Dr. Hugh Kim
As of January 1st, 2025, the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) is pleased to welcome Dr. Hugh Kim as Director. He succeeds Dr. Ed Conway, who served as the CBR’s Director from 2009 – 2020, and again as Interim Director from 2023 to 2024.
Dr. Kim brings an enthusiastic vision for the Centre with his clinical and research background and his direct understanding and appreciation of the importance of CBR initiatives in cross disciplinary endeavors spanning the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and clinical labs.
“I am truly honoured to lead the UBC Centre for Blood Research, a world-class hub of scientific creativity and innovation. Together, we will continue to advance knowledge on blood biology and blood-related processes while providing exceptional opportunities for the next generation of scientists.” – Dr. Hugh Kim.
Dr. Kim is a clinician-scientist appointed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences and as an Associate Member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is a practicing dental specialist with clinical expertise in periodontology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kim leads an innovative research program at the CBR that focuses on fundamental platelet physiology. His ground-breaking research has been continuously funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Michael Smith Health Research BC.
“I joined the CBR in 2013 and continue to benefit from long-standing relationships and endless support from this incredible community. My goal is to ensure that the CBR continues to thrive, and for every member to derive inspiration from our collegial environment.” – Dr. Hugh Kim.
Today, the CBR comprises over 35 research groups located within the Life Sciences Centre and across the UBC campus, and at multiple UBC-affiliated hospital institutes. To build on the CBR’s growth, Dr. Kim plans to focus on several key areas during his five-year term. These include expanding our scientific capacity by recruiting additional world-class investigators to the CBR, forging new relationships with external stakeholders, and engaging the community through public outreach.
“I am absolutely thrilled that Hugh Kim is taking the lead as Director of the CBR! Hugh is perfectly suited for this role … He is not only a superb scientist, but he exudes enthusiasm and is rife with innovative ideas. Hugh’s natural organizational talents and a knack at motivating all those with whom he interacts, position him well to expand the CBR into new and exciting directions and partnerships. With Hugh at the helm, the CBR has much to look forward to!” – Dr. Ed Conway.
We sincerely thank Dr. Ed Conway for his many years of dedication and leadership, and for his outstanding contributions to the CBR.