Vancouver's Life Sciences Ecosystem at a Glance
What happens when an international scientific community gathers in a city where the research it is discussing is already taking shape?
In Vancouver, global conferences connect with a thriving life sciences ecosystem spanning cancer research, neuroscience, genomics, cell and gene therapy, precision medicine and medical isotopes. Across universities, hospitals, research institutes and biotechnology companies, local experts are not only participating in these global conversations, but they are also helping shape them.
Vancouver brings together world-class scientific expertise and collaboration, creating opportunities for international conferences to connect with local leaders, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships.
Metro Vancouver's life sciences industry employs more than 16,800 people in its export-oriented sector, while British Columbia's wider industry supported 2,039 businesses and 26,900 jobs in 2024.
This dynamic ecosystem is backed by leading institutions such as UBC, BC Cancer, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and TRIUMF. The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute alone brings together more than 2,400 researchers, staff and trainees, with $138 million in research funding and 349 active clinical trials reported in 2025/26. Meanwhile, UBC's Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health brings together more than 100 researchers and clinicians collaborating to advance neurological and mental health research.
A Hub for Scientific Innovation and Collaboration
Vancouver's strength lies in the diversity of expertise found across its life sciences community.
Institutions including the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), BC Cancer and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health are advancing research in cancer genomics, neuroscience and precision medicine.
The region is also making its mark in cell and gene therapy, immunology and biotechnology, with companies such as Acuitas Therapeutics, AbCellera and STEMCELL Technologies contributing to healthcare innovation worldwide. At TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre, expertise in particle physics and nuclear medicine adds another dimension to Vancouver's research capabilities.
Together, these organizations create an environment where researchers, clinicians and industry leaders can collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex healthcare challenges.
From Local Research to Global Impact
Could Any Kidney Become a Universal Donor Organ?
In 2025, UBC researchers and international collaborators made a promising breakthrough in organ transplantation, using specially developed enzymes to convert a donor kidney from blood type A to type O, potentially expanding access to compatible organs.
The research combined expertise in biochemistry, biomedical engineering and transplant immunology. UBC researchers Dr. Stephen Withers and Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu helped develop the technology, which was tested at West China Hospital. The kidney functioned for two days without signs of hyperacute rejection, although further research is needed. The innovation is now being advanced through Vancouver-based UBC spin-off Avivo Biomedical.
Vancouver's connection to this field was further highlighted when the city hosted the 2025 Canadian Society of Transplantation Annual Scientific Meeting, October 6 - 10, bringing together specialists to exchange knowledge and explore advances in transplantation science.
Where Vancouver's Expertise Meets the World
Vancouver's reputation for scientific innovation is reflected in the international conferences it attracts. Recent gatherings at the Vancouver Convention Centre include:
2024 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy Annual Meeting: Bringing together global experts in cell therapy, regenerative medicine and biotechnology, fields closely aligned with Vancouver's research strengths.
2025 World Congress on Intensive and Critical Care Medicine: Connecting healthcare professionals and researchers in critical care, supported locally by Vancouver's teaching hospitals and clinical research programs.
2026 World Congress of Biomechanics: Welcoming international researchers, engineers and clinicians July 11–15 to explore advances in biomechanics, rehabilitation, tissue engineering and medical technology.
These gatherings provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, new research partnerships and greater international visibility for Vancouver's scientific community.
Bringing Global Conversations to Vancouver
International conferences offer local researchers and industry leaders a platform to showcase their expertise, strengthen global connections and bring important conversations in their fields to Vancouver.
With its thriving scientific community and world-class conference facilities, Vancouver offers more than a place to meet. It's a destination where international expertise and local innovation come together, creating opportunities for collaboration and lasting impact.
Interested in bringing an international conference to Vancouver? Through the MIND Partnership, Destination Vancouver works alongside local researchers and industry leaders to explore opportunities, develop & support competitive bids, and connect global communities with Vancouver's expertise. Learn how we can support your next conference opportunity. Connect with Nina Miljkovic, Manager, Meetings & Conventions, Business Development, at nmiljkovic@destinationvancouver.com for more information.
Sources
Vancouver's Life Sciences Ecosystem
Research and Innovation
International Conferences