A One Health approach applies a transdisciplinary and integrative lens to intersecting challenges at the human-animal-ecosystem health interface, to promote health across and within regions for all species and ecosystems. This approach is key to improving emerging zoonotic disease prevention, preparedness and response capabilities.
A range of capacities and capabilities is essential, especially a robust, highly functional workforce that excels across multiple performance areas that are simultaneously technical and professional. Competencies are needed that incorporate knowledge, skills, and collaborative and productive attitudes and behaviours that lean into collective efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emerging pathogens.
The importance of non-technical skills, such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, and collaboration have been identified by the United Nations. Shortages of these competencies and skills have been documented worldwide, including in Canada.
Development and implementation of sustainable and resilient solutions in coherence with a One Health approach that translates into practices, policies and programs at various scales (local to international) to promote and maintain human, animal and ecosystem health and reduce the impacts of emerging zoonoses.
Training in infection dynamics in natural hosts and environment, pathogen ecology, anthropogenic drivers of disease emergence and equity-related socio-demographic risk factors, integrated surveillance, artificial intelligence and modelling, and community involvement will contribute to better prevention of emerging zoonoses.
Capacity in pathogen risk assessment and biocontainment, laboratory diagnostics and genomics, pharmaceutical (vaccines and therapeutics) and non-pharmaceutical countermeasures, biomanufacturing, and management of short- and long-term impacts of zoonotic diseases in human and animal populations and the ecosystems they share will better prepare Canada and the world for future pandemics.
.png)
Description Emerging zoonoses are shaped by complex and interconnected factors across human, animal, and environmental systems. Systems thinking is essential for recognizing these relationships, identifying leverage points for change, and developing responses that are both effective and sustainable.
No single discipline can fully address the drivers or impacts of emerging zoonoses. A transdisciplinary approach — which integrates insights from across scientific fields, policy, and community knowledge — is critical for understanding the full picture and generating meaningful, real-world solutions.
Tackling complex health challenges requires inclusive and adaptive leadership, grounded in collaboration across sectors, geographies, and worldviews. Building the capacity to lead collaboratively is key to advancing coordinated responses that reflect diverse needs and priorities.
The impacts of zoonotic diseases are not experienced equally. A commitment to gender equity and social justice ensures that responses consider structural inequalities, amplify marginalized voices, and promote fair and ethical health outcomes for all.
Canopy offers trainees and mentors a unique opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary learning, hands-on experience, and meaningful collaboration across sectors and knowledge systems.
The program provides funded internships, national mentorship opportunities, and training that integrates scientific, policy, and community-based approaches — including Indigenous ways of knowing.
Canopy supports participants in developing the practical skills, networks, and systems thinking needed to address emerging zoonoses and promote health at the human–animal–environment interface.
Canopy is led by a diverse team of researchers and professionals spanning six Canadian universities, with research experience in medicine and veterinary medicine, epidemiology, microbiology, virology, zoonotic pathogens, outbreak investigation, bioinformatics, high containment laboratories, communications and systems thinking. The Executive Committee is supported by 25+ co-applicants and mentors, who bring a variety of expertise and experience to the program , spanning nearly a dozen academic institutions from across Canada and including individuals who work for government and non-profit institutions.
Canopy is dedicated to training the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and leaders to respond to emerging zoonotic threats with collaboration, innovation, and impact.
Canopy is one of five Health Research Training Platforms funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
.png)
