On March 11, 2020, the world changed. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, launching an unprecedented global health crisis. At UHN, researchers, clinicians, and scientists rapidly mobilized, applying expertise and innovation to understand, combat, and ultimately shape the future of pandemic preparedness.
"COVID-19 reinforced what we have always known—scientific discovery, collaboration, and innovation are our best defences against global health crises. This is true for both the challenges we are aware of today and those that will continue to develop. At UHN, we are not just responding to pandemics; we are building the future of health care." — Dr. Brad Wouters, EVP of Science and Research, UHN.
As we mark the fifth anniversary of this defining moment, we reflect on the extraordinary contributions of UHN’s research teams and the lasting impact of this work on global health.
Responding to a Global Crisis
The urgency of the pandemic demanded swift, coordinated action. UHN experts stepped up as leaders in public health strategy, ensuring data-driven decisions that would save lives. Dr. Beate Sander’s data modelling provided critical insights to policymakers, shaping Ontario’s response and resource allocation. Meanwhile, UHN researchers played a key role in Canada’s $53-million Variants of Concern Strategy, identifying and tracking emerging threats such as the Delta variant. These contributions ensured that UHN was not just responding to the crisis but actively shaping the scientific and public health response at both the national and international levels.
Transforming Research into Action
Clinical trials at UHN adapted in real time, ensuring research could continue without compromising patient safety. The launch of STOP-CoV, UHN’s first fully virtual clinical trial demonstrated the power of remote participation in medical research. Innovations such as electronic consent and virtual monitoring redefined how trials were conducted, setting a new standard for accessibility in clinical research. A first-in-the-world trial led by Atul Humar and Deepali Kumar, has provided critical evidence on the effectiveness of third-dose COVID-19 vaccines for transplant recipients. Additionally, a recent study, co-authored by Peter Wu and Moira Kapral, provides further information about nirmatrelvir-ritonavir's role in reducing the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19, while highlighting key limitations for patients and health care providers. These findings are reshaping global vaccination strategies, ensuring that immunocompromised individuals receive optimal protection against emerging variants.
Driving Scientific Discovery
The pandemic also catalyzed game-changing discoveries at UHN. Dr. Eleanor Fish’s research on interferon-α2b showed its potential to reduce COVID-19 viral load, offering a new avenue for treatment. Meanwhile, computational modeling by Dr. Donald Weaver identified furosemide as a promising candidate for mitigating severe infections, reinforcing the power of fundamental science in pandemic response. These discoveries highlight how UHN’s scientific infrastructure is positioned to pivot quickly when new global health threats emerge, ensuring that research remains one step ahead of the next pandemic.
Protecting Mental Health and Frontline Workers
Beyond virology and clinical breakthroughs, UHN recognized the deep mental health impact of the pandemic. The development of UHN CARES initiative provided tailored mental health support, reinforcing UHN’s commitment to holistic well-being in health crises. The pandemic reinforced the need to integrate mental health support into frontline care environments, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others receive the care they need to sustain their own well-being. To further this commitment, UHN continues to develop innovative mental health programs and digital solutions that support resilience, ensuring that health care workers have access to the resources they need, both during crises and in everyday practice.
Building a Future on Innovation and Collaboration
The pandemic underscored the necessity of an integrated approach to health care, research, and public policy. UHN’s response exemplified a One Team mindset, uniting experts across disciplines to address urgent challenges. As we move forward, the lessons learned will shape the next generation of pandemic preparedness — enhancing surveillance, refining rapid response frameworks, and advancing digital health solutions. Strengthening global collaborations and investing in pandemic prevention measures will be critical to mitigating the impact of future outbreaks before they escalate into crises.
UHN’s vision of A Healthier World is more than an aspiration; it is a commitment. The advanced research and innovations developed in response to COVID-19 will continue to drive progress, ensuring that global health systems are more resilient, responsive, and prepared for the challenges ahead. The fight against infectious diseases is ongoing, but with science, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, TeamUHN is leading the way forward.