- CoVaRR-Net bridged crucial research and public health gaps to inform decision-making during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Quickly assessed how SARS-CoV-2 variants affected people in Canada and around the world and discovered ways to detect and stop their spread.
- Highlighted the importance of translating research into practical public health measures.
- Established legacy of pandemic preparedness and response through groundbreaking national initiatives like antibody testing and wastewater surveillance.
The operations of CoVaRR-Net, a national interdisciplinary research network initiated with the support of the University of Ottawa to study COVID-19 variants and enhance Canada's preparedness for future pandemics, have concluded following the expiration of funding.
Today, they present their final report highlighting their achievements and lessons learned, to enhance future pandemic preparedness.
Initiated in 2021, the CIHR-funded network united over nearly 250 academic research from 24 universities and 24 partner institutions nationwide. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Marc-André Langlois, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, the network successfully bridged critical research and public health gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CoVaRR-Net netted a remarkable 139 peer-reviewed publications, supported evidence-based public health decisions and the activities of the uOttawa Serology and Diagnostics High Throughput Facility, which had a major role in data generation through antibody testing during the pandemic, processing millions of specimens from studies across Canada.
Additionally, Faculty of Engineering professor and key network member Robert Delatolla led the Wastewater Surveillance Research Group, which emerged as a global leader in early detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. This innovative approach provided essential data that informed timely public health interventions during critical phases of the pandemic.
"CoVaRR-Net was transformative in addressing urgent research needs, including characterizing new variants, evaluating vaccine effectiveness, understanding immune responses, and assessing the broader societal impacts of COVID-19," said Dr. Langlois of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. Dr. Langlois also highlighted the contributions of Dr. Melissa Brouwers, Director and Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at uOttawa, whose work ensured effective translation of research into practical public health measures.
Key legacies of CoVaRR-Net – funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – include:
- Establishment of the CCABL3: A national network optimizing use and access to biocontainment level 3 laboratory facilities.
- Development of the Universal Data and Biological Material Transfer Agreement: Significantly improving collaboration efficiency among researchers.
- Creation of the CoVaRR-Net Biobank and Data Platform: Ensuring safe storage, cataloguing and collaborative access to critical biological materials and datasets.
- Generation of impactful research outcomes: peer-reviewed publications, systematic reviews, and policy recommendations directly informing public health strategies.
- Strengthened ties with public health authorities, ensuring timely translation of research findings into actionable and effective pandemic management interventions.
"CoVaRR-Net's success in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and breaking traditional research silos has set a new standard for pandemic preparedness and public health response in Canada," added Dr. Langlois.
For a detailed overview of achievements and lessons learned, please consult the CoVaRR-Net Final Report.