From 17–19 November, 2026, Canada’s immunization community will come together at the 2026 Canadian Immunization Conference (CIC) in Toronto for three days of learning, discussion and connection.
BRC researchers will be contributing to the program, sharing research that addresses emerging challenges and opportunities in vaccine confidence, public trust, effective communication, and the governance, delivery and uptake of vaccines.
RNA AND HEALTH CARE FUTURES
The Bridge Research Consortium will be hosting an exclusive screening of The Messenger: A Story of mRNA for conference attendees. The film explores mRNA technology’s 30-year journey from discovery to its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The screening will be followed by a dynamic panel discussion moderated by André Picard, health reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail. A light dinner will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, 17 November, 2026
Time: 18:15–20:30 p.m.
*A limited number of seats are available for individuals who are not attending the CIC. Please email bridgerc@sfu.ca to inquire.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Tuesday, November 17
Building vaccine confidence in patients by demystifying the therapeutic pipeline: Resources tailored for health professionals
Time: 15:30–17:00
This interactive workshop introduces practice-ready tools designed to help health professionals understand and explain how vaccines are developed, manufactured, regulated, and monitored in Canada. Participants will be introduced to a Canadian therapeutic pipeline guide and a set of knowledge mobilization tools developed to translate complex regulatory and scientific processes into clear, accessible language. Participants will share experiences and learn from each other about how to navigate questions and concerns related to the therapeutic pipeline, leaving with practical tools, language, and resources that can be used immediately in practice.
- Kelley Lee, Scientific Co-Director, Bridge Research Consortium (BRC); Professor, Simon Fraser University
- Jillian Kohler, Professor, University of Toronto; BRC Lead Scholar
- Rackeb Tesfaye, Knowledge Mobilization Lead, BRC; Senior Scientist, Simon Fraser University
- Christine Ackerley, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, BRC
Wednesday, November 18
Oral Abstract Session 6 – Vaccine Confidence
Time: 14:15–15:45
- Building trust in mRNA technologies: A multi-pronged research and knowledge mobilization approach bridging diverse expertise and perspectives – Alison Müller
- Beyond misinformation: Trust and the interpretation of vaccine information during the COVID-19 pandemic – Eve Dubé
Thursday, November 19
Access, attitudes, and action: An integrative approach to understanding and bolstering vaccination
Time: 09:00-10:30
The session will provide a more integrated understanding of vaccination inequities and stimulate discussion about how immunization programs and services can better respond to diverse population needs. The session is intended for public health researchers, immunization program managers, vaccine providers, clinicians, and policy makers.
- Moderator: Eve Dubé, Professor, Université Laval; Bridge Research Consortium
- Stephanie Elliott, Senior Policy Analyst, Public Health Agency of Canada
- Sophie Webb, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
- Esther Lermytte, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Saying no is different from saying maybe: Understanding vaccine refusal rationales
Time: 11:30-13:00
In this symposium, presenters will discuss the importance of understanding rationales for vaccine refusal. Presenters will examine the current state of knowledge on vaccine refusal as a discrete phenomenon through the results of a comprehensive scoping review. Presenters will also facilitate a structured interactive discussion with participants on their own experiences, strategies, and perspectives on engaging with vaccine refusers.
- Moderator: Cindy Jardine, Professor, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Health and Community, University of the Fraser Valley
- Marinel Kniseley, Research Manager, University of the Fraser Valley
- Ekaterina Marenkov, Research Assistant, University of the Fraser Valley
- Morgan King-Roskamp, Research Assistant, University of the Fraser Valley
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Optimal practice
- Bridging the arts and biomedical sciences to engage young adults in Canada with immunology and immune-based innovations – Elody Croullebois
Vaccine confidence and uptake
- Who did people trust for vaccine information during the COVID-19 crisis? – Anh N.Q. Pham
- Ethical concerns of vaccine-hesitant Canadians – Sarah Ashfield
- Learning from public sentiments on mRNA vaccines: Results of a dialogue-based study on what pandemic readiness requires – Rackeb Tesfaye
- Pharmaceutical industry governance and vaccine confidence in Canada: An analysis of corporate commitments and misconducts – Charlotte Zhang
