University of Saskatchewan | Health & Biosciences

Key facilities

International Vaccine Centre: Conducts research on infectious disease and vaccine development to prevent and control human and animal infectious disease threats.

BioMedical Imaging and Therapy beamline (Canadian Light Source): Offers advanced imaging for biological tissue in unprecedented detail and high-precision radiation therapies for cancer.

Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences: This radioisotope facility explores innovative treatments for cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Respiratory Research Centre: An interdisciplinary and intersectoral initiative that fosters innovative respiratory research throughout the health sciences.

Unique complex of 7 health science colleges.

Major collaborations

Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research: Conducts innovative, patient-oriented research to improve the health care of Saskatchewan people, with a special focus on mental health, addictions and improving Indigenous health outcomes.

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research: Identifies causes of MS and develops new or improved treatments.

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Models for Zika Virus Infection: Conducts research on using a new animal model to investigate how the Zika virus causes disease and to test new drugs and vaccines for prevention.

NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare: Based at the USask veterinary medicine school, this research program develops industry-relevant research to optimize swine welfare, working with 14 industry partners.

Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan (CRIS): This multi-disciplinary research cohort provides evidence-based knowledge for the growth of and safe and responsible use of Cannabis.

Researchers

Dr. Volker Gerdts, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and VIDO-InterVac Research Director. Focuses on vaccinology and immunology.
Dr. Kate Dadachova, Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation Chair in Radiopharmacy. Focuses on radioimmunotherapy.
Dr. Jo-Anne Dillon, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology. Focuses on sexually transmitted infections with emphasis on antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Eric Price, CRC in Radiochemistry. Focuses on developing a new generation of medical imaging technology and “smart” drugs for cancer treatment.
Dr. Mike Kelly, Saskatchewan Research Chair in Clinical Stroke Research and Prof. of Surgery. Focuses on stroke research using the USask synchrotron.
Dr. Robert Laprairie, GSK-CIHR Research Chair in Drug Discovery and Development. Focuses on developing new synthetic cannabinoid compounds to treat psychological and neurological diseases.

Special programs and work integrated learning initiatives

Innovation Enterprise’s AIMday™: Brings together industry and academia to partner on research challenges identified by industry participants. Webpage: goo.gl/7HQLf9
Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health (SWITCH): Enriches educational experience and provides much needed services for Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods.
Building Reconciliation Together: Transformative Intergenerational Mentorship. A mentorship program for Indigenous health science professionals and scholars.

University-industry research partnerships