The area surrounding the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the most beautiful in Vancouver. It is a wonderful place to explore. Where else can you walk through a stately forest, dip your toes in the waters of the Pacific, or visit bustling shops and beautiful gardens? Of course, if you live at UBC, you already know that it is a wonderful neighbourhood, and like many great universities, it has an exciting blend of talented people, smartly designed housing, university amenities, collegial conversation, and premier research facilities such as TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics.
TRIUMF is a home for scientific study where researchers investigate the particles and forces that comprise the very essence of our universe. It is a place where scientists use their skills to explore the benefits of nuclear science and draw on those insights to develop new medical cures and technological innovations for industry and to better understand the world around us.
Nestled alongside the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, this industry, technology, and innovation area is attracting a growing number of Vancouver residents. UBC has recently constructed new homes for a neighbourhood of 1,500, who are choosing to make the south campus their home.
TRIUMF views itself as an active and responsible member of this expanding community. A good number of TRIUMF staff members live in the area and serve as informal TRIUMF ambassadors for the new residents and their civic association, the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA). Many residents have already taken a TRIUMF tour or taken in a Saturday morning physics lecture. During the summer of 2008, TRIUMF and UNA jointly held an evening lecture series in the neighbourhood’s Old Barn Community Centre. Both series, with lectures aimed at a family audience, provided the residents a chance to meet TRIUMF and learn more about its work. In September 2008, TRIUMF participated in the annual Barn Raising Community Open House, at which more than 3,000 people participated. TRIUMF staff regularly contributes articles to the monthly UNA newsletter and local independent newspapers.