Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a key public health threat, which we are currently experiencing with COVID-19. EIDs are, for the most part, infectious diseases of animals that have, or evolve, the capacity to infect humans (these are called zoonoses), and can sometimes be transmitted human-to-human without need for animals to be involved in transmission. Zoonoses that acquire the capacity for efficient human-to-human transmission are those most likely to spread in the human population and cause pandemics such as COVID-19. The interaction of animals, the environment and humans in the emergence and spread of EIDs means that understanding EIDs to support risk assessment, prevention and control requires a One Health approach, i.e. one that considers the interactions amongst animals, humans and the environment.

The funding opportunity has two broad objectives:

• Enhance national capacity of infectious disease modelling that supports public health responses to EIDs in the future by building a national network for collaboration and knowledge mobilization 
• Provide direct support to Canada’s COVID-19 response by producing modelling products that contribute to public health decisions via risk assessment, impact analyses and decision support such as intervention program design

To achieve these objectives, this initiative aims to establish multi-disciplinary network(s) of specialists across the country in modelling infectious diseases to be applied to public needs associated with emerging infectious diseases and pandemics such as COVID-19. The network(s) would enhance and formalize existing ad-hoc structures, facilitate new and existing partnerships across institutions as well as the sharing of methodological advancements and strategies; thereby improving and enhancing research efforts and supporting capacity building in infectious disease modelling within Canada.

Applicants are encouraged to establish collaborations that demonstrate integration of the One Health (interaction of humans, animals and environment) approach to understanding infectious disease emergence and transmission, and strategies for prevention and control.

The EIDM funding opportunity will be delivered via a two-stage process. Initially, all interested individuals are invited to submit an Expression of Intent (EOI) to NSERC by October 26, 2020. The purpose of this EOI is to facilitate connections and to enhance collaborations between participants in the development of a full application. EOIs will not be reviewed by NSERC. To submit an EOI please fill out the EIDM EOI form and submit the completed form to the NSERC secure site.

Preliminary Timeline: 

Please note that these dates are subject to change.

If you have questions about the EOI for this initiative please contact EIDM-MMIE@nserc-crsng.gc.ca. Further information can be found here: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Media-Media/NewsDetail-DetailNouvelles_eng.asp?ID=1189

**Note ORS SFU Signature Sheet is not required to submit EOI by October 26, 2020**