Dr. Martha Piper is the former President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her contributions at UBC have played a major role in positioning the province to lead and benefit from the knowledge economy. She was also a central force in developing the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canada Research Chairs.

Dr. Piper provided leadership in building stronger links between the University and the community, and is recognized for her stewardship of public and private funds, including tens of millions in donations to the University each year. She promoted excellent relations with the business community by participating on Board of Trade panels, the Business Council of British Columbia, and the B.C. Progress Board.

Dr. Piper contributed directly to the larger community as a United Way Chair, and participated in many international organizations, such as the Board of the National University of Singapore. As an innovator in university governance, Dr. Piper has substantially and creatively reorganized UBC, bringing together effective financial management, external relations, and academic excellence for the benefit of all British Columbians.