This year, UBC Arts scholars tackled big questions and explored new ways of understanding the world.
Their work spanned topics from AI learning to “speak” and the psychology of helping others, to the enduring power of music and the fight against disinformation, revealing surprising insights, challenging assumptions, and advancing global conversations on these topics.
Revisit some of the stories we published in 2025, featuring Arts scholars from across the faculty.
Faculty of Arts launches 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
On May 14, 2025, the UBC Faculty of Arts celebrated the launch of its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan—a collective vision shaped by more than 1,000 voices from across the Arts community. Learn more about the strategic directions that will shape the Faculty and what’s next.
This image was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.
Playing the language game with AI
What happens when artificial intelligence interacts with the world of human language? Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed (Associate Professor, School of Information and Department of Linguistics) argues that AI must be understood as socially embedded, not just a technical tool, if it is to truly meet human needs.
Image credit: Stuart Lowe
From Bach to beats: How Ryan Davis is redefining the viola’s sound
Blending his classical roots with folk, electronic, and hip-hop, School of Music professor Ryan Davis is carving out a space for the viola that feels both fresh and timeless. In this interview, he shares his inspirations, the power of vulnerability in performance, and why authenticity drives his work as a musician and educator.
PhD student Julia Nakamura (left) and psychology professor Dr. Frances Chen (right) are leading a SSHRC-funded study on the benefits and trade-offs in prosocial engagement in everyday life.
Helping others is good for our health. But how do we balance our own needs?
Psychology professor Dr. Frances Chen and PhD candidate Julia Nakamura discuss their research on the benefits and trade-offs of prosocial behavior, the impact they hope to have on public health guidelines, and their favourite ways to practice kindness.
Photo from the Coming Home exhibit (courtesy of Margaretta James)
Reclaiming history: A new Asian-Indigenous exhibit explores the right to truth-telling
Elder Margaretta James presents a unique transpacific version of resiliency of the human spirit by showcasing how Asian-Indigenous encounters in the Pacific northwest and British Columbia have shaped the lives of individuals, families and communities living there.
Spatial empathy in action: New audio project gives voice to UBC’s custodial community
What does it feel like to move through campus unseen, yet essential? Using immersive sound storytelling, Geography Associate Professor of Teaching Dr. Siobhán Wittig McPhee invites listeners to experience campus through the stories of those who keep it running behind the scenes.
Illustration by Ibrahim Rayintakath
How to fight disinformation, according to a historian of media
Disinformation is nothing new. Here’s how to fight it, according to Dr. Heidi Tworek, director of UBC’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions.
Haíłzaqv Chiefs (from left to right) Frank Brown, Ian Reid, Gary Housty, Carrie Easterbrook and Crystal Woods at the opening of the Haíłzaqv Language Building on Nov. 8, 2024, in Bella Bella, B.C. (Photo by Sara Shneiderman)
How language revitalization boosts Indigenous health
New UBC Arts-led research by Dr. Mark Turin, Karleen Delaurier-Lyle (Information Services Librarian, X̱wi7x̱wa Library) and PhD student Julia Schillo, shows that reviving Indigenous languages may do more than preserve culture—it may also improve public health.
When robots promise love: What people really want from AI and smart tech
Marketing for social robots, AI, and wearable health devices promises connection and support, but does it deliver? UBC psychologist Dr. Jill Dosso examines how people actually experience these tools and why design should follow user needs.
UBC Arts expands non-credit programs to meet evolving learner needs
Every day, Arts researchers shed light on the forces shaping society — from the rise of AI to the impacts of the toxic-drug crisis. Now, through an expanding roster of non-credit programs, the Faculty is helping people apply that knowledge in their work, communities, and creative pursuits.
