Vancouver International Airport Authority to fund new programs at UBC Commerce

The Vancouver International Airport Authority is donating $500,000 to UBC Commerce for the creation of two new research professorships in the area of transportation studies. The university says it will match the endowment, to establish $one million in funding for new professorships.

The funding will make possible the creation of professorships in Transportation Policy and Air Transportation, both within the Centre for Transportation Studies. Faculty holding professorships draw from the interest on the endowments to fund research projects.

“Our Centre for Transportation Studies is recognized as a leader in air transportation and transportation logistics research, and this endowment will contribute to its continuing growth and research capabilities. The professorships will enhance our abilities to work with industry to create solutions to transportation issues and contribute to an understanding of Canada’s role in the global transportation network,” says Daniel Muzyka, Dean of UBC Commerce.

The Centre for Transportation Studies supports ongoing research and teaching opportunities in the areas of transportation, logistics and allied fields. Recent research from the centre includes papers on Canada’s airline policies, issues of air transportation in Asia-Pacific and the impacts of e-Business on Canada’s transportation system.

“The Airport Authority views funding of the Centre for Transportation Studies as an investment in the future. Effective transportation systems and policies are key to British Columbia’s continued economic growth and will
help us realize our vision as the gateway to North America,” says Larry Berg, President and CEO,Vancouver International Airport Authority.