The University of Toronto is making significant strides with its latest research initiatives, launching programs aimed at solving complex scientific questions and responding to urgent public health needs. The Interdisciplinary Science Program in Research and Entrepreneurship (INSPIRE) provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience, preparing them for future challenges.
Applications are now open for the INSPIRE program, which will run from June 16 to 27, 2025, on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. This competitive program targets third- and fourth-year undergraduate students eager to pursue graduate studies, particularly those studying Physics, Chemistry, or Cell and Systems Biology. Notably, exceptional second-year undergraduates are also encouraged to apply.
This year’s curriculum emphasizes the integration of quantitative biological sciences and encourages collaboration among disciplines. INSPIRE will immerse students in faculty research labs, focusing on projects ranging from individual proteins to broader microbial systems. Participants are expected to engage with cutting-edge technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and computational models, which are transforming the biological research space.
The INSPIRE program isn’t just technical; it also promotes entrepreneurial thinking through collaboration with SpinUp, U of T’s first Life Sciences incubator. Students will interact with young entrepreneurial scientists and receive training on research translation and innovation, equipping them for various career paths.
Meanwhile, the University of Toronto is addressing another pressing concern: the public health threat posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Emerging & Pandemic Infectious Consortium (EPIC) has initiated rapid research responses to deepen our comprehension of HPAI and its potential risks to human health.
Scott Gray-Owen, EPIC’s academic director, remarked, "EPIC’s unique ecosystem, comprising members with diverse expertise and perspectives, means we are able to leverage talent quickly and prioritize work addressing complex infectious disease challenges." This initiative becomes increasingly relevant as HPAI has been found not only affecting birds but also spreading to mammals, exacerbated by recent incidents of human cases.
Since 2022, there have been concerning reports of HPAI infections spilling over to humans, including the first death of an infected person in the United States and, more recently, critically severe cases reported in Canada. This worrying trend heightens the urgency for effective research and swift action to mitigate risks associated with human transmission of the virus.
To tackle these challenges, EPIC is funding five targeted projects aimed at unraveling the biology of avian flu viruses. One notable endeavor is led by Michael Norris, assistant professor of biochemistry at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, focusing on how the HPAI virus interacts with various host species. Norris's project seeks to identify yeast mutations enabling the virus to infect different animals, which is fundamental for vaccine development.
"Once we understand the mechanisms of viral entry, we can develop methods to block it," said Norris, emphasizing the project's goal to improve vaccine efficacy and design.
Samira Mubareka, another leading researcher of the EPIC initiative, is examining the differences between HPAI virus subtypes and their transmission capabilities among humans. Her work, conducted within U of T’s high-containment facility, is pivotal for pinpointing which subtypes carry the greatest risk of causing human outbreaks.
To complement these projects, Sharon Walmsley is conducting studies on high-risk individuals to assess the symptoms related to HPAI infections. Vanessa Allen is also working to create serological assays, which are tests to detect antibodies against avian flu, to bolster public health response measures. Allen notes, "These serological assays help us determine existing immunity levels, which is key during outbreaks."
Lastly, Beate Sander is working on developing models to predict healthcare system impacts from potential HPAI outbreaks. This research will leverage data on patient admissions and pandemic history to anticipate needs, such as medications and hospital resources. "By preparing these forecasts, we strengthen community and hospital-based health systems against such eventualities," she stated.
Gray-Owen concludes, "Our rapid research response program provides the capacity for investigators to establish capabilities and produce data pivotal for preparing against future threats." This proactive approach aims to secure the safety of Canadians and contribute to global public health readiness.
Through dedicated initiatives like INSPIRE and EPIC, the University of Toronto reinforces its position as a leader in scientific inquiry and public health response, paving the way for innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.