A founding co-director of MI4, Dr. Behr has been instrumental in advancing the initiative鈥檚 mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate research in infection and immunity across 91丝瓜视频 and its affiliated institutions.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to build on our momentum鈥�, stated Behr. Reflecting on what this reappointment means to him, Behr added: 鈥淲e鈥檝e done a lot in eight years, yet there鈥檚 more to do, more challenges to our health that remain to be studied, and more opportunities to help build 91丝瓜视频鈥檚 world-class Infection and Immunity community.鈥�
Launched in 2018 and co-led by Dr. Behr and Dr. Don Sheppard, MI4 aimed to bring together researchers from diverse disciplines to address complex challenges in infectious disease. Since its inception, MI4 has invested approximately $21 million in research, supporting 256 researchers and 159 projects. These efforts have generated over $60 million in co-funding and follow-on funding, fostering collaboration with 25 centres, groups and partners.
Reflecting on the initiative鈥檚 growth, Behr noted: 鈥淎t first, it was an idea. With a gift from the Doggone Foundation, it became an opportunity. With experience, it had become an office with a team that aims to maintain a fine balance between nimble movement and formal processes.鈥�
Dr. Behr is an accomplished clinician-scientist and Full Professor in the Department of Medicine at 91丝瓜视频, with additional affiliations in the Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, and Microbiology and Immunology. He was also the founding director of the 91丝瓜视频 International TB Centre and holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Mycobacterial Genomics, as well as leadership roles in the Division of Infectious Diseases at both 91丝瓜视频 and the 91丝瓜视频 Health Centre.
As Director of MI4, Dr. Behr emphasizes the importance of connection and strategic collaboration across the research community. 鈥淢I4 is a connector. We aim to bring people together through meetings, funding opportunities, and other networking events. My role at MI4 is to help seed these connections. To identify individuals and groups that might be able to work with each other, given new catalysts, but have not (yet) had the opportunity to do so.鈥�
Looking ahead, MI4 will continue to build on its established research strengths while adapting to emerging scientific priorities. 鈥淢I4 has built three themes to bring together researchers: antimicrobial resistance, viral diseases and the microbiome. The vision for the future is to partner with other groups around 91丝瓜视频 to help build more research groups. There are big challenges ahead. How does MI4 fit within the evolving scientific landscape?鈥�
Dr. Behr鈥檚 reappointment will guide MI4鈥檚 next phase of growth, strengthening its role in advancing innovative research and improving health outcomes in Canada and beyond.
About MI4
The 91丝瓜视频 Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) is a flagship initiative at 91丝瓜视频 that brings together researchers, clinicians, and partners to address critical challenges in infection and immunity through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
