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SPP-ARC Newsletter
May 2026
Event recap: SPP-ARCing Connections Outside Academia
This past Monday, May 11, SPP-ARC hosted our 3rd annual SPP-ARCing Connections Outside Academia at the Lister Centre. The event brings together representatives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to speak with students and trainees about career opportunities outside academia, and what these roles look like in practice.
This year’s keynote speaker was Prof. David Wishart, who has been involved in the creation of more than 10 spinoff companies. His presentation gave attendees a practical look at working outside academia and turning research into companies and products. Somnath Gupta, Scientist at Entos Pharmaceuticals, also shared his journey from “bench to biotech”.
Neil Sulakhe, Director of Innovation Discovery and Collaboration Programs at the Government of Alberta, was also present and spoke about the importance of supporting trainees and creating opportunities for career development.
More than 10 biomedical and pharmaceutical companies attended the event, including Gilead Sciences and Applied Pharmaceutical Industries. SPP-ARCing Connections continues to give graduate students and postdoctoral fellows opportunities to connect with industry and explore careers paths beyond academia.
Upcoming Events
Immunet Research Day 2026
Date: June 19, 2026
A student-organized conference showcasing trainee research from immunology, virology, and other fields.
75th Annual Conference of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists
Date: June 16 - 19, 2026
This year’s theme, "Microbes & Global Challenges” unites researchers to explore microbes’ diverse and crucial roles in addressing global issues.
Save the Date: SPP-ARC Ignites Innovation Conference 2026
Date: Dec 10 - 12, 2026
Ignites Innovation is back again this year. A great opportunity to discuss progress and topical issues in the field of pandemic preparedness research.
Featured Publication – Vaccines
In a project that was supported by SPP-ARC and several other funding agencies, the Wille lab translated insights from a model for the structure of the infectious prion protein, or its conversion intermediates, into a rationally-designed vaccine. The engineered vaccine was tested in a transgenic mouse model of Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease, a rare genetic prion disease that is invariably fatal for carriers of the associated prion protein mutation. Vaccinated mice remained healthy for up to 506 days, while unimmunized mice became symptomatic at around 177 days of age already. The remarkable extension in healthspan demonstrated the potential of the vaccine to prevent or delay similar diseases in humans or animals.
In the News
Testing for Parkinson’s disease vaccine underway at University of Alberta
SPP-ARC investigator Holger Wille is a part of a team working to develop a vaccine for Parkinson's disease. He spoke to CTV News about their discoveries and the future direction of the research.
Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks highlight need for global pandemic preparedness, says virologist
SPP-ARC Director Matthias Götte spoke with Folio about Ebola, hantavirus, and the ongoing need to develop broader-spectrum antivirals and improve how we prepare for future outbreaks.
What you need to know about hantavirus
SPP-ARC Associate Director Lorne Tyrell shared his expert opinion on how to stay safe from hantavirus and why people should remain calm amid recent headlines.
Lynora Saxinger, infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, on the hantavirus outbreak
SPP-ARC member Lynora Saxinger spoke with the CBC about the hantavirus outbreak and how lessons learned from COVID-19 may help contain the virus.
To submit stories or events for the SPP-ARC Newsletter, please email Imole Lapite, Communications Coordinator at imoleogo@ualberta.ca at least one week before the third Monday of each month.
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