USask’s VIDO celebrates 50 years of protecting health, food security, and vaccine sovereignty

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is marking its 50th anniversary.

Events this week will celebrate half a century of world-leading discoveries that protect the health of people and animals, safeguard Canada’s food supply, and strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for future pandemics.

Founded in 1975 as a Prairie-based livestock lab, VIDO has since grown into one of the world’s leading infectious disease research centres. Occupying nearly 10 acres on USask campus, VIDO is recognized as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research and a leading national science facility. The organization plays a pivotal role in the global race to stop emerging infectious diseases and strengthens Canada’s vaccine sovereignty.

“VIDO’s impressive success story reflects USask’s commitment to solving global challenges,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “This anniversary is both a celebration of past and present impact and a clear signal of VIDO’s critical role in ensuring Canada’s health security for decades to come.”

VIDO is home to more than 200 scientists, trainees, technicians and staff. The organization is a key Canadian partner in the global “100 Days Mission”, an initiative spearheaded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and endorsed by the G7 and G20 nations. The mission aims to create new vaccines within 100 days of identifying a pandemic threat. Building on its leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic when VIDO isolated SARS-CoV-2 from the first Canadian case and was the first Canadian academic institution to move a vaccine candidate into clinical trials, the organization is now developing a broadly protective and adaptable coronavirus “platform vaccine” with millions in funding from CEPI.

In addition to its pandemic work, VIDO has delivered eight commercial livestock vaccines, including six global firsts, that have helped farmers protect their herds and flocks, kept food affordable and available for families, and strengthened Canada’s food security and trade. This ability to protect both people and animals underscores VIDO’s unique role at the intersection of human health, animal health, and global food systems.

Looking ahead, more than $150 million in federal, provincial, municipal and private funding has been invested in new infrastructure, alongside ongoing operational support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Government of Saskatchewan. New high-containment laboratories and animal housing facilities are under construction, and the Vaccine Development Centre is now producing prototype vaccines for both humans and animals. Together, these investments position VIDO as one of the most complete end-to-end vaccine development environments in the world, advancing Canada’s vaccine sovereignty and strengthening global preparedness.

“VIDO’s 50 years reflect more than scientific achievement—they embody Canada’s ability to protect people, animals, and our future,” said Dr. Volker Gerdts, VIDO director and CEO. “With our unique, integrated facilities that span discovery to manufacturing, we are building the capacity to respond swiftly, save lives, and prevent the next global health crisis—not just for Canadians, but for the world.”

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For more information, contact:

Victoria Dinh
USask Media Relations
Victoria.dinh@usask.ca
306-966-5487

Caitlin Gill
VIDO Communications Advisor
caitlin.gill@usask.ca
306-966-2083

About University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization:
The University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is internationally recognized for its role in vaccine development and is one of Canada’s national science facilities. VIDO has conducted infectious disease research and vaccine development for half a century—eight of its vaccines have been sold commercially, and six have been described as world-firsts. The >185-member organization operates using an ISO9001 certified management system in one of the largest and most advanced containment facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, VIDO is expanding to become Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research which includes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) containment Level 3 (CL3) capable vaccine manufacturing and containment Level 4 capacity. VIDO receives operating support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Major Science Initiatives fund and the Government of Saskatchewan through Innovation Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Agriculture. Visit http://www.vido.org/