Dr. Volker Gerdts is an internationally recognized expert in the development of vaccines for humans and animals. His work has contributed to the development of several vaccines, adjuvants and novel animal models, and has shed light on our understanding of the immune response to vaccines and infections in both humans and animals. His current research is focused on the interface between humans and animals (One Health) and the emergence of new diseases. Under Dr. Gerdts' visionary leadership, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan has become a national leader in Canada's response to emerging diseases including COVID-19.