Leadership Awards for Excellence in Vaccine Research

Preparing for and responding to current and emerging infectious disease threats is an enduring priority of the Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) — and its importance has been heightened by COVID-19. This initiative aligns with III’s Strategic Goals of Global Health and Building Careers, as described in III’s Strategic Plan 2021–2026. It supports the career development of mid-career researchers and will contribute to national and international efforts to prevent and prepare for future global health threats and position Canada as a leader in this research area.

In 2022, we funded six Canadian mid-career researchers to pursue vaccine research projects in epidemic and pandemic preparedness, five in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). In 2025, CIHR-III launched a second competition for this award, adopting an applicant partner model in which applicants co-develop full proposals in a relevant area of interest to a funding partner: either CEPI or the National Research Council Canada (NRC).

Date modified:

2025-09-08