Bridge Research Consortium

New data from the 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey shows Canadians who follow health advice from AI are 5x more likely to experience harm. Gaps in #AccessToCare are pushing people toward false health information, with real consequences.
News release 👇
https://bit.ly/4kqAZfj
#HMTS2026

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Immunize Canada and BRC Presents - When innovation meets hesitancy: Building public trust in (mRNA) vaccines through dialogue . After registering, you will ... Research and vaccine development using mRNA technology enabled a rapid response to the new pathogen, SARS-CoV-2 early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet despite their scientific success, mRNA vaccines have...

Don't miss our next webinar with @immunizecanada.bsky.social @cpha-acsp.bsky.social, featuring Dr. Katrina Plamondon: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Learn how BRC's Deliberative Dialogues are bringing people together to build and sustain public trust in #vaccines and therapeutic innovations.

More dialogue, less debate: At an ‘Ethics Bowl,’ students learn to handle tough conversations Ethics Bowl Canada hosts competitions where students, including science graduate students, explore complex ethical issues, like vaccines, through respectful dialogue in teams.

In case you missed it: Students and youth explored timely issues at the National Ethics Bowl, ranging from family disagreements over #vaccine mandates to the use of preventative health measures on farms: theconversation.com/more-dialogu... #PublicHealth #SciComm #CdnHealth

More dialogue, less debate: At an ‘Ethics Bowl,’ students learn to handle tough conversations Ethics Bowl Canada hosts competitions where students, including science graduate students, explore complex ethical issues, like vaccines, through respectful dialogue in teams.

Check out the latest in the Immunity and Society series, in partnership with @ca.theconversation.com: BRC has partnered with Ethics Bowl Canada to support youth and science graduate students in reflecting upon ethical tensions around vaccines: theconversation.com/more-dialogu...

#KMb #SciComm

Symposium on the Science of #Vaccine Safety: "Engagement and understanding alternate perspectives can be as important as expert information. Connection and empathy should be a focus...to foster resilience and minimize the spillover effect of misinformation." www.ualberta.ca/en/prairie-h...

The latest from BRC Co-Scientific Director Dr. Kelley Lee, on what researchers and scholars can do to rebuild #PublicTrust in #GlobalHealth:

📝 www.globe.uio.no/english/rese...

ICYMI: Check out this new policy brief @ubcdemocracy.bsky.social on how universities can address online harassment of #researchers and #faculty. The brief reviews best practices and offers recommendations on how institutions can provide support. #HigherEd

📝 Read here: bridgerc.ca/online-haras...

"Canada can’t afford to lose expert voices when the threat of #vaccine preventable diseases is rising...Online harassment is driving researchers and scientists out of conversations." —BRC scholars @heiditworek.bsky.social, Chris Tenove, Netheena Mathews @ubcdemocracy.bsky.social #PublicHealth #IDSky

On Nov. 19–20, BRC and Science North gathered #SocialScience, #PublicHealth, #BioMed and #SciComm experts, artists, and creators to explore new ways to engage the public on #immunology – highlighting the importance of creative, evidence-based engagement to build #PublicTrust and understanding.

Thank you to all who joined us last night for “RNA and #HealthCare Futures”. After a screening of "The Messenger: A Story of mRNA", our panelists had an insightful discussion on the role #mRNA vaccines and therapies will play in the future of #CdnHealth. Stay tuned for photos and the full recording!

On measles and vaccines, Canada can’t keep ignoring the elephant in the room Study after study has shown that political affiliation is one of the single strongest predictors of vaccination status.

BRC Lead Scholar @caulfieldtim.bsky.social: "As of this past Monday, Canada has lost its #measles elimination status. We must confront the large and growing influence of politics in both the continued rise of #vaccine hesitancy and spread of medical misinformation." www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...

🎬 RNA & Healthcare Futures – A special opportunity for people in the health care community

Join us in collab with @bridgerc.bsky.social on Nov 20, 5–7:30pm at The Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema for The Messenger screening + panel with mRNA pioneers.

🎟️ Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/rna-health...

During the annual BRC Team Meeting from Oct. 2-3, our team members, advisory committee, partners and collaborators gathered to connect and reaffirm our commitment to advancing #PublicTrust and supporting equitable access to new #vaccines and immune-based innovations. #PublicHealth #CdnHealth

TOMORROW: Join @heiditworek.bsky.social @cjten.bsky.social and Dr. Julia Smith for "Navigating Moral Distress and Online Harassment of #HealthCare Workers in Canada", co-hosted with @immunizecanada.bsky.social @cpha-acsp.bsky.social.

📝 Register: buff.ly/RDxGVEc #PublicHealth #CdnHealth

Why Canada’s next big infrastructure investment should be in biomanufacturing As Canada faces renewed trade tensions with the United States, investing in domestic biomanufacturing could strengthen both national security and economic independence.

In case you missed it: This compelling article, part of our Immunity and Society new series with the #BridgeResearchConsortium about new vaccine discoveries and immune-based innovations, explains how — and why — Canada could be a biomanufacturing powerhouse:

theconversation.com/why-canadas-...

Why Canada’s next big infrastructure investment should be in biomanufacturing As Canada faces renewed trade tensions with the United States, investing in domestic biomanufacturing could strengthen both national security and economic independence.

The latest in our Immunity and Society series with @ca.theconversation.com: buff.ly/DHKyWwZ

Canada’s next big infrastructure investment should be in #biomanufacturing, strengthening our capacity to manufacture #vaccines domestically ahead of future #PublicHealth emergencies.

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Immunize Canada Presents - Navigating Moral Distress and Online Harassment of Health Care Workers in Canada. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed healthcare workers to intense ethical pressures and rising online abuse. In collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium, this webinar will present research findings that capture the experiences of online harassment

Webinar | Navigating Moral Distress and Online Harassment of Health Care Workers in Canada | Bridge Research Consortium @bridgerc.bsky.social, Canadian Public Health Association & Immunize Canada | Wednesday 29 October, 2-3pm (ET) | Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/reg...

What role will #mRNA technology play in the future of Canadian #HealthCare? Join us for a documentary screening and dialogue with mRNA pioneers and leading experts in #PublicHealth, medical anthropology, clinical practice and regulatory affairs. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/rna-health...

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Immunize Canada Presents - Navigating Moral Distress and Online Harassment of Health Care Workers in Canada. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed healthcare workers to intense ethical pressures and rising online abuse. In collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium, this webinar will present research findings that capture the experiences of online harassment

Webinar | Navigating Moral Distress and Online Harassment of Health Care Workers in Canada | Bridge Research Consortium @bridgerc.bsky.social, Canadian Public Health Association & Immunize Canada | Wednesday 29 October, 2-3pm (ET) | Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/reg...

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Rethinking Global Health: Bold Proposals for Reform . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Seismic shifts have upended global health in recent months. Wellcome has commissioned five thought leaders from different regions of the world to set out bold ideas for a new global health architec...

FHS @profplum8.bsky.social is 1 of 5 global thought leaders commissioned by @wellcometrust.bsky.social to reimagine global health architecture in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more about their bold ideas at a live webinar on Sept 11 at 7 am PDT /1

RSVP 🔗: wellcome-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

We're hiring a new Strategic Communications Manager to support our projects. Location: Burnaby, British Columbia.

More details at bridgerc.ca/scmjobpostin...

Straight from the scientists: "From COVID to cancer: Why Canada’s RNA vaccine leadership matters more than ever"

Read forward-looking ideas for Canada’s vaccine future in this Conversation Canada as part of the Immunity and Society series. #WorldImmunizationWeek

With new vaccines on the horizon, how can we support public trust & equitable access?

We reflect on forward-looking ideas for Canada’s vaccine future with The Conversation Canada in this article as part of the Immunity and Society series. Special thanks to our funders.

#WorldImmunizationWeek

Full-time, 37 hours per week $70,000 to $85,000 CAD per year plus benefits Depending on current project: SFU or UBC campus or remote The Knowledge Mobilization Specialist conducts the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities within the Bridge Research Consortium (BRC), Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), and other collaborating hubs. The Specialist will contribute to boosting KMb capacity within the BRC and will have the opportunity to lead the development of outputs, products, activities, and events to advance public trust and equitable access to new vaccines and immune-based innovations related to pandemic preparedness and response. This role will work under the direction of the KMb Lead. ABOUT THE BRIDGE RESEARCH CONSORTIUM The BRC is one of four projects funded by the Government of Canada, as part of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) led by the University of British Columbia. It is also one of 19 projects funded in 2024, under Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, “to rebuild a strong and resilient domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector” ahead of a future pandemic event. While Canada is poised to achieve exciting and important scientific breakthroughs, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that support for the optimal uptake of new vaccines and therapies is also needed. The decline of vaccine uptake within some populations over the past decade risks the return of vaccine preventable diseases and undermines the capacity for Canada to respond effectively to a future pandemic. In this context, the BRC has been funded as a unique collaboration of leading social sciences and humanities scholars across Canada. The Consortium brings together expertise in anthropology, bioethics, communications, history, international relations, law, political science, public administration, sociology and other disciplines, with public health, clinical medicine, and nursing.

QUALIFICATIONS • Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Life/Biological Sciences, Health Sciences or a related field and two years of related experience in community engagement, science communication, and knowledge mobilization or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience • Understanding of knowledge mobilization theory and practice How to apply Interested candidates should submit an application by e-mail to: rackeb_tesfaye@sfu.ca by 5 pm on 1 February 2025. Please include “Knowledge Mobilization Specialist — [Your Name]” in the subject line. Your application should include the following: • Cover letter · explain why you are suited for this position · describe your relevant disciplinary and subject matter expertise · explain your relevant experience and skills that would advance the project goals · provide names and contact information for two references (to be contacted by BRC for short-listed candidates only) · propose a tentative date for when you could begin the role • Curriculum vitae

Hiring! The Knowledge Mobilization Specialist will have the opportunity to lead the development of outputs, products, activities, and events to advance public trust and equitable access to new vaccines and immune-based innovations related to pandemic preparedness and response.

Full-time, 37 hours per week $60,000 to $75,000 CAD per year plus benefits Simon Fraser University Burnaby Campus (hybrid negotiable) The Training Specialist will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of training and pedagogical activities and the development of tools and resources to build knowledge mobilization, science, communication, professional development, and equity capacity within the Bridge Research Consortium (BRC), CIEBH and other hubs. This role will work under the direction of the KMb Lead. ABOUT THE BRIDGE RESEARCH CONSORTIUM The BRC is one of four projects funded by the Government of Canada, as part of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) led by the University of British Columbia. It is also one of 19 projects funded in 2024, under Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, “to rebuild a strong and resilient domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector” ahead of a future pandemic event. While Canada is poised to achieve exciting and important scientific breakthroughs, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that support for the optimal uptake of new vaccines and therapies is also needed. The decline of vaccine uptake within some populations over the past decade risks the return of vaccine preventable diseases and undermines the capacity for Canada to respond effectively to a future pandemic. In this context, the BRC has been funded as a unique collaboration of leading social sciences and humanities scholars across Canada. The Consortium brings together expertise in anthropology, bioethics, communications, history, international rel ations, law, political science, public administration, sociology and other disciplines, with public health, clinical medicine, and nursing. The project brings together wide-ranging perspectives to better understand and support public trust and equitable access to new vaccines and immune-based innovations that strengthen Canada’s readiness for future health emergencies.

QUALIFICATIONS • Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Life/Biological Sciences, Health Sciences or a related field and two years of related experience in teaching, community engagement, science communication, and knowledge mobilization or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience How to apply Interested candidates should submit an application by e-mail to: rackeb_tesfaye@sfu.ca by 5 pm on 1 February 2025. Please include “Pedagogy and Training Specialist – [Your Name]” in the subject line. Your application should include the following: • Cover letter: · explain why you are suited for this position · describe your relevant disciplinary and subject matter expertise · explain your relevant experience and skills that would advance the project goals · provide names and contact information for two references (to be contacted by BRC for short-listed candidates only) · propose a tentative date for when you could begin the role • Curriculum vitae

We're hiring for two positions!

The Training Specialist will have the opportunity to lead the development of outputs, products, activities, and events to advance public trust and equitable access to new vaccines and immune-based innovations related to pandemic preparedness and response.

Job posting with us! This Fellow will contribute to a multi-year research project on online health communication. Suitable candidates will hold a PhD in communication, political science, psychology, public policy, history, public health, or a related field. Learn more: sppga.ubc.ca/news/postdoc...

We're hiring for two Postdoctoral/Research Fellows.

The ideal candidates will hold PhDs in political science/political economy, social psychology, sociology, public policy, history or public health, or related disciplines.

More: www.sfu.ca/fhs/about/employment-opportunities/research.html