Dear Friend and Partner,

In the face of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, I am writing to let you know that you are very much in our thoughts. The current pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge for our own institutions and countries, but it also provides us with an opportunity to offer, as a global community, our collective expertise and mutual support. 

Universities will always play a key role in addressing society's greatest challenges. However, global challenges will only be solved through global partnerships, and we greatly appreciate our relationship with you, our valued partner. I am sure that our collaboration will endure beyond the current crisis, and through our international office, we are committed to working with you to ensure that our ongoing exchange of knowledge, ideas, and talent will continue to flourish.

We are also committed to doing our part to combat the spread of this disease. Over the past two months, the University of Saskatchewan has played an active role in helping to combat the devastating coronavirus outbreak, working with university, government and industry partners.

Our International Vaccine Centre (InterVac), a high-level containment facility open to researchers from around the world, was built to study global emerging diseases such as COVID-19, and we are working to fast track vaccine testing for emerging infections including COVID-19, for which a vaccine candidate is now in animal testing. We have been approached by companies and academic researchers to test antiviral compounds, immune stimulators, and therapeutics at our facility. As well, we are constructing a vaccine manufacturing plant built to good manufacturing practices standards as required for human vaccine testing.

Moreover, our faculty members and alumni in various fields have offered their knowledge and expertise to local, national, and international health authorities, including modelling the spread of the disease. Our colleges have repurposed their laboratories to produce hand sanitizer or to manufacture equipment needed in medical clinics and hospitals. In sum, this kind of research and community service work reflects our mission to be the university the world needs.

Thank you for all of your support during this crisis. We are equally committed to supporting you during this challenging time. Together, we will come out of this better and stronger.

With my warmest wishes,

Peter Stoicheff

President and Vice-Chancellor

University of Saskatchewan