Partnering with UBC on Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub

From left to right: Dr. Pieter Cullis, professor of biochemistry & molecular biology, faculty of medicine, UBC; Dr. Robert McMaster, vice dean, research, faculty of medicine, UBC; Dr. Gail Murphy, vice-president, research & innovation, UBC; The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard; Dr. Michelle Wong, executive director, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub; Dr. Véronique Lecault, chief operating officer, AbCellera.

Michael Smith Health Research BC is delighted the University of British Columbia will serve as lead institution for Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada recently announced UBC as the lead of this hub, as one of five hubs across the nation to ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics, including strengthening research capacity. The new federal research and innovation hub is bringing together a coalition of provincial, national and international partners to strengthen Canada’s life sciences sector and its ability to respond to future pandemic and other health threats.

Health Research BC will provide support to UBC for the new hub. This includes funding, contributing expertise and leadership to the research program, and providing strategic guidance on training needs related to clinical trials across the biomanufacturing sector.

“As BC’s health research agency, we are well-positioned to provide support to the hub; and are confident that this partnership with UBC will advance the health research and health care systems not only within BC but also across Canada,” says Dr. Bev Holmes, president & CEO of Health Research BC.

Health Research BC has helped grow and establish BC’s life sciences sector since inception; through our funding programs and partnerships, we have invested in developing BC’s biomedical and translational research talent. “Our support to UBC also contributes to our work to grow BC’s health research talent across the province, strengthen regional research capacity and support evidence-informed decision making,” adds Bev.

The BC-based national research hub will focus on the development and manufacturing of immune-based therapeutics. The five research hubs will further strengthen Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector while protecting Canadians against future health threats.

Read the Government of Canada news release.
Learn more about UBC hosting Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub.