University Of Guelph researchers co-lead $ 15M initiative to prepare Canada for next pandemic

The project will strengthen Canada’s capacity to produce therapeutics and vaccines by advancing wastewater surveillance and developing technologies that simplify and speed up sampling and pathogen detection.  

Study in Canada: Researchers at the University Of Guelph is all set to co-direct a research project to make Canada ready for future pandemic emergencies by building the resilience of Canada’s biomanufacturing sector.

The project name is Integrated Network for the Surveillance of Pathogens: Increasing Resilience and Capacity in Canada’s pandemic response (INSPIRE). It will be co-directed by Dr. Lawrence Goodridge, a professor in the Department of Food Sciences and director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety within the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) along with Dr. Robert McKay of the University of Windsor. 

Dr. Lawrence will be joined by other researchers of University Of Guelph - Dr. Marc Habash, School of Environmental Sciences within OAC, Dr. Monica Cojocaru, Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS), and Dr. Graham Taylor, School of Engineering in CEPS. 

The team also includes researchers from the University of Toronto and York University, University of Windsor, University of Waterloo, and partners at over 30 academic, public, private and not-for-profit institutions.  

Project funding details

Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) granted $12,940,731, and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) granted $2,063,509 to the project, of which the University of Guelph will receive $3,237,557 from CBRF and $624,946 from BRIF. 

Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim vice-president (research) said, “Dr. Goodridge embodies the expertise, innovation and collaboration that have solidified the University of Guelph’s reputation as a research-intensive institution. His leadership will undoubtedly help prepare Canada’s responsiveness to future health priorities.”   

Dr. Lawrence Goodridge said, “As we deal with the increasing emergence of infectious diseases, it’s imperative that we enhance our preparedness for future health crises. This project builds on U of G’s recognized expertise in wastewater surveillance to build resilience in Canada’s biomanufacturing sector. Through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, INSPIRE aims to equip Canada with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate risks and bolster our capacity to respond effectively to future pandemics."

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