The big nanoparticle story behind the COVID-19 vaccine
Episode 5
Hosts: Carol Eugene Park & Rumneek Johal
Rumneek and Carol speak with UBC’s Dr. Pieter Cullis (BSc’67, MSc’70, PhD’72), whose pioneering research on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has received global acclaim. Without the development of LNPs, which serve as the “delivery system” for life-saving therapeutics, the mRNA COVID vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna would literally not work. Cullis’s success did not happen overnight, but was the result of years of collaborative effort, sprinkled with happy accidents along the way — plus critical early support from UBC.
Other Episodes in this Series
UBC’s Dr. Lori Daniels answers burning questions about BC’s increasingly severe wildfires.
UBC’s key planners discuss the future of the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
The CBC’s Justin McElroy (BA’11) on journalism, the value of niche storytelling, and more.
Explore UBC’s evolution into a top research university, with our VP of Research & Innovation.
UBC historians share fascinating campus stories — including tales that just might surprise you.
Digital activist Daniella Barreto (MSc’17) discusses her new podcast for Amnesty International.
Rapper and singer bbno$ ("baby no money") talks about his path to astounding musical success.
Just before his departure, Santa Ono spoke with Carol and Rumneek about his time at UBC.
UBC’s Dr. Greg Dipple discusses how his company is using mining waste for carbon capture.
Carol and Rumneek speak with UBC prof and filmmaker Shannon Walsh about her latest film.
Hosts Carol and Rumneek discuss amazing things UBC and its alumni are doing around the world.