News
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January 30, 2026Balance and Falls Research Center Inaugural Symposium
We are excited to invite you to the brand-new Balance and Falls Research Center at the University of British Columbia.Join us for a day of networking and science highlighting the cross-cutting themes of the Center and its diverse membership. From trainee-rapid fire talks to thematic sessions…
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December 18, 2025BFRC Research Featured in The Conversation: Body-Swap Robot Sheds Light on Human Balance
We are pleased to share that the research project recently published in Science Robotics led by Dr. Jean-Sébastien Blouin at the Balance and Falls Research Centre has been featured in The Conversation, an international platform for research-based news and analysis.What is The…
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November 26, 2025How a Robotic “Body‑Swap” Reveals the Brain’s Processing of Space and Time
Acknowledgement: The illustration of the UBC balance robot was drawn by Julie SugimotoWhat if a robot could show us how the brain keeps us balanced? UBC scientists from the School of Kinesiology (Faculty of Education) and Balance and Falls Research Centre built one – and their…
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November 13, 2025Innovative research infrastructure developed at the UBC Balance Research Centre
Since joining the UBC School of Kinesiology as a Scientific Engineer, Jeff Nickel has already made a big impact to the research capabilities of the Balance and Falls Research Centre. Bringing 29 years of forensic consulting experience requiring the integration of instrumentation for real-world…
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November 6, 2025Mobilizing Knowledge to Promote Brain Health and Healthy Aging [Mobility, Balance and Falls Prevention]
Mobilizing Knowledge to Promote Brain Health and Healthy Aging [Mobility, Balance and Falls Prevention]Presentation by Dr. Mark Carpenter and Dr. Kathy Pichora-FullerDate: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, November 3, 2025Location: Theatre at Bowen Island Community Centre Dr. Mark Carpenter was…
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September 10, 2025Congratulations on the Publication of Slow Dynamics of Human Balance Control 🎉
We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Kyle Missen and co-authors Dr. Mark Carpenter and Dr. Lorenz Asslӓnder on the recent publication of their paper, "Slow dynamics of human balance control," in Scientific Reports.Citation:Missen, K.J., Carpenter, M.G. & Assländer, L. Slow…
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August 14, 2025Congratulations on the Publication of Head kinematic variability is minimal near preferred cadence and independent of the vestibular control of locomotion 🎉
We are thrilled to congratulate Liam Foulger and co-authors Dr. Clavin Kuo, Dr. Romeo Chua, and Dr. Jean-Sébastien Blouin on the recent publication of their paper, "Head kinematic variability is minimal near preferred cadence and independent of the vestibular control of…
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June 25, 2025BFRC Trainee Awarded Mitacs Grant in Partnership with Lululemon
We are thrilled to announce that Keara Sutherland, PhD student in Dr. Mark Carpenter’s Lab at UBC, was awarded an 18-month Mitacs Accelerate Grant in partnership with Lululemon to investigate ‘The effects of vibratory stimulation on static and dynamic balance control: interactions between…
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June 2, 2025New BFRC research reveals how balance adjustments happen outside our conscious perception
Scientists at the BFRC have uncovered fascinating insights into how our balance system works without us even noticing! Published in The Journal of Physiology, this research shows that our inner ears can detect and respond to subtle signals - so small we don’t feel them - to keep us upright. …
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May 31, 2025BFRC Trainees Presented at the UBC Kinesiology Graduate Research Day
Our Balance and Fall Research Center trainees presented their research at last Friday’s annual UBC Kinesiology Graduate Research Day. This event provided a great opportunity for our graduate students to enhance their presentation skills, receive valuable feedback on their research projects, and…
