Cultivating Science
Learn from scientists, researchers, technicians and veterinarians about their work. Find out about their research, collaborations and innovative science activities designed to safeguard food, animals and plants, and enhance the well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy.
The CFIA leads a new approach to One Health risk assessment for SARS-CoV-2
February 2021 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Dr. Sharon Calvin and Dr. Andrea Osborn
This past year the whole world was pulled into the life of an epidemiologist.
Epidemiologists in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Animal Health Science Directorate are used to following infectious diseases around the world as they come and go. These emerging diseases sometimes raise the alarm for scientists in multiple countries. In some cases, when they make it into the mainstream media, family and friends express concern as well. The work of epidemiologists was at the forefront and words like the “R number” became a common household term, as the rise of the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought about a global pandemic. Despite the challenges the pandemic has placed on health systems, economics, food supply, education and mental health, it has also provided opportunities to advance science.
Emerging science fostering regulatory policy development
June 2020 | Ottawa Laboratory Carling, Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Burton Blais
CFIA scientists investigate “fruitful” technology
February 2020 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Stefanie Sultmanis, Tracy Lawrence, Brittany Day and Anithra Selvakumar
CFIA Everyday Superheroes
November 2019 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency |
Calling all superheroes! We need your help in the fight against our worst enemies.
Every day, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) protects food, animals and plants, which helps improve the health of Canada's people, environment and economy. But, we constantly need the help of brave superheroes, like you and your friends, to keep all Canadians safe.
How do we use genomics in our research on regulatory plant pathogens?
August 2019 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Guillaume Bilodeau and Emily Giroux
What’s in my firewood, and why should it matter?
June 2019 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Martin Damus
Working at the “Plant Hospital”
April 2019 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Jennifer Platts-Fanning, Shara Cody
One misty Island morning, as I climbed into a cab on my way to work, the driver asked where I was going. I responded in the Island way, simply, “the big white building with the greenhouses.” Immediately he exclaimed, “Oh, the plant hospital!” to which I replied smiling, “It does look like a hospital, but we only diagnose and we don’t treat the plants.” The work performed in the incredible building has always been a topic of rumour around our little town.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the University of Guelph collaborate to advance the next generation of scientists
January 16, 2019 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Dr. Elie Chamoun
Students know best how daunting it is to kick-start a career after graduation. For those educated in science, looking for the right place to apply their talent and skills is an exciting yet sometimes difficult endeavour. This challenge is magnified by having to decide between a vast array of science jobs on the market: industry, academia, consulting, and government. In the competitive job market of the 21st century, it takes a proactive and innovative employer to convey to students that their competencies are valued and sought after.
A glimpse into Canada’s highest containment laboratory for animal health: The National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases
October 22, 2018 | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | by Loren Matheson, April Killikelly, Bradley Pickering
High consequence pathogens, such as those that cause hemorrhagic fevers or pandemic influenza, have the potential to significantly impact human health, animal health as well as our Canadian economy. The mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) includes work on foreign animal diseases such as these in order to contribute to our country's preparedness and response planning. This work covers all aspects of risk assessment, prediction, prevention, detection as well as restoration and recovery after a potential disease outbreak.
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