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Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has renewed its partnership with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), based in South Korea, with a focus on post-pandemic global health.
The signing was witnessed by Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development and Minister Responsible for Innovation, during his trade mission to South Korea.
“This renewed partnership reflects Saskatchewan's commitment to being a global leader in science and innovation and highlights the success of our investments in VIDO,” Kaeding said. “By working with international partners like IVI, we help ensure that our expertise continues to have a worldwide impact and underscores Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy released earlier this year.”
The provincial government provides key operational funding to VIDO through Innovation Saskatchewan, ensuring the organization has the resources to advance world-class research and respond to emerging global health challenges. In addition, the government has committed more than $19 million to support the development of Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, positioning VIDO as a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals.
“Infectious diseases know no borders,” VIDO director and CEO Volker Gerdts said. “By continuing this partnership, we strengthen our ability to respond quickly and collaboratively to emerging threats that impact us all.”
VIDO, based at the University of Saskatchewan, has collaborated with IVI for more than 20 years. The previous memorandum of understanding was also witnessed by the Premier.
“VIDO's standing as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research underscores the University of Saskatchewan’s dedication to advancing science that matters — not only for our province and country, but for people and animals around the globe,” University of Saskatchewan president Peter Stoicheff said.
IVI is an international nonprofit that develops and delivers vaccines worldwide, with offices around the globe and headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
“Today's global health challenges demand collaborative, sustained partnerships,” IVI director general Jerome H. Kim said. “Our collaboration with VIDO exemplifies how scientific innovation and shared expertise can accelerate progress toward safe, effective, and affordable vaccines worldwide.”