Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics

Graphic with black text on a yellow background that reads: BRN Research Symposium 2026. Save the date: March 27, 2026.

Save the date! The BRN Research Symposium is set for March 27, 2026 📚

The event brings together multidisciplinary @utoronto.ca researchers to highlight the transformative impact of Black research excellence on the future.

Registration opens in January. Visit: brn.utoronto.ca #BlackResearchNetwork

Ontario’s AODA doesn’t cover healthcare spaces, a critical gap that leaves accessibility to individual providers. As Hilary Brown (UTSC) shared in our Catalyst Series seminar on COVID-19 & health inequities for people with disabilities.

🎥 Watch: youtu.be/TXvjJK9Pek4?...

#IDPD #Accessibility

Graphic promoting the University of Toronto IHEP Catalyst Seminar Series: Session 3 – Artificial Intelligence and Data. Online event on December 9, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Speakers: Zahra Shakeri, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Swetaprovo Chaudhuri, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Register at pandemics.utoronto.ca.

Only a week to go! Join us on Dec 9 for our seminar exploring how AI & data modelling are being used to support pandemic readiness & improve public health infrastructure.Presenters include @zshakeri.bsky.social & Swetaprovo Chaudhuri (@engineering.utoronto.ca) www.eventbrite.ca/e/catalyst-s...

In this article, you’ll read insights from Dr Fahad Razak (@unityhealthto.bsky.social), Dr. Vinita Dubey (Toronto Public Health), Dr. Richard Mather and Dr. Adrina Zhong (Public Health Ontario), and Professor Mina Tadrous (@uoftpharmacy.bsky.social)

Early Flu Spike Could Strain Hospitals: Here’s how to stay protected | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics IHEP asked experts to explain the latest information on the current flu virus, vaccine, and the impact on the health system.

Flu cases are climbing earlier than expected, and hospitals could feel the strain. Experts explain what this means, how effective the vaccine is, and why prevention matters.

🔗 bit.ly/4itKwkw

#FluSeason #PublicHealth #Vaccination

1️⃣ Artificial intelligence and data | Dec 9 | Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/catalyst-s...

2️⃣ Supporting vulnerable populations | Jan 13 | Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/catalyst-s...

3️⃣ Women and Children | Feb 10 | Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/catalyst-s...

Catalyst Series | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics Join the Institute for Pandemics' Catalyst Series, a dynamic seminar series showcasing groundbreaking pandemic research.

🔔 Reminder: join us for a series of webinars exploring cutting-edge research on pandemic & public health emergency readiness, resilience, & recovery.

🔗 More info: pandemics.utoronto.ca/events/catal...

🧵 Upcoming topics in the thread 👇

In this compelling and timely webinar, Joy Fitzgibbon leads an exploration of the evolving landscape of health security in pandemic prevention and response. As global threats increasingly blur the… Health Security Unbound: Navigating Power, Surveillance, and Ethics

Watch our Nov 24 session on Health Security Unbound: Navigating Power, Surveillance, and Ethics, with insights from Joy Fitzgibbon, David Fisman and Victoria Haldane

📺 Available now: youtu.be/57iEOn0BWj8?...

#HealthSecurity #GlobalHealth

Advancing Equity in Public Health Emergencies: Collective Futures Roundtable | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics The ACCESS Lab,with support from an IHEP Knowledge Mobilization grant, recently launched the inaugural Collective Futures Roundtable, an initiative to embed equity into public health emergency…

The ACCESS Lab, supported by an IHEP Knowledge Mobilization grant, launched the Collective Futures Roundtable, bringing together community members, service providers, researchers & policymakers to address systemic inequities in emergency preparedness.

Catalyst Series | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics Join the Institute for Pandemics' Catalyst Series, a dynamic seminar series showcasing groundbreaking pandemic research.

This clip is from our recent seminar exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic deepened health inequities for people with disabilities, especially among racialized and immigrant communities.

🔗 Find out more about future seminars: pandemics.utoronto.ca/events/catal...

Who’s in the room when policies are created? Prof. Chavon Niles reminds us, real change happens when those most impacted, underserved & under-resourced, are part of the conversation.

🎥 Watch the full webinar: youtu.be/TXvjJK9Pek4?...

#HealthEquity @uoftmedicine.bsky.social

Graphic promoting the University of Toronto IHEP Catalyst Seminar Series: Session 3 – Artificial Intelligence and Data. Online event on December 9, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Speakers: Zahra Shakeri, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Swetaprovo Chaudhuri, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Register at pandemics.utoronto.ca.

Join us for our next Catalyst Series event exploring how AI & data are reshaping pandemic response and public health systems. Featuring @zshakeri.bsky.social (@uoftdlsph.bsky.social) & Swetaprovo Chaudhuri (@engineering.utoronto.ca).

🗓️ Dec 9, 12:00-1:00pm

🔗 www.eventbrite.ca/e/catalyst-s...

Her research on Long-COVID in Peel Region explores how structural racism affects (im)migrant and racialized communities, and why public health must be community-centred.

#LongCOVID #CatalystSeries #HealthEquity #PublicHealthEmergencies

Kathi Wilson (UTM) shares why community-engaged approaches are essential in infectious disease response, at our Catalyst Long-COVID seminar.

📺Watch the seminar: youtu.be/n9c52Adtco4?...

Attend to learn how structural inequities affect Long-COVID care and share lived experiences to help shape future research and policy.

Supported by an IHEP Knowledge Mobilization Grant, this session connects research and community voices for equitable health solutions. Join us Dec 4!

Poster for a community event: Understanding the Impacts of Structural Racism on Long COVID Management. Dec 4, 10 AM–1:30 PM at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Mississauga. Lunch provided. RSVP by Nov 24: andrea.rishworth@utoronto.ca.

📢 U of T researchers Andrea Rishworth & Kathi Wilson host a knowledge-sharing event: Understanding the Impacts of Structural Racism on Long-COVID Management. Taking place in-person on Dec 4, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM.

✅ RSVP by Nov 24: andrea.rishworth@utoronto.ca

A conference room with round tables and blue chairs filled with attendees listening to a panel discussion. Four panelists are seated at a long table at the front, and a speaker stands at a podium on the left. A large screen behind them.

Great presentations from our panelists, thanks for sharing your expertise & experience, Raihanna Hirji-Khalfan (Race & Disability Canada), Michelle Murti (Toronto Public Health,Notisha Massaquoi (University of Toronto Scarborough) & Nouma Hammash. Chaired by Chavon Niles (@uoftmedicine.bsky.social).

Chavon Niles speaks to a room of people. People are sitting around tables, looking at the presentation.

Chavon Niles opens the first Collective Futures roundtable, supported by an IHEP Knowledge Mobilization grant.

Today’s session focuses on what isn’t working, what communities need, and how we plan better for future public health emergencies.

Quote graphic with University of Toronto and Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics logos. Text reads: “We are mobilizing interdisciplinary expertise to respond to health emergencies, building systems, partnerships, and knowledge to anticipate threats and act quickly.” – Dr. Nelson Lee.

Health threats are evolving — and so are we.

Recently, we announced we've expanded our mission and changed our name to the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics.

Read more about the change ⬇️
pandemics.utoronto.ca/from-pandemi...

Quote graphic with University of Toronto and Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics logos. Text reads: “If we can improve indoor air quality affordably and reliably, we can make a real difference in public health outcomes during future pandemics.” – David Kormos. Bottom text: Read the Spotlight → pandemics.utoronto.ca.

👋 Meet David Kormos, IHEP postdoc fellow.

His research is improving indoor air quality & pandemic resilience with low-cost filtration and aerosol transmission research, bringing engineering, microbiology & public health together.

🔗 Read the spotlight: pandemics.utoronto.ca/spotlight-da...

Through partnerships with organizations like Park People and @cisp-icps.bsky.social, Nadha is co-developing a national NatureRx agenda that centres community voices, especially those facing social barriers and marginalization.

#NaturePrescribing #HealthResilience #PublicHealthInnovation

Prescribing Connection: Strengthening Communities for Health Crises - Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics What if nature was part of your prescription? At the University of Toronto, Dr. Nadha Hassen is investigating how community-led nature prescribing, connecting people to nature-based activities like…

🌿 Can nature prescriptions build resilience into public health systems?

@nadhahassen.bsky.social, IHEP Postdoctoral Fellow is exploring how community-led nature prescribing can support public health & prepare communities for future emergencies.

🔗 Read the article: bit.ly/47NJYRS

1️⃣ Health Security Unbound: Navigating Power, Surveillance, and Ethics
| Nov 24 | Register: bit.ly/4oHPoVO

2️⃣ Artificial intelligence and data, Catalyst seminar | Dec 9 | Register: bit.ly/3VWjgkw

3️⃣ Supporting vulnerable populations, Catalyst seminar | Jan 13 | Register: bit.ly/4oGmh59

🔔 Upcoming Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics events.

Reminder: join us for our upcoming online events, from our Catalyst seminar series to a timely webinar exploring security requirements that shape pandemic preparedness.

🧵 Upcoming topics in the thread 👇

🎉 Congrats to IHEP members named/reappointed as Canada Research Chairs: Beverley Essue, Goldie Nejat, Hilary Brown, Rayjean Hung & Laura Rosella!

🔗 Read the full @utoronto.ca list: www.utoronto.ca/celebrates/4...

#UofT #CanadaResearchChairs

This seminar explored how the COVID-19 pandemic deepened health inequities for people with disabilities, especially among racialized and immigrant communities. Featured speakers: 🔹 Chavon Niles… Session 2: Impacts on Individuals with Disabilities

📺 Watch our Nov 11 Catalyst Seminar exploring COVID-19’s impact on people with disabilities, with insights from Chavon Niles (@uoftmedicine.bsky.social) and Hilary Brown (UTSC).

Available now ➡️ bit.ly/3JLE9MP

#HealthEquity #DisabilityJustice #CatalystSeminar

Joseph Munn (@sickkidsto.bsky.social), an IHEP Catalyst Grant awardee, highlights why early disease definitions matter, especially for future outbreaks, at our recent Catalyst Long-COVID seminar.

📺Watch the seminar: bit.ly/4p7YPxu

Graduate Studentship Award Project Highlight - Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics In an interview with Graduate Studentship Award recipient, David Jones, we asked questions to learn about his project and scope of his work.

David's 2023 studentship from the Institute, supported this impactful work. You can read more about his Graduate Studentship Award Project here: bit.ly/4qNFOlw

Graphic titled “NEW PUBLICATION” with text announcing that David Jones, 2023 IHEP Studentship Awardee, is lead author on a newly published umbrella review co-authored with Sara Allin. The study examines how hospital nursing shortages can become self-reinforcing through feedback loops and stresses the need for early interventions. It notes the research was supported by David’s IHEP Studentship Award. U of T and IHEP logos appear at the bottom right. Background shows a hospital hallway in blue tones.

David Jones (2023 IHEP Studentship Awardee) is an author on a review on nursing shortages, with Sara Allin (@ihpmeuoft.bsky.social). The study highlights how burnout & turnover worsen staffing gaps, & why early action is key.

🔗 Read the review: bit.ly/43sgKXr

Graphic promoting the University of Toronto IHEP Catalyst Seminar Series: Session 3 – Artificial Intelligence and Data. Online event on December 9, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Speakers: Zahra Shakeri, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Swetaprovo Chaudhuri, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Register at pandemics.utoronto.ca.

Join us on Dec 9 for our seminar exploring how AI & data modelling are being used to support pandemic readiness & improve public health infrastructure. Presenters include @zshakeri.bsky.social (@uoftdlsph.bsky.social) & Swetaprovo Chaudhuri (@engineering.utoronto.ca).

Sign up ➡️ bit.ly/3VWjgkw