SPP-ARC Ignites Innovation Annual Retreat 2025
Welcome to the SPP-ARC Ignites Innovation Annual Retreat 2025!
Organized by Striving for Pandemic Preparedness - The Alberta Research Consortium (SPP-ARC), this retreat brings together Canadian experts to reflect on research progress and foster collaborations in the field of pandemic preparedness.
Who can attend & abstract requirements
- SPP-ARC Professors / Principal Investigators (internal): No abstract required (optional if you wish to present).
- External Professors / Principal Investigators (non-SPP-ARC): Abstract required to attend.
- Trainees (students, research associates, technicians, postdocs—internal or external): Abstract required to attend.
- Invited Speakers, Scientific Advisory Board members, and Delegates (government, industry, partner organizations): No abstract required.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration deadline: October 1st, 2025
Questions? Contact us at spparc@ualberta.ca.
Abstract Submission
Ready to share your research? Submit your abstract now!
Use this online form
Abstracts required for external professors and all trainees; optional for SPP-ARC professors; not required for invited speakers/SAB/delegates.
Accepted presenters receive complimentary registration, accommodation, and meals.
Deadline for abstract submissions: October 1st, 2025
Acceptance notification: October 15th, 2025
Oral presentations will be 15 minutes total (10 min talk + 5 min Q&A)
Tentative Agenda
FINAL AGENDA COMING SOON
Our conference will host a mini-symposium on Influenza on Friday, November 14
TBD
Session 2
From enabling technologies to sustainable funding for pandemic preparedness.
Session 3
Influenza viruses, Vaccines
Session 4
Influenza viruses, Antivirals
Free Time
Keynote speaker
Prof. Kanta Subbarao, The University of Melbourne
Session 5
New technologies: vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics
Invited Speakers
We are pleased to announce our distinguished invited speakers for the upcoming SPP-ARC 2025 annual retreat!
Dr. Kanta Subbarao
Université Laval
Canada Excellence Research Chair, Principal Investigator - Biology and Control of Zoonotic and Pandemic Respiratory Viruses
Dr. Matthew S. Miller
McMaster University
Executive Director, NexusHealth; Director, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research; Co-Director, Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub
Dr. Volker Gerdts
University of Saskatchewan
Director and CEO, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
Dr. Kalyan Das
University of Alberta
Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Gayle Piat, RQAP-GLP, RAC (CAN)
University of Alberta
Director, Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing (ACTM)
Banff Centre for Arts and Creattivity
The retreat will be held at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, a hub for innovation located in the heart of Banff National Park. Surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities, comfortable accommodations, and a uniquely scenic setting ideal for reflection, collaboration, and creativity. Learn more at Banff Centre
Resources- Banff National Park
Banff National Park, Canada’s first and oldest national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Make the most of your conference experience by exploring the surrounding area.
Preview Document
FAQs
How do external participants apply?
To apply, participants must submit an abstract using the form provided here. Selected applicants will be invited to register.
Is there a template for abstract submissions?
Yes. You can download the required abstract template from the submission form. Completed abstracts should be emailed to spparc@ualberta.ca
Want to learn more about SPP-ARC?
Visit our official website to explore our initiatives, research priorities, and ongoing collaborations.
Register