The 13th Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CCUW*iP) was a groundbreaking event, held at UBC from January 30th to February 1st, 2026. This annual gathering brought together aspiring physicists from across Canada, creating a space that celebrated diversity and challenged historical exclusion.
For Airene Ahuja, a third-year student and co-chair of the conference, the event's purpose was clear: to honor and recognize the contributions of women and gender minorities in a field that has often overlooked them. Having attended the previous year's conference, Ahuja described it as an inspiring experience, one that she hoped to replicate and build upon.
But here's where it gets controversial... While equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) conversations are essential, Ahuja and her co-chair, Jenny Zhu, a fifth-year physics student, wanted to shift the focus. They believed that highlighting the achievements and experiences of underrepresented groups was key to creating lasting change.
The organizing team, led by Ahuja and Zhu, worked tirelessly to bring CCUW*iP to the West Coast, a region often overlooked by similar conferences. They aimed to create an accessible and inclusive event, with workshops, tours, and lectures that covered a wide range of topics, from quantum computing to celestial holography.
Workshops and tours offered attendees a unique glimpse into the world of physics. They learned about quantum computing from experts like Fiona Thompson of the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. They toured TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator infrastructure, and visited the Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) to explore superconductivity and quantum materials research. The CHIME, LIGO, and ATLAS lab groups at UBC showcased how their work contributes to large-scale experiments and discoveries, both nationally and internationally.
The conference's opening remarks, held in the Hebb Building, set the tone for the event. Francine Ford, executive director of the Canadian Association of Physicists, emphasized that CCUW*iP was not just for undergraduate women but for all underrepresented groups in physics and related fields. She highlighted the importance of these groups in shaping the future of the discipline.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Ashley Nicole Warner, an experimental physicist from D-Wave, a Burnaby-based quantum computing company. Warner shared her unique journey into the field, having started as a theatre major before completing a physics degree. Her speech emphasized the value of diverse experiences and their role in shaping the future of physics.
The first day featured two lectures. Dr. Stephanie Simmons discussed reliable and scalable quantum computing technologies, while Dr. Nancy Forde centered her talk on biophysics and the use of laser tweezers to probe nanoscale proteins. The day concluded with a dinner banquet and a social event, providing attendees with a much-needed break and an opportunity to unwind.
Affordability was a key consideration for the conference organizers. Zhu explained that conferences are often expensive, and as undergraduates, it can be challenging to have research costs covered. CCUW*iP 2026 aimed to be accessible, charging only $60 for in-person attendees and covering accommodations for a significant number of delegates. This inclusive approach, Zhu argued, should be promoted across all fields, not just physics.
Day two took attendees on a journey through the galaxies. World-renowned Dr. Sabrina Pasterski, whose team at the Perimeter Institute investigates space-time and gravity, delivered a talk on celestial holography. UBC's Dr. Allison Man presented on cosmic time, star formation, and galaxy evolution, while Dr. Gwen Grinyer from the University of Regina shared her research on rare isotopes and nuclear structures.
But the highlight for many attendees was the student research session. Over 80 projects were presented, with students sharing their work through posters and short talks, both in person and virtually. The range of topics was impressive, covering astro- and particle physics, medical physics, and more. Kaylee Bains, vice-chair of external relations and a fourth-year physics student, emphasized the importance of community-building at the conference. She spoke about feeling out of place in physics spaces and how CCUW*iP helped her find a sense of belonging.
Sunday, the final day, focused on the diverse applications of physics beyond pure theory. UBC's Dr. Lindsey Heagy spoke about geophysics, inverse modeling, and machine learning. Dr. Magdalena Bazalova-Carter from UVic discussed medical physics research on X-ray imaging and radiation techniques for cancer detection and therapy. UBC's Dr. Ingrid Stairs concluded the lectures with a talk on pulsars and fast radio bursts.
An interactive session on impostor syndrome and EDI, titled "Thriving Beyond Resiliency," featured Dr. Adele Ruosi, a science education specialist, and two physics graduate students. Ruosi challenged the language often used to praise minorities in difficult environments, arguing that words like "resilience" can be harmful. She suggested "persistence" as a more empowering term, emphasizing the importance of individuals being true to themselves and taking intentional action.
In their closing remarks, the co-chairs encouraged delegates to consider hosting next year's CCUW*iP at their universities. Zhu expressed her hope that the conference had sparked or advanced dialogue around EDI and building an inclusive community at UBC. She also encouraged attendees from other universities to continue the conversation back home.
CCUW*iP 2026 was a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in physics. It showcased the talent and potential of undergraduate women and gender minorities, and through its focus on community-building and accessibility, it set a new standard for conferences in the field.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of events like CCUW*iP extends far beyond the conference halls. They inspire, educate, and empower, creating a ripple effect that can shape the future of physics and, indeed, the world.
