Our Research
We are internationally recognized for research excellence across the four CIHR pillars—from groundbreaking discovery science to population health. Our Division’s principal investigators have collectively secured approximately $10 million in competitive grant funding for lung-related research.
research
Airways disease (COPD + asthma)
UBC’s airways disease program encompasses a cell to society approach to improve the care of the millions of Canadians suffering from COPD and asthma. Key platforms include molecular phenotyping, advanced quantitative imaging, pharmacoeconomics, population science, and clinical trials, all of which have contributed to our understanding of the pathogenesis and implications of airways diseases. Our researchers have been supported by funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Genome BC, the National Institutes of Health, Michael Smith Health Research BC, the BC Lung Foundation, and the Legacy for Airway Health.
Cystic fibrosis / Bronchiectasis
The UBC Bronchiectasis Clinics are a group of sub-specialty clinics located at St. Paul’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital and includes cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease. The Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Research Programs at St. Paul’s Hospital are actively involved in industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials and translational research. Translational research activities span from disease endotyping using omics-based technologies to registry-based epidemiologic research. The Adult CF Program is part of the Cystic Fibrosis Canada Accelerating Clinical Trials Network (CF CanACT) and has been involved in over 50 clinical trials over the past 10 years. The St. Paul’s Hospital Adult PCD Program was established in 2025 and recently joined the PCD Foundation Clinical and Research Network that is responsible for expanding access to diagnostic testing and clinical trials for this rare condition. The Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Research Program based at Vancouver General Hospital was established in 2024 and actively participates in clinical trials and population-based epidemiologic research.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
The UBC Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Research Program is a world-leader in the study of this large group of diseases that cause diffuse scarring and/or inflammation of the lungs. This Program includes multiple clinical and translational researchers at St. Paul’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital who focus on the biology, diagnosis, management, outcomes, and epidemiology of these diseases. Additional collaborators at UBC include epidemiologists, basic science researchers, exercise physiologists, environmental scientists, rheumatologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Collectively, the UBC ILD Research Program produces >50 peer-reviewed publications and solicits > 1M in research funding annually, making it one of the largest and most successful research groups globally in this field.
Interventional
Interventional research is at the forefront of efforts to protect public health and foster resilience in individuals and communities. Researchers are diligently evaluating and testing strategies designed to mitigate harm and improve overall well-being. A key focus is understanding how factors such as nutrition, obesity, and medications influence the body’s response to air pollution, identifying susceptible populations, and implementing interventions where they can have the greatest impact. By combining scientific inquiry with targeted evaluation, UBC is developing innovative and evidence-based approaches that extend beyond air pollution to address broader climate-related challenges, including the effects of extreme heat. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need, helping to safeguard health in an ever-changing environmental landscape.
Lung Cancer
Dr. Lam’s research at UBC focuses on a comprehensive approach to lung cancer control. His work integrates smoking cessation, risk assessment, early detection, and chemoprevention to reduce cancer risk. He also advances diagnostic and treatment strategies while ensuring ongoing patient surveillance. By combining prevention with cutting-edge care, his research aims to improve outcomes and lower the overall impact of lung cancer.
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) / Tuberculosis (TB)
UBC researchers are advancing our understanding of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and Tuberculosis (TB) while developing innovative treatments. Dr James Johnston studies how mycobacteria evade immune responses, identifying drug targets and screening methods for pathogens like M. abscessus. Research efforts also include nitric oxide inhalation therapy and improving specialized care for NTM patients by addressing barriers to diagnosis and treatment. By establishing dedicated clinics and registries, UBC aims to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to global TB and NTM advancements. Read Evaluation Plan
Occupational / Environmental Lung Disease
The Air Pollution Exposure Lab (APEL) is a 3500 sq foot, 4-site, facility widely considered world-leading in science and impact, particularly focused on challenges driven by climate change. APEL in partnership with collaborators has expanded from its roots in traffic-related pollution (diesel exhaust) to now include capabilities for human and cellular exposure also to fire smoke, secondary organics (climate-driven aerosol aging), ozone, aeroallergens, microplastics, plicatic acid, heat, cold, hypoxia, and altitude. APEL is part of a rich ecosystem of those across UBC Vancouver and beyond that share expertise and resources based on common interest in controlled human environmental exposures and interventions to mitigate harm.
Pulmonary Hypertension
The BC Pulmonary Hypertension (BCPH) program is dedicated to furthering the understanding of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a rare and progressive lung disorder characterized by the presence of high blood pressure in the lungs. The BCPH research program is involved in investigator driven studies, industry sponsored clinical trials and is the lead site for the Canadian Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (CPHR) – a Canada-wide registry involving 11 adult centres and 3 pediatric centres.
Sleep
The Sleep Disorders Program at UBC Hospital is a multidisciplinary clinic with full polysomnography services. The Program has a very active research program spanning from translational studies using omics approaches to advance precision care in sleep apnea, epidemiology studies to assess the long terms impacts of sleep apnea and insomnia, studies of premature aging in the context of sleep disorders, application of machine learning approaches to sleep care, studies of driving performance in the context of sleep disorders, clinical trials of sleep therapies, and the study of sleep disordered breathing in key populations such as those with severe COPD and spinal cord injury.
Lung Transplant
The Vancouver General Hospital Lung Transplant Group is dedicated to advancing excellence in clinical care. Their research focuses on areas such as organ preservation, immunosuppressive strategies, and improving long-term outcomes for lung transplant recipients. The team is interested in innovations in donor lung assessment, using technology to support recipients to transplant, post-operative care, and long-term management. Through clinical trials, internal quality improvement projects, and collaboration with national/international experts, the VGH Lung Transplant Group plays a key role in driving advancements in thoracic organ transplantation.