Dr. Keith Fowke appointed Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
News release
May 27, 2026 — Ottawa, Ontario — Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Today, Dr. Paul Hébert, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), announced the appointment of Dr. Keith Fowke as Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity for a four-year term, effective July 1, 2026.
A Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Fowke has led globally impactful, multidisciplinary research and training programs in partnership with collaborators in Canada and internationally. His research focuses on defining the cellular immune mechanisms of resistance to viral infections and the control of infection. Dr. Fowke is well known for his engagement in research partnerships with sex worker communities in Nairobi, Kenya where he and his colleagues are working to understand why some people who are highly exposed to HIV remain uninfected. This research may lead to new ways to prevent and clear HIV infection.
Besides his work in Kenya, Dr. Fowke also lends his considerable expertise to collaborations with community groups in the Winnipeg area and to serving in leadership roles with national research organizations. He has served as the President and Board Member of the Canadian Association for HIV Research. He is also past Chair of CIHR’s HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee. Dr. Fowke was elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2021.
During Dr. Fowke’s term, the Institute will be hosted at the University of Manitoba.
Quotes
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Keith Fowke to CIHR’s leadership team. His leadership and deep expertise in infectious diseases and building community and international partnerships will be invaluable as we advance research and collaborations to improve the health and prosperity of Canadians. I am also delighted that the Institute will be hosted at the University of Manitoba, which has a global reputation for excellence in infectious disease research.”
Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“I’m very pleased to be appointed as the SD of III and that its new home will be at the University of Manitoba, which has many strengths in immunology and infectious diseases. Together with researchers and community members from across Canada, we can create immunology and infectious disease-related research and training environments that will strategically address knowledge gaps that will lead to improved health outcomes in Canada and around the world.”
Dr. Keith Fowke
Incoming Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
“This prestigious appointment is a testament to Dr. Fowke’s globally-impactful leadership in infectious diseases, immunology and global public health research. The University of Manitoba has built one of Canada’s most significant infectious disease research ecosystems – bringing together academic, government and industry partners to strengthen pandemic preparedness, accelerate vaccine development and advance health security in Canada and globally. We are proud to host the Institute under Dr. Fowke’s leadership as this work continues to shape the future of health innovation.”
Dr. Mario Pinto
Vice-President (Research and International), University of Manitoba
Quick facts
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CIHR is composed of 13 Institutes, spanning all areas of health research.
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Each Institute is led by a Scientific Director who is a leader in their respective field and has a mandate to champion and support health research, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development at the highest level of scientific excellence.
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Scientific Directors continue to be active researchers throughout their terms, devoting 50% of their time to CIHR and Institute duties and the remaining time to their research activities.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
media@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.