The Canadian government has appointed Dr. George Mutwiri, a vaccine research specialist and public health academic, to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), strengthening scientific expertise in Canada’s national health research leadership.

Announced by Health Minister Marjorie Michel on October 13, 2026, the appointment brings additional experience in vaccine development, immunology and infectious disease research to the council.

Dr. Mutwiri is executive director of the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan, where he also serves as a professor. He is a research fellow at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization and holds a PhD in immunology and microbiology from the University of Guelph.

His research has covered vaccine discovery and formulation, as well as ways to improve the effectiveness of vaccines and immunotherapeutic treatments against diseases including influenza, measles, hepatitis B, SARS and Ebola.

The CIHR supports health research and helps translate scientific discoveries into better healthcare services, treatments and products. Its Governing Council provides leadership and oversight for the federal agency’s work supporting researchers and trainees across Canada.