SASKATOON — VIDO and the International Vaccine Institute have extended their long-standing partnership to strengthen global collaboration on infectious disease research and vaccine development, reinforcing Saskatchewan’s role as a leader in science and innovation.
Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) have signed a partnership extension with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), based in South Korea. The partnership focuses on post-pandemic global health.
Minister of Trade and Export Development and Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding witnessed the signing as part of his trade mission to South Korea.
“This renewed partnership reflects Saskatchewan’s commitment to being a global leader in science and innovation and highlights the success of our investments into VIDO,” Kaeding said. “By working with international partners like the IVI, we help ensure that our expertise continues to have worldwide impact, and underscores Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy released earlier this year.”
The Government of Saskatchewan provides operational funding to VIDO through Innovation Saskatchewan, ensuring the organization has the resources to advance world-class research and respond to emerging global health challenges. In addition to providing annual operating support, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed more than $19 million to support the development of Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, positioning VIDO as a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals.
“Infectious diseases know no borders,” VIDO Director and CEO Dr Volker Gerdts said. “By continuing this partnership, we strengthen our ability to respond quickly and collaboratively to emerging threats that impact us all.”
Based at the University of Saskatchewan, VIDO has collaborated with IVI for more than 20 years. The previous MOU signing between VIDO and IVI was also witnessed by the Premier.
“VIDO’s standing as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research underscores the University of Saskatchewan’s dedication to advancing science that matters—not only for our province and country, but for people and animals around the globe,” University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff said.
IVI is an international nonprofit that develops and delivers vaccines globally. They have offices around the world, with headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
“Today’s global health challenges demand collaborative, sustained partnerships,” Director General of IVI Dr Jerome H. Kim said. “Our collaboration with VIDO exemplifies how scientific innovation and shared expertise can accelerate progress toward safe, effective, and affordable vaccines worldwide.”
Earlier this year, Saskatchewan released Accelerating Innovation, Advancing Industry: Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy. This strategy aims to support the province’s vision of global impact and help build a strong and prosperous Saskatchewan.
For more information, visit: innovationsask.ca.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
