VIDO to undergo federal recertifying and key upgrades as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) will temporarily pause research in its high-containment laboratories in spring 2026 to complete facility upgrades, recertify its containment level 3 (CL3) spaces and begin certification of containment level 4 (CL4) areas. These activities help ensure VIDO remains ready to support Canada’s response to emerging infectious diseases. They are also a normal and essential part of operating high-containment facilities.

Recertifying every 10 years confirms that the facility’s systems are operating as intended and meeting strict regulatory requirements. It involves a series of tests to ensure the facility is operating safely and effectively before research resumes. Federal regulators will be onsite to review testing and approve the return to operations.

At the same time, this work will support the initial certification of VIDO’s future CL4 spaces, allowing key testing to be completed alongside existing facilities and streamlining the path to future operations.

In partnership with USask’s Facilities division, VIDO personnel have been preparing for the shutdown for > 6 months. Such detailed planning will minimize downtime and support a smooth return to research within approximately 6–8 weeks.

By maintaining world-class facilities, VIDO continues to play a vital role in protecting communities in Canada and around the world from infectious diseases.