CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity: Community Advisory Committee

Background

The mandate of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) is to support research, build capacity, and mobilize knowledge in the areas of infectious disease and the body's immune system. Through III programs, researchers address a wide range of health concerns related to infection and immunity, including disease mechanisms, disease prevention and treatment, and health promotion through public policy. While the Institute funds researchers and has an impact on health and healthcare, its inclusion of and partnerships with people with lived and living experience and their communities are necessary if it is to achieve its Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2026. The strategic goal of Infection & Immunity Knowledge Mobilization is case in point, as it includes engaging people with lived and living experience and their communities to co-create, translate, synthesize, implement, and share new knowledge between researchers and others. The III Strategic Plan also includes cross-cutting principles that influence these interactions, including equity, diversity and inclusion, collaboration and partnerships, and communications & engagement.

The III Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is an effort to engage and listen to the perspectives of people with lived and living experience and their communities to ensure their insights are incorporated in relevant III activities and funding opportunities. CAC members are not necessarily academic researchers, clinicians or trainees but rather individuals who are living with or have lived experience with infectious diseases and conditions related to the body's immune system. Through their experiences and connections with their communities, these individuals bring valuable insights to the III, complementing the scientific and medical expertise of the Institute's Advisory Board members and staff.

Find out how to become a member of the III Community Advisory Committee on the previous CAC Call for Expressions of Interest page.

Meet the Committee!

We are pleased to announce the collective strength and breadth of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Community Advisory Committee (CAC)!

These seven members come from urban and rural communities across Canada and bring to the Committee their varied and often under-represented research experience and knowledge, particularly in the fields of asthma, sepsis, post-COVID-19 condition, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis C, HIV, acute promyelocytic leukemia, multiple sclerosis and organ transplantation.

Michelle Burleigh, Ontario
Bryna Gibbons, Alberta
Daryl Luster, British Columbia
Karina Prévost, Quebec
Florence (Flo) Ranville, British Columbia
Kristine Russell, Alberta
Arbella Yonadam, Ontario

Learn more about CAC members who have shared their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How can I join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?

  A call for nominations is issued approximately once a year. We anticipate the next application cycle to open in Fall 2025. We invite you to join our mailing list to stay informed.

• 2. What is the time commitment for the CAC?

  The Committee meets two or three times a year for about three hours. There may be pre-meeting materials to review and some emails to respond to between meetings. Most meetings are conducted online, with opportunities to travel for those who would like to attend in person.

• 3. What is the length of the term as a CAC member?

  Members are invited to serve an initial term of up to two years, with the possibility of serving an additional year.

• 4. Do CAC members receive compensation?

  Yes! Members are compensated for the time they devote to Committee activities.

• 5. Are there other ways to get involved with the Institute of Infection and Immunity?

  Yes, you can! Simply register your interest with Tanya Merke, our Knowledge Translation Manager, at tanya.merke@cihr-irsc.gc.ca to find out what other opportunities are available to you.

Date modified:

2024-10-11