Photos of faculty members Dr. Alice Te Punga Somerville and Dr. Stefan Dollinger from the UBC Department of English Language & Literatures.
Congratulations to EL&L faculty members Dr. Alice Te Punga Somerville and Dr. Stefan Dollinger on their recently funded 2025/2026 research clusters!
Although the leads of both clusters are based in EL&L, each will bring together specialists in many different disciplines and institutions. Together, these two clusters speak to the sheer range of interests and strengths represented in our department.
Research Excellence Clusters are interdisciplinary networks of researchers addressing societal and cultural problems, and working together to solve challenges that transcend traditional boundaries associated with departments, institutions, and funding agencies. Funding for clusters at UBC Vancouver is awarded through the Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC).
Canadian English Word Centre, The (CEWoC) (New Cluster)
Description: We propose “The Canadian English Word Centre” as the focal point for the study, monitoring and production of reference tools for Canadian English lexis, phraseology and semantics. After the devastation of the commercial dictionary industry at the beginning of the millennium, there is a growing research gap today. Our aim is to provide Canadian residents and anyone interested (e.g. students, academics, writers and editors) with a reliable suite of reference works that is Canadian (not American or British) and that reflects the multiplying uses of the many Englishes in Canada, informing non-discriminatory recommendations of an inclusive standard, rooted in decolonization.
Cluster Lead: Stefan Dollinger
Pacific Islands Research Network (New Cluster)
Description: We seek to trace, affirm, nourish and expand connections between UBC and the Pacific Islands. Our network has three purposes: to identify and bring together researchers at UBC whose heritage and/ or work is connected to the Pacific region; to gain better understanding of Pacific presence in UBC/ Vancouver/ BC (including Pacific presence in museum collections); and to actively participate in broader conversations about the Pacific especially in Vancouver, BC, and the longer west coast. Underpinning all activities is an awareness of the specific place (Musqueam) from which we look towards the vast Pacific Islands region.
Cluster Lead: Alice Te Punga Somerville & Mitiana Arbon
Read about all of the other UBC Arts Research Excellence Clusters that receive funding for 2025/26
