VIDO Trainees Selected for National One Health Training Program on Emerging Zoonoses

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that Sauhard Shrivastava and Arkadeb Bhuinya, two of its scientific trainees have been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Canadian One Health Training Program on Emerging Zoonoses (COHTPEZ), a CIHR-funded initiative aimed at developing the next generation of experts in zoonotic disease research. Bhuinya is a PhD student and Shrivastava is a PhD candidate in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan under the supervision of Dr. Arinjay Banerjee, a research scientist at VIDO. All their research is conducted in VIDO’s containment facilities.

COHTPEZ is a one-year training program designed to equip researchers with cutting-edge skills in One Health, vaccine and therapeutics development, and surveillance and epidemiology. Co-led by the University of Guelph, University of Saskatchewan, University of Toronto, University of Montreal, and other leading Canadian institutions, the program fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health researchers.

“The selection of Sauhard and Arkadeb for this highly competitive program highlights VIDO’s commitment to developing world-class scientists who are prepared to tackle emerging infectious diseases,” said Dr. Volker Gerdts, Director and CEO of VIDO. “Their participation in COHTPEZ will enhance their expertise and contribute to Canada’s readiness for future zoonotic disease threats.”

For Shrivastava, this opportunity represents an important step in advancing his research in infectious disease surveillance and vaccine development.

“This program is a tremendous opportunity to expand my knowledge of One Health and infectious disease surveillance,” said Sauhard Shrivastava, VIDO trainee. “Collaborating with experts from across Canada will allow me to apply innovative approaches to vaccine development and zoonotic disease prevention.”

Bhuinya sees COHTPEZ as a chance to develop a multidisciplinary perspective on infectious disease research, an essential skill in understanding and mitigating zoonotic disease emergence.

“I am excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative,” said Arkadeb Bhuinya, VIDO trainee. “COHTPEZ will help me develop a multidisciplinary perspective on infectious disease research, which is crucial for tackling the complex challenges of zoonotic disease emergence.”

As part of the program, Shrivastava and Bhuinya will receive hands-on experience, mentorship from leading experts, and access to specialized workshops, courses, and conferences focused on One Health research in Canada. Additionally, each participant will receive a scholarship to support their studies and research endeavors.

Dr. Arinjay Banerjee expressed his pride in his trainees' achievements: “I am incredibly proud of Sauhard and Arkadeb for being selected for the COHTPEZ inaugural trainee cohort. This is an excellent opportunity for them to evolve into great scientists through their work at VIDO and the training they will receive at COHTPEZ. Their selection is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and I am confident they will make significant strides in zoonotic disease research.”

Emerging zoonotic diseases pose an increasing threat to global health and food security, and programs like COHTPEZ are critical in preparing the next generation of researchers to respond effectively. Through this initiative, VIDO’s trainees will play an integral role in advancing scientific solutions that protect both human and animal health.

VIDO congratulates its trainees on this significant achievement and looks forward to their contributions to the COHTPEZ program and beyond.