of transparency,” adding that Yukon’s election debate offers a chance to review and strengthen its political financing rules.
CBC
Canada, let’s stop doubling down on bad bets
Dr. Kathryn Harrison co-authored an article cautioning that new oil and gas export projects risk stranding Canada’s economy, calling for greater investment in clean energy infrastructure.
National Observer
UN politics won’t deliver an ambitious plastics treaty
Dr. Peter Dauvergne argued that UN negotiations are unlikely to produce meaningful action on plastic pollution.
Science
B.C. anti-tariff campaign a risky play, blowback already on its way: expert
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on B.C.’s planned anti-tariff ad campaign, describing it as a risky move that could provoke backlash from U.S. President Donald Trump and harm provincial interests.
CityNews
His own executives want him gone. But B.C. Conservative leader Rustad won’t quit
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the turmoil within the BC Conservative Party, saying members appear to be “watching the last days” of John Rustad’s leadership.
Toronto Star and Vancouver Sun
Policing, property taxes and housing: Where Surrey mayor Brenda Locke stands one year before the election
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed what voters are watching ahead of Surrey’s next municipal election.
Vancouver Sun
Department of Psychology
Doing almost anything is better with friends, research finds
Dr. Elizabeth Dunn’s research on how shared experiences increase happiness was featured in multiple outlets.
The Washington Post and Ottawa Sun.
‘Gray divorce’ is on the rise, data shows. What’s causing it?
Dr. Rosie Shrout commented on why “gray divorce” (divorce after age 50) is on the rise.
The Hill and WGNO
A 35-day study of couples reveals the daily interpersonal benefits of sexual mindfulness
A new study led by PhD student Simone Goldberg found that couples who practice sexual mindfulness—being present and non-judgmental during sex—report higher satisfaction, desire, and lower distress, with benefits extending to their partners as well.
PsyPost
Department of Sociology
New research reveals that almost half of Canadians believe in the paranormal — ghosts and all
Dr. Emily Huddart and Dr. Tony Silva wrote in The Conversation about their new research showing that nearly half of Canadians believe in at least one paranormal phenomenon — a finding that suggests such beliefs often coexist with, rather than replace, trust in science.
The Conversation
Canada isn’t deeply polarized – yet. What new research reveals about partisan animosity
Dr. Emily Huddart and Dr. Tony Silva wrote a piece for The Conversation about their research on political polarization in Canada, warning that online outrage and partisan media could deepen divides if left unchecked.
The Conversation
‘Layoffs in disguise?’ Vancouver’s back-to-office mandate spurs debate
Dr. Sylvia Fuller discussed how return-to-office mandates may be viewed as attempts to prompt resignations, warning that such policies can drive away high-performing staff who have other options.
Vancouver Sun
New study claims women would rather stay single than compromise on this major relationship issue
Dr. Laura Nelson commented on how political beliefs are correlated with partner preferences.
UNILAD
Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice
Well Read: Kawika Guillermo, author of Of Floating Isles: On Growing Pains and Video Games
Kawika Guillermo (aka Christopher Patterson) discussed their latest book and how gaming shaped their sense of identity and belonging.
The Georgia Straight
School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Authoritarian regimes need their court jesters
Dr. Peter Klein wrote an op-ed reflecting on satire and truth-telling in authoritarian contexts.
The Globe and Mail
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
The New Nuclear Fever, Debunked
Dr. M.V. Ramana warns that Canada’s push for small modular reactors overlooks major concerns about cost, regulation, and safety — cautioning that legislative gaps could leave communities exposed to significant risks without proper environmental oversight.
The Tyee
