About Us
Who We Are
A national consortium of social sciences and humanities scholars
We support those who move science into practice and work alongside the life sciences, biomedicine, bioengineering, public health, health care, government, industry, and community organizations.
Through social sciences research, training, and knowledge mobilization, we generate social and behavioural insights, foster cross-sector connections, and focus on the human infrastructure that makes scientific progress impactful: relationships, dialogue, insights, and shared understandings.
What we do
Advancing Canada’s pandemic readiness by focusing on six mutually reinforcing pillars of work
Together, they represent the ways in which insights, relationships, and people’s ability to act translate scientific innovation into trusted, equitable, and actionable outcomes.
Generating and sharing social and behavioural insights
We generate social and behavioural insights through surveys and research to understand public attitudes, behaviours, perspectives, and trends. These insights inform policy and practice, ensuring vaccines and immune-based therapeutics are developed and delivered to meet real-world needs.
Fostering connections across diverse perspectives
We bring together life scientists, biomedical and bioengineering experts, policymakers, public health practitioners, health care workers, community leaders, and industry representatives to enable dialogue, build trust, and drive coordinated, inclusive, and impactful responses.
Demystifying immunology, vaccine science, and immune-based therapeutics
Scientific breakthroughs are more readily applied if they are better understood. We translate complex science into accessible explanations, helping people navigate vaccine technologies with confidence and make informed health choices.
Co-creating and sharing clear, practical information
Working with partners and collaborators, we co-create useful resources that help individuals and organizations apply insights in ways that improve vaccine access, equity, and uptake.
Identifying and supporting nodes of trust
We identify, connect and support trusted messengers – individuals and organizations respected within their communities – helping science reach people in ways that are culturally and socially relevant.
Training and building capacities
Long-term impact requires skilled and supported communicators, facilitators, and leaders. We provide training that equips individuals and organizations to foster trust, navigate complex information, and strengthen networks.
Why It Matters
Scientific innovations alone cannot protect individuals and communities
Advanced scientific capabilities — from cutting-edge laboratories to vaccines, immune-based therapeutics, and modern manufacturing — achieve real-world impact when paired with public trust and equitable access.
By integrating technological excellence with relationships, dialogue, insights, and shared understandings, these efforts help ensure that scientific progress is not only achieved but meaningfully adopted in ways that strengthen pandemic readiness.
READ OUR IMPACT REPORT
Meet the team
We are a national consortium of social sciences and humanities scholars, focusing on the human infrastructure that makes scientific progress impactful.
Our PeopleOur Funders
Our work is made possible by the generosity of many, including the Canada Biomedical Research Fund, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund.
Our Partners
Our partners are helping lay the foundation for a pandemic-ready system that is both trusted and equitable.
Our Collaborators
We advance pandemic readiness with collaborators across the country.
