$3M research chair to study infectious disease

Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba’s first-ever research chair in the immunobiology of infectious disease has been announced at the University of Manitoba. The funding is being provided jointly by Manitoba’s provincial government, the University of Manitoba and GlaxoSmithKline.

The chair will help focus existing research at the university in the areas of immunology, infectious diseases, systems biology and public health. The province is providing $500,000, the University of Manitoba is providing $1 million and GSK’s Pathfinders Fund is providing $1.5 million.

“The GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science Research fosters medical innovation in Canadian universities, and helps schools like the University of Manitoba attract and retain leading talent – ultimately strengthening Canada’s place as a world leader in innovation.” said Paul Lucas, GlaxoSmithKline president and CEO.

The university plans to recruit a world-renowned researcher in infectious disease to fill the chair, who will study the increased prevalence of infectious diseases that originate in animals but are transmitted to humans. Global warming and climate change may play a role in this increase.