UM Professor named Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

Dr. Keith Fowke, department head and professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, has been appointed as Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) for a four-year term, effective July 1, 2026.

Fowke leads 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. 

“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,” said Fowke. 

“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.” 

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, he also lends his considerable expertise to collaborations with community groups in the Winnipeg area and to serving in leadership roles with national research organizations. 

Institute to be headquartered at UM 

During Fowke’s term, the Institute will be headquartered at the University of Manitoba, a huge win for the local science ecosystem.

“This prestigious appointment is a testament to Dr. Fowke’s globally-impactful leadership in infectious diseases, immunology and global public health research,” said Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International).

 “UM 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.”

In total, CIHR is composed of 13 institutes, spanning all areas of health research. 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, capacity development and knowledge mobilization.