‘Our infrastructure is unique’: VIDO embraces new global partnership

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is partnering with the European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA).

Saskatchewan is taking on a larger role in the global fight against infectious diseases.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) recently signed an international agreement with the European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA).

This makes the Saskatoon-based research organization the North American hub of the European network.

“These are the largest labs in Europe. And VIDO is joining this network,” Dr. Volker Gerdts, VIDO’s director and CEO told CTV News.

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The agreement was signed in Paris, France, during a ceremony attended by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, alongside leaders from VIDO, ERINHA, and the University of Saskatchewan.

“It was great to have the premier there, witnessing the signing of the agreement. And also our vice president [of] research Doctor Singh here from the University of Saskatchewan,” Gerdts said.

“We have lots of support from the government of Saskatchewan for becoming Canada Center for Pandemic Research, but also from the federal government, from the City of Saskatoon and from many, many private donors.”

ERINHA is a federation of high-containment laboratories and research institutes across Europe that focuses on advancing research into some of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases.

The network supports the development of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments for emerging and re-emerging disease threats.

Through the partnership, VIDO will contribute its vaccine manufacturing capabilities, high-containment research facilities, large-animal expertise, and training opportunities to the international network.

“We are already operating one of the largest high containment labs in the world right here in Saskatoon. Our infrastructure is really unique. The work that’s going on here, of course, is cutting edge,” Gerdts says.

According to the head of VIDO, the agreement strengthens global collaboration at a time when pandemic preparedness remains a critical priority.

“Infectious diseases continue to be a threat to us, to Canadians, but also to our industries, our livestock, our animals. And so, you need to have facilities that have the ability to quickly respond when these new diseases break out. And that’s what VIDO is going to do as Canada Center for Pandemic Research,” Gerdts said.

The agreement builds on decades of investment in VIDO and its role as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. It’s believed the partnership will create new opportunities for international research projects, scientific exchanges, and funding while strengthening the global response to future disease outbreaks.

VIDO, based at the University of Saskatchewan, is recognized as one of Canada’s leading infectious disease research organizations and operates one of the world’s most advanced containment facilities for studying emerging pathogens.