The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a leading centre for the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and their roles in human health and disease, agriculture, natural ecosystems, energy and global sustainability.
Our faculty are affiliated with the multidisciplinary Life Sciences Institute (LSI) and the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL). The LSI is the largest institute in Canada with a mission to perform innovative, interdisciplinary science focused on discovering the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying health and disease, and to translate this knowledge into new therapies. While the Michael Smith Laboratories, named after the late Nobel Laureate UBC professor, are located in the heart of campus, and bring together first-class scientists to solve biological problems using genetic engineering techniques.