The University of British Columbia (UBC) has officially opened the doors to the Gordon B. Shrum Building, the new home for the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME).
As Canada’s first purpose-built facility for biomedical engineering, the new building brings together researchers, students, and industry partners under one roof to advance biomedical research, education, and innovation.
The five-storey, 158,000-square-foot facility includes specialized labs, collaborative research spaces, and teaching facilities to support biomedical engineering and life sciences innovation. Researchers will use the space to develop new medical devices, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, and lifesaving treatments. Meanwhile, students will gain hands-on training experience to prepare them for careers in B.C.’s rapidly growing life sciences sector.
The building is named in honour of the philanthropic legacy of Gordon B. Shrum, who graduated from UBC in 1958. Shrum, who passed away in 2018, supported novel approaches to addressing community needs. He left nearly all of his estate to charity, leading to gifts with transformational impact on health care, the environment, education, and social justice.
“We are grateful to the Government of British Columbia and our generous donors for helping make this building a reality,” said UBC president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “B.C.’s life sciences sector has emerged as a global leader, and the Gordon B. Shrum Building will play a central role in supporting critical research and the next generation of biomedical engineers who will fuel the sector’s continued growth and bring innovative health solutions to Canadians.”
Designed by Canadian architecture firm Patkau Architects, the building provides a dedicated home for SBME, replacing its previously scattered locations across UBC’s Vancouver campus.
“This world-class facility will play a crucial role in shaping the future of biomedical engineering,” said Minister of Infrastructure Ma. “We’re making record investments like these that drive innovation, support industry and create important jobs right here in British Columbia.”
