To build resilience against future pandemics and biological threats, Food from Thought engaged interest-holders from industry, academia and government at a workshop in June 2024 to reflect on innovative research happening at the University of Guelph and to collaboratively identify how to break down sector barriers and integrate research quickly into use.
Policymakers, commodity group representatives and researchers together emphasized the need for:
- Establish a One Health Framework: To coordinate efforts across human, environmental and animal health and facilitate cross-sector collaboration and research integration, ensuring Canada can swiftly respond to emerging threats.
- Foster Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are essential for advancing surveillance, biosecurity, and disease prevention efforts.
- Develop an “All-Threats” Data Infrastructure: Establishing a comprehensive data-sharing system across health and agricultural sectors to enhance early detection and response capabilities for any emerging biological threats.
- Invest in Science Communication and Knowledge Translation: Clear, accessible communication of scientific findings and health information is crucial for public trust, combating misinformation, and fostering evidence-based decisions.
- Prioritize Research and Innovation: Continued investment in research and innovation is essential to address emerging threats and improve pandemic preparedness.
