Dr. Zahid Butt, a researcher in the School of Public Health Sciences, has been named Canada Research Chair (CRC), Tier 2, in Interdisciplinary Research for Pandemic Preparedness.
Butt’s research aims to understand ‘syndemics,’ those interrelated interactions between diseases and social and behavioural factors that result in adverse consequences. He uses innovative interdisciplinary approaches with the long-term goal to enhance pandemic preparedness by applying a syndemic framework using COVID-19 as proof of concept, using digital data to address misinformation and augment disease surveillance, and examining and measuring interactions between diseases, disease syndemics and social and structural factors using disease mapping and spatial modeling.
“It has been an exhilarating moment for me, knowing that my efforts and contributions have been recognized,” Butt said. “This recognition and opportunity will contribute significantly towards enhancing my research on pandemic preparedness, which is crucial for preparing and responding to future pandemics.”
The CRC is worth $100,000 per year for five years, plus $20,000 per year for five years for the Federal Research Fund. Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs recognize exceptional emerging researchers as acknowledged by their peers for having the potential to lead in their field. A total of 230 recipients across the country were announced today, including Dr. Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens, also in the Faculty of Health.