On 15 June 2026 the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), based at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, formalised its joining of ERINHA, a partnership that will make VIDO the network’s first North American hub. The signing took place at the Canadian Embassy in Paris, under the patronage of the ambassador and the Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe who were joined by senior leaders from ERINHA, VIDO, and University of Saskatchewan.
The integration of VIDO reinforces ERINHA’s scientific ecosystem and supports its mission to advance world-class research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It also marks a new milestone in expanding ERINHA’s international reach and fostering partnerships beyond Europe.
“This agreement reflects VIDO’s commitment to working with leading international partners to protect human and animal health. By joining the ERINHA network, VIDO will help strengthen global pandemic preparedness while advancing Canada’s role in developing vaccines, diagnostics, and other solutions for high-consequence infectious diseases”, said Dr. Volker Gerdts, VIDO’s Director and CEO.
A global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development
Established in 1975 at the University of Saskatchewan, VIDO is one of Canada’s leading research organizations dedicated to infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals. Over nearly five decades, the organization has built an international reputation for translating scientific discoveries into practical health solutions, particularly in the fields of vaccine development, immunology, and emerging infectious diseases.
VIDO hosts a unique combination of research, development, and biomanufacturing capabilities under one roof. Equipped with containment level 2 and 3 facilities, and expanding toward higher containment capabilities, the organisation is uniquely positioned to conduct safe and advanced research on a broad spectrum of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on emerging pathogens and zoonoses.
This integrated model has enabled VIDO to respond rapidly to emerging health crises and to advance promising technologies toward real-world application. Its “One Health” approach reflects the growing recognition that many infectious diseases originate in animals before spreading to humans.
Building a stronger global research community
VIDO’s integration into ERINHA adds a major asset in vaccine research and development, from discovery through to preclinical testing and manufacturing. Its expertise in bridging basic research and industrial-scale development will strengthen ERINHA’s ability to support the full pipeline of medical countermeasure development and contribute to global health security.
It also highlights ERINHA’s continued commitment to expanding its network and fostering strategic partnerships with leading organizations worldwide. In an increasingly interconnected world, effective preparedness against infectious disease threats requires coordinated action, shared expertise, and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructures. Together, ERINHA and VIDO will help build a more resilient international research landscape, better equipped to respond to the infectious disease challenges of today and tomorrow.
“Global preparedness depends on trusted international partnerships and access to world-class scientific expertise. ERINHA is pleased to welcome VIDO as our first North American node, strengthening our network with exceptional high-containment research, animal health expertise, and integrated vaccine manufacturing capacity. This agreement will help advance the collaborative science needed to understand better and respond faster to emerging infectious disease threats”, said Jonathan Ewbank, ERINHA’s Director General.