From Pandemics to Polycrises: The Institute’s Expanded Vision
Health threats are evolving and so are we. The Institute for Pandemics has a new name: The Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics. This change reflects our expanded mission to address a wider spectrum of health emergencies.
The Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics (IHEP), formerly known as the Institute for Pandemics, reflects a more comprehensive mandate to address a wider range of public health emergencies, including pandemics and major infectious disease outbreaks, biological and non-biological hazards, and natural disasters, events that can escalate rapidly, cross borders, and disrupt lives. This expanded scope is grounded in an all-hazards approach that prepares for diverse and complex emergencies.
“Our new name reflects a broader commitment, not just to pandemics, but to the full spectrum of public health emergencies,” said Dr. Nelson Lee, Director of the Institute. “We are mobilizing interdisciplinary expertise to respond to health emergencies, building the systems, partnerships, and knowledge needed to anticipate threats and act quickly.”
Building on this vision, IHEP is establishing one of Canada’s first interdisciplinary hubs dedicated to health emergency research, training, and policy innovation. Founded in 2020 under the leadership of Dean Adalsteinn Brown, to address the challenges of COVID-19, the Institute launched as a University of Toronto Institutional Strategic Initiative in 2023.
“I am pleased to see that the Institute for Pandemics is changing its name to the Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics,” said Adalsteinn Brown, Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. “This will allow the Institute to broaden its scope of work which will result in a bigger impact on Canada’s preparations for and response to future public health emergencies."
Since its inception, the Institute has grown into a dynamic, interdisciplinary hub, engaging more than 200 faculty members across 12 academic divisions and supporting over 220 graduate students through year-round training programs. The Institute has invested $1.1 million in pandemic and health emergency research, including projects tackling misinformation, systemic barriers to health equity, and mental health challenges during public health crises.
Complementing these research efforts, knowledge mobilization activities have reached thousands through webinars, public events, and annual symposia. Collaborations with government, public health, professional, and community organizations, both provincially and nationally, have positioned IHEP as a trusted contributor in shaping policy and strengthening resilience in the face of polycrises. One recent example is a Chatham house event discussing solutions to Canada’s drug supply shortages, ensuring continuity of care during health emergencies.
Looking ahead, as IHEP moves forward under its expanded mandate, the Institute continues to advance research, training, and policy innovation while fostering collaboration to build a future where societies are better equipped to anticipate, respond to, and recover from crises.