Advancing science on evolving and emerging pathogens

to prepare for tomorrow’s pandemic.

Welcome!

Prepare for Pandemics through Advanced Research in Evolution (PrePARE) is pleased to launch our newsletter, with this special introductory edition! We aim to bring a new communication platform to keep our community informed, inspired, and connected.

In each issue you can expect to find cluster insights, news and events, and opportunities—from cutting-edge research highlights to upcoming events, member spotlights and more. Our goal is to highlight the work being done across our network and bring awareness of the opportunities to work collaboratively and drive innovation.

In this introductory special edition, you will find the following sections:

  • Cluster Introduction
  • Spring Symposium Highlights
  • Upcoming Newsletter Series: Inside the Cluster
  • Get Involved 
 

Introduction

The PrePARE cluster was established in 2023 with the appointment of cluster directors Drs. Kayla King and Selena Sagan. Since then, the core team has grown to include Dr. Jim Sun, Dr. Phillip Domeier and Dr. Chadi Saad-Roy - bringing together expertise across Microbiology & Immunology, Zoology, and Mathematics. 

PrePARE is committed to interdisciplinary research excellence and training to address pandemic pathogens through discovery, innovation and collaboration in British Columbia and across Canada. We aim to help ensure we are knowledgeable and well equipped to face the next emerging and evolving threat.

Today, the cluster includes 26 associate members from ten institutions and seven departments. This diverse team of researchers, from ecologists and evolutionary biologists to microbiologists and immunologists, will take a science-to-solutions approach to infectious disease control by understanding, anticipating, and responding to pandemic threats. This cluster is supported by the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). 

Thank you all for being a part of the PrePARE community. We’re excited about what lies ahead and are committed to making a meaningful impact on pandemic preparedness in British Columbia and across Canada.

 
 

Spring Symposium 2025

In April, PrePARE partnered with the Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) at SFU to host a Spring Symposium, Pandemic Preparedness in BC: Science, Policy, and One Health. The event brought together members of both clusters' day of engaging talks, an interactive Serious Game session, and opportunities to connect and network.

The morning talks covered a range of topics related to pandemic preparedness, offering diverse perspectives - from academic research to frontline insights from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and BC Children's Hospital. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the research and response efforts underway across British Columbia. 

The Serious Game: Incubation was a strategic simulation exercise presented by Colcestrian Consulting Inc. where members took on the roles of various stakeholders responding to a rapidly developing zoonotic disease outbreak. Each group - from the independent farmers to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) - was tasked with advancing their mandates while navigating a complexity of a dynamic and evolving crisis.

As the scenario unfolded, real collaboration emerged among the health agencies, culminating in a unified response strategy to mitigate the outbreak. 
 

In this special five-part series, Inside the Cluster, we will dive into the core research themes that form the foundation of the PrePARE research cluster. Each issue will spotlight one of PrePARE’s key research areas, from pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance, to the evolutionary dynamics of infectious diseases, the interactions between hosts and pathogens, the role of immunity and vaccines, and the influence of the microbiome.

Along the way, we’ll introduce the researchers driving this work, highlight ongoing projects, and explore how these interconnected themes come together to shape the PrePARE research cluster. 

         Issue 1: Pathogenesis & Antimicrobial Resistance

         Issue 2: Evolution

         Issue 3: Host-Pathogen Interactions

         Issue 4: Immunity & Vaccines

         Issue 5: The Microbiome

Through this series, we aim to inform and also inspire dialogue and connection across members. Stay tuned as we highlight the science and scientists behind PrePARE.
 

Get Involved

Looking to get involved with PrePARE? Here is a list of possible ways to get involved and help grow the PrePARE community.

         Newsletter Support

         Trainee Event Planning Support 

         PrePARE Member Event Planning Support

         Website Support

         Other Initiatives

If you are interested in one of these or if you have another idea, please reach out to the program coordinator, Emily, at emily.altiere@ubc.ca and let her know what you are interested in. 

 

We hope this newsletter becomes a useful, inspiring, and maybe even fun way to stay connected. And of course, if you’ve got news, ideas to share, or would like to join the mailing list—we’d love to hear from you!