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Emerging Pathogens Research Centre

Although there have been major advances in controlling infectious diseases, the recent recognition of H1N1 as a pandemic is evidence that these trends are reversing.

In the last 20 years there has been an increase in emerging diseases, mostly from animals. There are also re-emerging infectious diseases that are becoming resistant to antibiotics and more virulent as well as poorly controlled infections such as such malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), Dengue, and highly pathogenic avian influenza that continue to pose threats to public health. There is also increasing recognition of the roles of infection in the causation of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

The Emerging Pathogens Research Centre (EPRC) has been created in response to the need to control Infectious Diseases. The collaborative research efforts of its members are resulting in new technologies that are currently under development of at the University of Ottawa, affiliated hospital institutes, public labs such as the National Research Council and Health Canada. Capitalizing on the infrastructure and expertise of its membership, the EPRC will work to address Canada’s public health priorities. These research efforts will establish the University of Ottawa as a key player and position Canada as a global leader in the study, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

The specific objectives of the Emerging Pathogens Research Group are:

1. Advance basic and applied research into microbial pathogenesis and pathogen-host interactions with an aim to controlling infectious diseases.


2. Foster education and intellectual outreach in the area of infectious diseases by organizing workshops and seminars.


3. Promote visibility of Emerging Pathogens research as key strategic area for the Faculty of Medicine and the University and determine strategic collaborative directions for the future


4. Beyond the University community, the EPRC will establish itself as a cornerstone of a larger national Centre for Vaccines, an initiative which will involve the University, NRC, and industry partners.