With efforts led by Biology Professor Gary Sweeney from the Faculty of Science, the new laboratory will focus on integrating clinical research with biomedical laboratory studies to improve human health, particularly in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, as well as conditions related to aging.

Read the full story in聽YFile.

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91亚色鈥檚 Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) and the Faculty of Science were honoured with the ninth Canada China Business Excellence Academic Collaboration Bronze Award at the Canada China Business Council's 46th Annual General Meeting and Business Forum in Beijing.

The award celebrates visionary Canadian organizations advancing educational ties with China. It acknowledges the efforts of organizations that demonstrate leadership in cross-border collaboration and academic innovation. The award is a testament to the success of 91亚色's ABMP and Faculty of Science in fostering resilient academic partnerships with Chinese institutions. Despite complex geopolitical dynamics, ABMP and the Faculty of Science have strategically built sustainable collaborations that not only enrich students and faculty but also provide unique educational opportunities across borders in the post-pandemic era. Key collaborations that contributed to the award include the Global Perspectives program and the Career Bootcamp, both of which exemplify ABMP and Faculty of Science's adaptability in the face of challenges.

The Global Perspectives program, launched in 2022, is a virtual engagement initiative that has connected over 350 Chinese students with Canadian educators, focusing on global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A strategic partnership with the Jiangsu-Canada University Consortium, encompassing 29 academic institutions in China's Jiangsu province, has been instrumental in equipping students with cross-cultural skills and preparing them to tackle global challenges. These efforts have not only strengthened academic ties between 91亚色 and Jiangsu universities but also fostered bilateral co-operation in education and research.

ABMP and the Faculty of Science were among the first educational organizations to resume in-person engagement with Chinese students following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Career Bootcamp, tailored for Chinese undergraduates, combines theoretical learning with real-world application, helping students bridge the gap between classroom education and industry demands, while giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Beyond fostering career readiness, the program promotes intercultural interactions, shaping participants into cultural ambassadors and strengthening ties between Canada and China.

Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships in the Faculty of Science, emphasized the broader impact of these partnerships: 鈥淚n fostering these collaborations, both countries are not only advancing academic excellence but also promoting international co-operation, cultural exchange and sustainable development.鈥�

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, ABMP and the Faculty of Science's proactive approach 鈥� blending virtual and in-person initiatives 鈥� sets a powerful example of how academic collaboration can transcend borders and foster mutual understanding, said Elena Caprioni, ABMP director. 鈥淭hrough these efforts, we are shaping a future where Canada and China remain interconnected through shared values, knowledge exchange and a commitment to tackling the world鈥檚 biggest challenges.鈥�

This Bronze Award serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as an inspiration to further strengthen academic and cultural ties that benefit both nations and contribute to global progress.

Courtesy of YFile

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Outcomes of the Program

1. Experience Life in Canada: Explore Canadian culture through a series of special events and activities.
2. Enhanced Student Academic and Career Prospects: Participate in regular undergraduate courses alongside Canadian and international students, earning credits that directly transfer to your home institution. Enhancing their academic credentials and career prospects in the global job market.
3. Contribution to SDGs: The program develops students' scientific knowledge and skills, enhancing the global workforce ready to tackle sustainability, innovation, and development challenges. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, promoting equitable education and lifelong learning to drive global sustainable development.
4. Build Intercultural Competencies: Immerse yourself in a diverse 91亚色 student community, supported by various campus services and student groups. Enhance your cultural understanding and integration.

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Ruofan Yang's Experience

• Fuzhou, Fujian, China
• 3rd Year, Bachelor of Medicine in Anesthesiology, Shandong Second Medical University (SDSMU)
• 2023-2024 SDSMU Merit Student Scholarship Winner
• 2023-2024 SDSMU Youth Cup University Volleyball Tournament Women鈥檚 Champion

My time at 91亚色 has been truly transformative. As a native Chinese speaker, my English skills have improved remarkably through daily interactions in a diverse language environment. The academic environment, knowledgeable professors, and study in biomedical science program have greatly strengthened my critical thinking, research skills, and personal development. 91亚色 has provided me with a solid foundation for my future career and personal growth.

Dezhi Jiao's Experience

• Tai鈥檃n, Shandong, China
• 2nd Year, Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University (SDSMU)
• Outstanding Student, First National Summer Anatomy Camp for University Students, Chinese Society of Anatomical Sciences
• Excellence Award for 7th Shandong Provincial English Translation Competition
• Merit Student, SDSMU
• Second Class Excellent Student Scholarship, SDSMU

As an ophthalmology and optometry major, my time at 91亚色's Faculty of Science has been transformative. I am grateful for the invaluable experiences, particularly in understanding cultural differences. Engaging with diverse backgrounds at 91亚色 enriched my perspective and reinforced the importance of global harmony. The support and opportunities here have shaped my academic and personal growth, and I deeply value the knowledge I've gained.

Student Support

91亚色 Science has an outstanding support team dedicated to helping international students transition smoothly into life at 91亚色, both academically and in their everyday lives. The Office of International Collaboration and Partnerships (OICP) selects mentors with exceptional academic performance who are recognized as Global Leaders of 91亚色 Science. These mentors possess extensive experience in working with international students and are well-versed in campus life and living in Toronto. They provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that students feel welcomed and empowered to succeed.

This mentorship also ensures that students receive the assistance they need to excel in their courses, integrate seamlessly into the 91亚色 community, and achieve their academic and career goals.

Current Program Mentors:

Amna Imran (Biology with Minor in Psychology)

As a mentor for the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program at 91亚色, I had the rewarding opportunity to guide students through their transition. I assisted them in obtaining their student cards, navigating course selections, acquiring lab materials, and understanding the academic culture. I provided comprehensive campus tours and introduced them to Toronto's attractions, helping them feel connected to their new environment. This experience not only enriched their academic and personal development but also enhanced my understanding of different cultures and improved my communication, organization, and leadership skills. Witnessing their growth was fulfilling and reinforced the importance of mentorship, strengthening my connection to the university community.

Gina Quan (Mathematics Education and Statistics)

As a mentor in the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program, I have supported international students, particularly from China, in acclimating to their new environment and navigating academic and social challenges. Through structured meetings and activities, we foster a sense of belonging and encourage growth. This mentorship has been a two-way exchange, enriching my understanding of the Chinese education system and culture while helping students improve their English and adapt to Canadian life. Our shared experiences, like exploring Toronto and engaging in community events, have built meaningful relationships that transcend borders.

Amit Bijlani (Biomedical Science)

As a mentor in the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program, I had the exciting opportunity to support medical students from Shandong Second Medical University. Using my leadership experience, I helped them navigate campus life, traditions, and regulations. Through campus tours, mentorship chats, and activities, the students quickly adapted to Canadian culture. I provided insights into course enrollment, assignment management, and balancing extracurriculars while highlighting campus resources. Regular meetings confirmed the program's effectiveness. Additionally, I learned about the medical school journey in China and shared common career aspirations and advice. This experience has inspired me to continue supporting international students at 91亚色.

Bryan George (Biomedical Science)

Being a mentor is about sharing knowledge and helping others navigate university life. My role involves guiding new students through the challenges of heavier coursework and flexible schedules by teaching them effective time management, note-taking, and the importance of balancing academics with recreational activities. Encouraging involvement in sports and making friends can greatly enhance their experience. My advice to new students is to fully engage with campus life and seek out opportunities to feel comfortable and succeed.

Tien Hoang (Statistics)

As a mentor, my role is to help students acculturate and navigate their new environment. By giving them tours of downtown Toronto, I introduce them to essential locations, public transport routes, and cultural hotspots, helping them feel at home and confident in the city. One of the most rewarding aspects has been forming personal connections. During these tours, we鈥檝e shared stories about our backgrounds, favorite places, and discovered common interests. Learning about different cultures and perspectives has made this experience incredibly valuable for me.

Testimonials

Program Leads

HUGO CHEN
Director, International Collaborations and Partnerships

hugochen@yorku.ca

Robert Tsushim

Biology Chair

tsushima@yorku.ca

YINGHUA SHEN

Visiting Scholar At 91亚色 Science,
Vice-Director For International Partnerships, Associate Dean For International Education
Shandong Second Medical University

yinghua@yorku.ca

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Supporting Partners:

Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP)

Moments from the Program

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Program Overview

The iBSc program offers two specialized pathways:

1. Biology: Focusing on fundamental biological sciences and extending into specialized fields such as ecology, molecular genetics, animal physiology and microbiology.
   
2. Biomedical Science: Concentrating on the intersection of biology and medicine, this pathway prepares students for careers in healthcare and biomedical research.

The iBSc degree program requires study in a second language and at least one term of study abroad.

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Degree Requirements

The iBSc program is structured to include 120 credits, distributed as follows:

85 CREDITS IN SCIENCE

These are comprised of core and elective science courses that are aligned with traditional BSc degree requirements.

30 CREDITS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPONENTS

• 12 Credits in Language Study: Students choose from a variety of languages offered at 91亚色, preparing them for their international experiences.
• 12 Credits in International Content Courses: These courses, which must be approved by an iBSc advisor, explore global issues, foreign cultures, and international policies, enhancing students鈥� global awareness.
• 6 Additional Credits in Language or International Content: Depending on their interests, students may opt to further their language proficiency or deepen their understanding of international topics.

5 CREDITS IN FREE ELECTIVES

These allow students flexibility to explore other areas of interest across the university.

Alumni Success Stories

Graduates of the iBSc program are exceptionally well-prepared for careers that demand scientific expertise and a deep understanding of global issues. They are equipped to work in multinational corporations, global health organizations, research institutions, and beyond, or to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools.

Hear from our iBSc alumni about their career paths and how the program shaped their professional lives:

Bahar Madani

鈥淚 studied at 91亚色 from 2009-2014 in the iBSc Biology program. As part of my unique program's requirements, I took advanced courses in French, English literature, European history, and Irish poetry. It was a great way to round out my science course load with opportunities to strengthen my academic writing skills, exercise some creativity, engage in academic debate, and learn about cultures I wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to. I also participated in a number of extracurriculars within Bethune College, making connections and building community with peers. The poetry course made such an impression on me that I chose to travel to Ireland for my exchange semester, where I studied Biotechnology at Dublin City University.

My experience in the Biology program at 91亚色 shaped a very strong foundation of scientific understanding that allowed me to keep up with my courses while I was abroad. I had engaging courses with passionate instructors at 91亚色, and their mentorship inspired me to pursue an Honours thesis in my last year. Research became a path I was no longer intimidated to follow, as I had guidance and encouragement from professors I held in high esteem. I honed my skills in science communication and gained confidence in my scientific literacy. After graduating from 91亚色, I studied Dentistry at McGill University.

My background in French language studies opened up many opportunities in my clinical work, allowing me to connect and communicate effectively with a broader demographic of patients. I returned to Toronto after graduating from McGill, and I have been working as a general dentist in private practice for the last six years. I strongly believe in patient advocacy and education through open communication, which is a skill I cultivated early on as a peer mentor and academic advisor in the Faculty of Science at 91亚色. I have a great passion for the hands-on aspects of dentistry, both surgical and cosmetic.

The lab courses and research projects I was involved in at 91亚色 were engaging and challenging in a way that taught me to be more methodical, disciplined, and detail-oriented; this mindset, combined with my artistic abilities, is essential for the quality of clinical work I take pride in doing every day. It's been ten years since I left 91亚色, but the experiences and connections I had here have stayed with me.鈥�

Dr. Bahar Madani
Pronouns: she/they

Nargol Ghaziantafrishi

Nargol is currently completing her PhD at 91亚色, researching plant-animal interactions and the impact of artificial shelters on animals in specific microclimates. Her research has taken her to places such as the Mojave Desert and the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. Her future plans are to continue her career as a research scientist.

As an iBSc student, Nargol studied both French and Spanish in addition to completing her science courses. In her third year she went on exchange to the Universidad Aut贸noma de Madrid (Autonomous University of Madrid) in Madrid, Spain.

Thinking about the value of completing an iBSc, she notes that having had experience travelling to and living in a different country while on exchange prepared her in many ways for her work as a graduate student. 鈥淚 was so young and I went to a different country 鈥t鈥檚 different from when you go on vacation 鈥 had to speak the language and survive and live within that system. When I applied for graduate school, I had to live and work in a different country in a remote area for months at a time. Having had the experience of going on exchange at 19, it was very helpful as I felt confident I could handle living and doing field research in another country.鈥�

Her time in Spain also improved her language skills. 鈥淟iving in a different culture, language and system and having to connect with the people there really brought my Spanish to another level. When I came back and had to take third year Spanish for my language certificate, I was in a class with Spanish speakers and I felt like I was at a pretty similar level at that point. Also a lot of desert ecology research takes place in Latin America and many good journal articles are published in Spanish only, so I can actually read them without having to get them translated.鈥� Nargol鈥檚 language skills have also come in handy working with collaborators, as her lab collaborates with researchers in Latin America. She has already published 15 research articles, including one published in February of 2024 in Restoration Ecology titled 鈥溾��

Nargol鈥檚 experience in the iBSc program has helped her develop confidence and independence, learning how to navigate new environments. Not surprisingly, she also met new people and created new lasting friendships. 鈥淚 met a lot of other people on exchange from Europe and South America and many of us are still in touch.鈥�

鈥淚 like the iBSc Program because there are pretty much no other programs like it in Canada for science students. I wanted to do science but wanted electives that were language. It鈥檚 a very niche degree and I really like that about it 鈥� it鈥檚 a fantastic opportunity.鈥�

Nargol Ghaziantafrishi
Pronouns: she/her

Nathan

鈥淎fter graduating from 91亚色 with the iBSc. - Biology, I returned to Hong Kong, where I went on exchange, to work at the University of Hong Kong鈥檚 AIDS institute to support the development of cancer vaccines. Through the guidance of my colleagues there, I determined that generally speaking, medical research was heading towards a computational direction, and that I should plan accordingly. I returned to Toronto and studied at Seneca College to pick up programming and data management skills. After developing those skills, I went down to New 91亚色 City where I worked at the Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill-Cornell Medical College to manage their internal patient database and information portal as a Research Data Specialist. After some time there, I looked for other opportunities locally, and became a Research Data Analyst with Simons Foundation, a non-profit foundation that funds grants and houses multiple organizations devoted to research ranging from computational quantum physics to studying genetic determinants of autism spectrum disorder. When the pandemic hit, I returned to Toronto, where I recently worked with Klick Health, a pharmaceutical marketing agency as a Data Engineer.

In terms of how my undergraduate experience shaped my life, being able to go on exchange broadened my understanding of what was possible. Personally and professionally, I still maintain strong ties to Hong Kong and see it as a second home. Without the year of exchange, I wouldn鈥檛 be able to connect so thoroughly with the family I have there, the local friends I made, and my cultural heritage. I continue speaking and using Chinese on a regular basis, and have the iBSc. program to thank for that fact, I鈥檓 grateful for the unforgettable experience and seeds that the program planted for the life that I have now.鈥�

Nathan

Kelsi Smith

Kelsi is a clinical epidemiologist now living in Sweden who works in both the private and public sectors in Europe. She specialises in real-world evidence and data, using larger register-based studies to help better the lives of people living with disease.

Kelsi completed an iBSc degree in Biology at 91亚色, while playing on the tennis team, studying French and going on exchange to a university in Lyon France where she studied biology and honed her French language skills. After finishing her exchange year, Kelsi remained in France for the summer to complete a summer research internship at INSERM (a world-renowned research institute for biomedical research and human health). She then returned to 91亚色 to complete her degree, continuing her research training by volunteering in a research lab and completing her fourth-year honours thesis working with people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. After graduation she moved to Paris to work, then returned to school for graduate studies. She was accepted at the Sorbonne in Paris, but opted to go to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, where she learned Swedish while completing an MSc in Public Health and Epidemiology followed by a PhD in Epidemiology, Genetics and Neuroscience with a specific focus on identifying risk factors for multiple sclerosis. She now speaks English, Estonian, French and Swedish.

Reflecting on her career trajectory and thinking about completing the iBSc at 91亚色, Kelsi notes, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I would be where I am now if I hadn鈥檛 done the exchange program as part of the iBSc degree. Getting into the iBSc program was the reason I chose 91亚色. Doing the exchange, I discovered how much I liked Europe. Having been able to do the internship in France helped me to know what I wanted to do for graduate studies. I would not even been as aware of other universities outside of Canada where I could study if I hadn鈥檛 done the iBSc.鈥� Her connections with both Canada and Europe have remained strong, as she received competitive funding in her PhD from both Canadian and Swedish funders for innovative and cross-disciplinary research in multiple sclerosis.

She also remembers that her undergraduate university experience was not without challenges. 鈥淚 really struggled in my second year and felt directionless. My iBSc advisor helped me get through that difficult semester, and with her help and encouragement my grades improved, I went to France, found a great thesis project and completed the degree. I was worried that I would have few options after my degree; going on exchange changed all of that.鈥�

How did the iBSc experience support her personal growth?

鈥淚t helped me relate to and try to understand an entirely new culture and a way of thinking and working that initially felt really different from my own. At Lyon I got to play tennis and explore all sorts of new opportunities. I got to meet a lot of different international students too during my time in Franc. Everything was different 鈥� career opportunities, banking, grocery shopping 鈥� it was a whole cultural shift.鈥�

鈥淵ou have to rely on yourself a lot too. I didn鈥檛 know a single person in France 鈥� so that was a really interesting challenge 鈥� I realized I could actually stand on my own two feet and get through things. This really helped me later when I decided to again move countries to Sweden to do my Masters and PhD, again not knowing a single person or even the language.鈥�

鈥淪cience at 91亚色 is so hands-on, with so many opportunities to develop lab skills and get lab experience. I still tell everyone interested in science to go to 91亚色!鈥�

Dr. Kelsi Smith
iBSc 2015, MSc 2018, PhD 2023

Additional Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, iBSc students have access to:

• Summer School Abroad: Short-term programs that provide intensive academic and cultural experiences.
• Internships: Through the 91亚色 International Internship Program, students can gain practical experience in a global setting.
• Research Projects: Opportunities to participate in international research, often led by faculty members, which can enhance their scientific and investigative skills.

Interested in becoming an international collaborative partner with 91亚色 Science?

Please contact Hugo Chen, Director of International Collaborations and Partnerships, at science.international@yorku.ca.

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More than 30 scientists presented at BeeCon; select recordings of their presentations will be made available on the . Professor Kevin Matteson of the Department of Biology at Miami University presented a keynote talk entitled 鈥淧ollinator Conservation in Cities.鈥� .

Amidst various threats endangering bee populations, collaboration between bee researchers and academics plays a pivotal role in safeguarding pollinators worldwide. BEEc promotes collaborative and innovative research, aiming to advance policy changes essential for the conservation and evolution of bees. By offering free attendance, BeeCon serves as a platform where researchers can disseminate advances in bee research globally and foster a positive impact for the future.

BeeCon 2023 was sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and the Faculty of Science.

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Department of Mathematics & Statistics student Yibin Zheng is the inaugural recipient of the Global Engagement Funding Award (GEFA), created by the Faculty of Science to support 91亚色 science students who want to study or participate in academic activities abroad as part of their degree.

Zheng received the award in recognition of ongoing academic excellence and a profound commitment to expanding his research knowledge and skills across borders. Most recently, he demonstrated those qualities this summer by taking part in the Faculty of Science鈥檚 , which led him to participate in a research internship in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he was responsible for using the Bayesian statistics theory to work with R, a programming language, and help solve statistical problems.

GEFA is part of the Faculty of Science鈥檚 efforts to support a wide variety of global experiences and perspectives for science students, notably eligible degree-seeking undergraduate students (domestic or international), by facilitating international academic experiences.

The award was spearheaded by the Office of International Collaborations & Partnerships within the Faculty and 鈥� recognizing the financial barriers that may deter students from engaging in enriching opportunities 鈥� is designed to extend financial aid to ambitious students like Zheng, enabling them to immerse themselves in global scientific communities and endeavours.

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Research, led by 91亚色 PhD student Nelson Nunes and supervised by Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar Nobert Bartel, verified Albert Einstein鈥檚 theory of general relativity and the Einstein equivalence principle (EEP) by measuring gravitational redshift 鈥� a change in the frequency of a lightwave 鈥� and the slowing of time over distances as far as the moon, of about 350,000 kilometres.

The EEP is a cornerstone of general relativity and predicts the existence of gravitational redshift. The EEP states that the gravitational mass of an object is equal to inertial mass. For instance, standing on Earth and experiencing weight is equivalent to being accelerated in a spacecraft far away from Earth without the influence of gravity.

鈥淭esting the EEP is thought to be decisive to test gravitational theories, including Einstein鈥檚 general relativity,鈥� said Bartel. 鈥淔inding inconsistencies could perhaps help with generating new ideas on how to combine gravitational theories with the other pillar of our modern understanding of the physical world, which is quantum theory.鈥�

The international group of astrophysicists involved in the project, which included 91亚色 Senior Research Associate Michael Bietenholz and scientists from Russia, the Netherlands and Australia, used a highly accurate clock on a spacecraft named RadioAstron, which was launched in 2011 in an elliptical orbit around Earth, to obtain the measurements.

Their measurements 鈥� published in the journal 鈥� showed that time on Earth flows slower by 0.7 times a billionth of what it is on the spacecraft far away from Earth 鈥� which adds up to a 20-millisecond difference in one whole year. Although the difference is miniscule, the change in time verifies the EEP, the overarching focus of the research.

One consequence of the EEP is the changing flow of time in a gravitational field and, closely related, the gravitational redshift. Gravitational redshift has the effect of shifting waves to lower frequencies; with light, this means a shift to red. With respect to time, gravitational redshift should cause time to slow down.

鈥淎ll clocks are based on oscillators and tick according to how fast they oscillate,鈥� said Nunes. 鈥淪o the gravitational redshift has fundamental repercussions on the flow of time in a gravitational field. In other words, if we are far away from Earth in space and let our clock fall toward Earth, we should be able to measure the clock ticking slower and slower the more it approaches Earth. In the extreme case, were our clock to fall towards the event horizon of a black hole, a place of no return, we would expect to see time slowing down so much that at some point it would stop altogether.鈥�

Although the team鈥檚 results are about 10 times less accurate than previous measurements reported in 2018 by a separate team using European Galileo navigation satellites, their experiment covers a much larger distance. Whereas the 2018 study measured gravitational redshift as far as about 25,000 kilometres from Earth, Nunes鈥� measurements went as far as 350,000 kilometres from Earth. The 91亚色 team says the measurements could be improved further and with future similar space missions, could reach 1,000 times higher accuracies.

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Media Release from September 12, 2023

A 91亚色-led program is helping bolster health care in the Global South by providing more than $5.8 million in funding for 16 projects in as many countries, including polio surveillance in Ethiopia and helping Indigenous communities in the Philippines.

鈥淲e have led the call to strengthen the health-care system in low- and medium-income countries (LMIC) in the Global South for more than a year now,鈥� says 91亚色 Assistant Professor , executive director of the . Originally from Cameroon, Kong understands the strains faced by health-care systems in LMIC and the importance of southern-led solutions.

鈥淔unding these projects will help strengthen capacity and support prevention, early detection, preparedness, mitigation and control of emerging or re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks in LMIC countries in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, which, as we know, can make their way to every country in the world.鈥�

Incidents of disease outbreaks are expected to increase in severity and frequency as more viruses, bacteria and parasites jump from animals to people.

AI4PEP received $7.25 million in funding from the International Development Research Centre in 2022 to develop a multi-regional, interdisciplinary network to use AI and big data to improve public health preparedness and response, and promote equitable and ethical solutions.

After a recent call for proposals, the team received 221 submissions from 47 countries with 142 of them from Africa, 40 from Asia, 26 from Latin America. The overall program framework centers around a gender, equity, inclusion and decolonization lens.

鈥淎I4PEP at 91亚色 is deepening the understanding of how equitable and responsibly designed artificial intelligence can lead to southern-led solutions to strengthen public health-care systems in the Global South,鈥� says Vinitha Gengatharan, assistant vice-president, global engagement and partnerships. 鈥淭his is just the start of a growing, multi-regional network to improve and strengthen public health preparedness and response to disease outbreaks that can make a real difference in the lives of people.鈥�

The projects are led by universities in collaboration with health-care system stakeholders in 16 regions of the Global South. They include AI and modelling for community-based detection of zoonotic disease with increasing climate change in Senegal; a Foundation for Medical Research-University of Mumbai project; an AI-powered early detection system for communicable respiratory diseases based on integrated data sets at Wits University in South Africa; an Al-Quds University project; and an AI and eco-epidemiology-based early warning systems to improve public health response to mosquito-borne viruses in the Dominican Republic. .

鈥淭he funding for our project, named AutoAI-Pandemics, will enable the development of a cutting-edge and user-friendly platform, driven by responsible artificial intelligence practices, to deal with the challenges of infectious diseases, in particular, control of epidemics and pandemics. Current advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in robust solutions for epidemiological analysis, bioinformatics, and misinformation detection, while actively combating biases and ensuring fairness,鈥� says Professor Andr茅 C. Ponce de Leon F. de Carvalho of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of S茫o Paulo at S茫o Carlos, Brazil.

鈥淭hanks to this funding, we have the opportunity to contribute to the efforts to fight epidemics and improve human health. By collectively fortifying our defenses against infectious diseases, we can make a lasting impact on global health with increasing equity and equality. We also believe that this research will bring relevant scientific contributions in the areas of artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.鈥�

As diseases increasingly spreading from animals to people with continued human encroachment into natural landscapes, AI4PEP鈥檚 One Health concept is designed to recognize and respond to the reality that human health is interdependent with the health of animals and the environment. Climate change is another huge factor.

鈥淐limate change is exacerbating existing health and social inequities by increasing the vulnerability of climate hotspots to the emergence and re-emergence of many infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever and zika,鈥� says Associate Professor of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. 鈥淭his is a huge initiative, but with the support of many of 91亚色鈥檚 research institutes, including the 91亚色 Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response and Governance Institute directed by Distinguished Research Professor , as well as CIFAL and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, I believe we can all collaborate with this exceptional global network to respond to the increasing threat of infectious diseases.鈥�

AI solutions and data science approaches are increasingly being used across the globe to identify risks, conduct predictive modelling, and provide evidence-based recommendations for public health policy and action.

鈥淩esponding to the complex nature of these interactions in a timely way requires the ability to analyze large data sets across multiple sectors,鈥� says Kong of the Faculty of Science and director of the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium.

But even with the promised good of these innovative tools to improve public health outcomes, the team recognizes there are important ethical, legal, and social implications that, if not appropriately managed and governed, can translate into significant risks to individuals and populations. AI4PEP intends to deepen the understanding of designing responsible AI solutions.

鈥淩esponsible AI entails intentional design to enhance health equity and gender equality and avoid amplifying existing inequalities and biases. We are working toward the realization of the United Nation鈥檚 Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, three and five 鈥� good health and well-being, and gender equality,鈥� says Kong. 鈥淐olonialism and gendered oppression have enduring effects, disproportionately impacting the health and quality of life of formerly colonized people and vulnerable groups, including women, gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, rural communities, and low-income households.鈥�

Projects within the initiative will work closely with governments, public health agencies, civil society and others to generate new knowledge and collaborations to inform practice and policies at subnational, national, regional and global levels.

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The 2022 Canada-China Symposium on Modeling, Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, organized by the Canadian Center for Disease Modeling at 91亚色, took place Nov. 11 to 16 and examined how zoonotic disease spreads through humans.

The 鈥�2022 Canada-China Symposium on Modeling, Prevention and Control of Zoonoses,鈥� which took place from Nov. 11 to 16 EST (Nov 12 -16, Beijing time UTC+8), co-organized by the Center for Disease Modeling (CDM), was a resounding success. As a collaborative CDM Canada-China program that takes place annually, this year the symposium focused on modelling, prevention and control of zoonoses (infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or prions that jump from animals to humans). The symposium brought together more than 100 experts and scholars from across Canada and China in the fields of mathematical modelling for infectious diseases, public health and veterinary public health.

The five-day was held virtually, and was jointly organized by the CDM, the Center for Mathematical Biosciences of Northeast Normal University, the China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center and the Chinese Society of Mathematical Biology.

This Canada-China event kicked off the first two days with focused, distinguished lectures given by global thought leaders and experts on topics covering the latest development and progress in the field. The remaining three days were filled with invited talks and panel discussions focused on the concept of 鈥渙ne health鈥� and promoting mathematical modeling research in solving practical problems by in-depth coordinated development in multidisciplinary fields, to prevent and control the occurrence and prevalence of zoonotic diseases. The seminar focused on hotspot issues of zoonotic diseases and included eight distinguished lectures, 26 invited talks and six panel discussions involving 22 scholars, which strengthened interdisciplinary and interdepartmental connectivity and cooperation among the scientific community on zoonotic disease modeling, prevention and control.

The 2022 Organizing Committee was co-chaired by 91亚色 Research Chair, Professor Huaiping Zhu, the director of CDM, and Professor Meng Fan, from Northeast Normal University in China The organizing committee included CDM members Julien Arino (University of Manitoba), Jacques Belair (University of Montreal), Jingan Cui (Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China), 91亚色 Mathematics and Statistics Professor Jane Heffernan, Zhen Jin (Shanxi University, China), Wendi Wang (Southwest University, China), Youming Wang (China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center), James Watmough (University of New Brunswick), and Yanni Xiao (Xi鈥檃n Jiaotong University, China). 91亚色 postdoc Pei Yuan and 91亚色 Program Manager Natasha Ketter were involved in the local supporting committee.

Heffernan, with 91亚色 Professors Jude Dzevela Kong, Iain Moyles, Woldegebriel Assefa Woldegerima and about 200 graduate students, postdocs and scholars also participated in the event.

The distinguished lectures provided a comprehensive and in-depth elaboration on the challenges, research hotspots, latest progress, prevention and control experience and reflections on the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.

Kong, Moyles, Assefa Woldegerima and 23 speakers across Canada and China shared their latest research results and frontiers in zoonotic disease modeling, prevention and control, involving a variety of zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox, COVID-19, Lyme disease, Malaria, West Nile Virus fever, Ebola and Brucellosis.

The innovative organizing of the seminar broke down barriers of disciplines, strengthened the transformational connection between individual research, teamwork and scientific research institutions, and promoted the interdisciplinary benign interaction and multi-party cooperation in zoonotic disease modeling, prevention and control. The symposium is not only of great significance for innovating ideas on the prevention and control of zoonoses, but also a beneficial attempt for the deep integration of public health, veterinary public health, mathematical biology and other disciplines, making significant contributions to global research of 鈥渙ne health鈥� framework.

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