Two scholars from the UBC Faculty of Arts have been reappointed as Canada Research Chairs, recognizing their leadership in tackling complex global and philosophical questions.
Dr. Kristen Hopewell (School of Public Policy and Global Affairs) continues her work as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Global Policy, examining how nations navigate an increasingly fractured international trading system. Dr. Alison Wylie (Department of Philosophy) has been renewed as Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of the Social and Historical Sciences, exploring how inclusive and socially engaged approaches can strengthen the foundations of scientific knowledge.
They are among fourteen chairholders from UBC announced on October 22, 2025, as part of the Canada Research Chairs program, which invests up to $311 million annually to support research excellence across disciplines. UBC received $11.1 million in this latest round of appointments.
Read more about Dr. Hopewell and Dr. Wylie’s research below.
Dr. Kristen Hopewell, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Global Policy
The multilateral trading system has played a critical role in ensuring stability and order in the global economy for more than 70 years. But it has recently been thrown into crisis. With the two dominant powers in the system—the United States and China—blatantly violating its rules, the established liberal trading order is in danger of collapse. As Canada Research Chair in Global Policy, Dr. Kristen Hopewell is analyzing how states are responding to the current trade crisis.
She and her research team are exploring the ongoing battle to “save the WTO” (World Trade Organization) as well as various reform efforts within the organization. Hopewell’s team is also examining how various actors are challenging the existing norms (contestation dynamics) and the tensions between those trying to preserve the current system and those fighting it. Their findings will contribute to global policy debates about free trade and the future of the global trading system.
Dr. Alison Wylie, Philosophy
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of the Social and Historical Sciences
We are witnessing a fundamental change in thinking when it comes to authoritative scientific knowledge. Scholars and activists alike are questioning even the most rigorous research programs, pointing out that they reflect the interests and values of their makers and aren’t “value-free.” Such critiques have profoundly affected the field of anthropological archaeology. At the same time, the discipline has been enriched by innovative research programs undertaken by feminists, critical race theorists, de-colonial and Indigenous advocates and scholars, and many others.
As Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of the Social and Historical Sciences, Dr. Margaret Alison Wylie aims to understand how and why these often overtly political research programs can improve anthropological archaeology rather than compromising it. Ultimately, she and her research team are developing a philosophical argument that inclusive, collaborative research is not only a matter of social justice, but also essential to producing better, more rigorous knowledge in anthropological archaeology.
