Professor Santa Ono recently took office as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. In a series of In Conversation events, presented by alumni UBC, Professor Ono will share his early priorities and interests as well as gather input from alumni and friends on how we can continue to strengthen our university.

It’s no surprise that great universities can have a positive influence on industry. When you have the brightest minds conducting leading edge research, the benefits are clear. In the Bay Area, a cluster of high profile academic institutions have contributed to the growth of a robust, world-leading innovation ecosystem. But how do these relationships work and in what ways can they bridge the gaps from academia to industry to encourage continued growth and positive changes in the industry? Has Silicon Valley moved past its prime? What are the threats facing its longevity?