Announcing the George Poling Professorship in Critical Minerals Processing and Innovation

George Poling
May 26, 2025

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the UBC community gathered to celebrate a landmark moment for the Department of Mining Engineering — the establishment of the George Poling Professorship in Critical Minerals Processing and Innovation.

This special event honoured Dr. George Poling, whose generous support and outstanding legacy have helped shape generations of mineral processing professionals. His contributions continue to inspire innovation and excellence in a field critical to Canada’s resource future.

The reception brought together faculty, alumni, industry partners, and friends to reflect on Dr. Poling’s enduring impact and to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the department.

Photograph of Marek Pawlik, Benoit-Antoine Bacon (UBC President), George Poling and James Olson (Dean of APSC)
From left to right: Marek Pawlik, Benoit-Antoine Bacon (UBC President), George Poling, and James Olson (Dean of APSC)

We are pleased to announce that recruitment for the George Poling Professor will begin this summer. This new role will strengthen UBC’s leadership in critical minerals research, education, and innovation — helping to build a more sustainable and secure future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate.

UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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