Empowering Large-Scale Infectious Disease Research and Mobilizing Knowledge: The Serology and Diagnostics High-Throughput Platform as Critical Research Infrastructure for Pandemic Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response in Canada

The Serology and Diagnostics High-Throughput Facility (SD-HTF), based at the University of Ottawa, is a vital part of Canada's ability to respond to infectious disease threats. Established in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, it focuses on population-level disease monitoring and diagnostic testing, addressing critical gaps in Canada's pandemic research infrastructure. The SD-HTF is the only high-throughput academic facility in the country exclusively dedicated to infectious diseases and housed in a biocontainment facility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SD-HTF played a key role by performing over 2 million tests to measure antibody responses to infection and vaccination. These efforts supported more than 40 national studies and resulted in over 50 scientific publications, producing data that shaped public health policies such as vaccine scheduling and guidelines. Partnerships with organizations like PHAC, Health Canada, and Statistics Canada ensured research findings were quickly used to address urgent public health needs. The SD-HTF is the main laboratory component of the larger Serology and Diagnostics High throughput Pandemic Research Platform (SD-HT PRP) that integrates advanced diagnostic tools, robotic automation, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization systems into its activities. Its objectives include expanding testing capabilities to track new diseases like avian influenza (H5N1) and tick-borne diseases, training the next generation of infectious disease experts and rapidly sharing research findings to inform health policies. Collaborations with Canadian and international partners, including the World Health Organization, enhance its ability to respond to global health challenges. Interim funding will ensure that the SD-HTF PRP is poised to be a cornerstone of Canada's pandemic preparedness plan, enabling it to support large-scale research, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen Canada's ability to face future health emergencies.