UBC Welcomes CCUW*iP 2026: Undergraduate Physicists Gather

The University of British Columbia (UBC) recently hosted the 13th annual Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics, known as CCUW*iP 2026. This significant event occurred from January 30 to February 1, 2026, bringing together participants from various locations across Canada.

CCUW*iP 2026: A Platform for Inclusivity

Designed to foster an inclusive environment, CCUW*iP 2026 aimed to support women and gender minorities in physics, a field where they have historically faced challenges. Airene Ahuja and Jenny Zhu served as co-chairs of the event, leading a dedicated organizing team.

Key Highlights of the Conference

• Workshops and Panels: The agenda covered important topics such as quantum computing and postgraduate pathways.
• Notable Speakers: Ashley Nicole Warner from D-Wave discussed the topic of quantum annealing, drawing interest from attendees.
• Excursions: Participants explored major physics facilities at UBC, enhancing their understanding of the field.

Workshops and Learning Opportunities

Numerous practical workshops were offered during the conference. Notable sessions included:

• A talk on quantum computing led by Fiona Thompson from the Institute for Quantum Computing.
• A research session showcasing over 80 projects covering diverse physics topics.

Attendees expressed a strong sense of community, which supported those transitioning into physics from other disciplines.

Affordability and Accessibility

To ensure financial accessibility, the registration fee for CCUW*iP 2026 was set at $60. This decision allowed organizers to provide accommodations for 90 of the 107 participants. In contrast, the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference (CUPC) charged $150 per attendee in 2024, highlighting the affordability of CCUW*iP.

Looking Forward: Future Initiatives

The closing remarks of the conference encouraged attendees to consider hosting future events. The emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) was a significant takeaway, fostering ongoing dialogues across universities.

Overall, CCUW*iP 2026 not only celebrated the achievements of undergraduate women and gender minorities in physics but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration and discussions within the scientific community.