Top 10 stories of 2024

From exciting and impactful research discoveries to inspiring recognition and partnerships, the University of Victoria (UVic) community continues to demonstrate our commitments to working together towards a brighter future for all, year after year.

2024 saw many monumental stories that positively impact our communities and our world. We’ve gathered some of the top stories from the past year that highlight our strategic priorties from a diverse number of faculties and saw high readership, media mentions and engagement. 

 

Unearthing the teenage experience during the Ice Age

UVic paleoanthropologist April Nowell co-led an international collaboration with researchers from six institutions to better understand life for adolescents during the Pleistocene.

In a study published in the Journal of Human Evolution new research identified specific markers in the bones that helped paint a picture of the puberty experience for Ice Age teens. Interestingly, it seems modern-day teens share many similarities with teens from 25,000 years ago. “It can sometimes be difficult for us to connect with the remote past, but we all went through puberty even if we experienced it differently,” says Nowell. “Our research helps to humanize these teens in a way that simply studying stone tools cannot.”

Nowell’s research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, in addition to her Lansdowne Fellowship Award.

UVic news story: Research reveals reality of Ice Age teen puberty

 

Deep-sea research sonar offers unexpected glimpse at Northern elephant seals

Approximately eight elephant seals had their moment in the spotlight as they utilized research equipment in the deep ocean to find their next fish dinner.

Thanks to sonar videos from an Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) observatory, the seals were repeatedly captured at the 645-metre-deep research site, where researchers could observe never seen behaviours like power-napping. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed PLOS ONE journal.

UVic news story: Northern elephant seals use deep-sea research sonar as dinner bell

 

UVic first academic partner on Bombardier’s sustainability-focused project

The University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR) partnered with one of Canada’s top aerospace companies on the EcoJet Research Project.

The groundbreaking project explores new technologies to reduce business jet emissions by up to 50 per cent. CfAR, who was selected as Bombardier’s first academic partner plays a leading role in the project with scale model design, manufacture and flight testing.

UVic news story: Bombardier partners with UVic for sustainable aviation

 

New understanding of the lifecycle of white dwarf stars

Simon Blouin, Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics National Fellow at UVic, collaborated with partners to examine data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite and establish new ways of understanding stars in the Milky Way.

The research, published in Nature, challenges the theory that white dwarf stars are “dead stars” and suggests that they may actually be billions of years older than previously thought.

UVic news story: Discovery tests theory on cooling of white dwarf stars

 

Permanent memorial in honour of Residential School Survivors

On Friday, Sept. 27, the campus community gathered for the inaugural raising of the Survivors’ Flag, which honours all individuals, families and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.

“I think it’s really important that UVic has a Survivors’ Flag. It’s an opportunity to recognize the challenges we Survivors went through and to make sure that we will always be remembered. It’s also important that this flag honours all Indigenous people by representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.” 

–Survivor and Elder Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams

UVic news story: UVic creates permanent memorial in honour of Residential School Survivors

 

Prestigious design award for National Centre for Indigenous Laws

Located on Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) territory, the National Centre for Indigenous Laws* (NCIL) received a 2023 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.

The new building, which is still under construction, will feature Coast Salish design and forest elements. The design emerged through an engagement process with Elders and members of the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ communities, as well as with UVic’s Faculty of Law students and a team of staff and faculty members.

UVic news story: UVic’s National Centre for Indigenous Laws wins prestigious design award

 

Developing a vaccine for syphilis

Microbiologist Caroline Cameron is leading an international team of researchers to develop a vaccine for syphilis. Cameron’s lab is the only lab in Canada studying the bacterium that causes syphilis.

While antibiotics are the current course for treatment, a vaccine would get ahead of the resurging illness. Known as one of the world’s first global diseases, cases have been on the rise in recent years, with 9,000 new cases in Canada in 2020.

UVic news story: Creating a vaccine for an ancient, all-too-current disease

 

Climate Disaster Project awarded at Canada’s top journalism awards

The Climate Disaster Project is an international teaching newsroom which trains students to work on the frontlines of humanitarian crises and create an extensive archive of eyewitness accounts.

The National Newspaper Awards awarded the Climate Disaster Project a Special Recognition Citation in recognition of exceptional journalism that opens the door to experimentation in journalism. Being only the second time a Special Recognition Citation was awarded. The work coming out of the project from over 219 students has been featured in national radio and television broadcasts.

UVic news story: Climate Disaster Project wins national award

 

Gitxsan student gains hands-on experience through research aimed at improving her community’s health

K’sana Wood Lynes-Ford is an undergrad student in Chemistry for Medical Science who found a way to combine a love for chemistry with a devotion to her communities through her co-op.

Working in the labs of Dr. Laura Arbour and Dr. Leigh Anne Swayne in UVic’s Division of Medical Sciences, Wood Lynes-Ford is studying the presence of an Ankyrin B gene variant (p.S646F) in the Gitxsan First Nation and its role in health problems among community members. 

UVic news story: Gitxsan student part of UVic research aimed at improving her community’s health

 

Student club leads switch to reusable to-go cups

Surfrider UVic led a collaborative project, working with University Food Services and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability, to bring an innovative and sustainable program to cafes on campus.

“We wanted to discourage UVic from simply switching to another form of single-use material, like paper. Research is showing that reusables are the most sustainable packaging option when reused enough times. That’s what led us to propose a pilot for reusable to-go beverage cups." 

—Matt Miller, UVic PhD student in Oceanography

UVic news story: Surfrider UVic drives switch to reusable to-go cups