Dalhousie University is strengthening Canada’s vaccine research capacity through a major expansion of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV).
A Legacy of Vaccine Research
Founded in the early 1990s, the CCfV is a collaboration between Dalhousie University, IWK Health, and Nova Scotia Health.
Under director Dr. Scott Halperin, it has evolved from pediatric trials to broad work in adult infectious diseases. Over time, the centre built three interconnected groups: Discovery (lab research), Clinical Evaluation (trials), and Policy & Implementation.
Accelerating Vaccine Testing with the Challenge Unit
The CCfV includes one of Canada’s only Challenge Units, a facility where controlled infection models let researchers test immune responses more efficiently.
Rather than running massive field studies, scientists can use a smaller, more controlled group — saving time and resources. This model helped in COVID-19 trials and maternal immunization research, such as with pertussis.
Biomanufacturing: GMP BioLabs East
A major development is the upcoming GMP BioLabs East, set to open in 2027. This facility will produce vaccine batches locally under Good Manufacturing Practices — keeping intellectual property in Canada and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.
It will also fill a critical bottleneck: fill-and-finish capacity, where vaccine bulk is put into vials. These advanced operations aim to support both challenge-strain production and early-phase vaccine manufacturing.
By scaling up both research and manufacturing, Dalhousie and CCfV are positioning Atlantic Canada as a hub for vaccine innovation.
This strengthens Canada’s pandemic preparedness and builds regional infrastructure for rapid medical responses.
Moreover, the move supports health equity: local production could improve access, and CCfV’s policy arm will help shape immunization strategy for varied populations.
