NSERC CREATE in Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) to model basic biological principles: From research and education to career path

寄生虫的影响不仅限于偏远热带国家的疾病地带：这是加拿大的关切，对人类、我们的同伴动物和家畜造成巨大损失(每年损失数十亿美元的生产)，它对野生动物(陆地和水生动物)和生态系统也可能产生同样毁灭性的影响。气候变化、抗药性寄生虫的出现以及农业实践的变化等因素增加了与寄生虫相关的问题。我们提出了一个关于宿主-寄生虫相互作用(HPI)的国际合作培训计划，以培养下一代自然科学研究人员，以解决突出的全球问题(如食物和水)，并追求多样化的职业生涯。采用“从分子到生态系统”的方法，我们制定了以HPI模型系统为中心的创新、基础广泛的课程，以提供尖端的跨学科和翻译研究培训，以及建立可转移的专业技能的基础。该计划由7名著名科学家领导，在基础和应用研究、创新教育实践、学生培训以及生物技术初创企业和商业化方面拥有卓越的历史。与此相辅相成的是一支优秀的国内和国际合作者队伍，他们充当教育资源，为学员提供在学术界以外的“动手”体验学习的场所。该计划由卡尔加里大学的5个学院领导，提供尖端研究方法、关键分析、项目管理以及与行业和政府农业食品机构的联系方面的培训。它解决了培训个人所需技能的迫切需求，这些人需要成为下一代领导者--板凳研究(学术界或以制药为基础)、生态系统管理、教育、倡导、科学媒体、监管机构、政府--能够识别和应对新出现的加拿大和全球问题(例如寄生虫控制、抗药性、食品和水安全)，并将把加拿大推向农业、环境和公共卫生创新和管理的前沿，直到21世纪。

The impact of parasites is NOT limited to disease pockets in remote tropical countries: it is a Canadian concern, taking a huge toll on humans, our companion animals and domestic stock (costing billions of dollars in lost production annually), and it can have equally devastating effects on wildlife (terrestrial and aquatic) and ecosystems. Factors such as climate change, the emergence of drug resistant parasites, and changes in agricultural practices have increased parasite-related problems. We propose an international collaborative TRAINING program on Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) to prepare the next generation of Natural Sciences Researchers to tackle eminent global issues (e.g. food and water), and to pursue a diversity of careers. Using a "molecules-to-ecosystems" approach, we have formulated an innovative, broad-based curriculum centered on HPI model systems to provide leading-edge interdisciplinary and translational research training, as well as the foundation upon which to build transferable professional skills. The Program is led by 7 renowned scientists, with a history of excellence in basic and applied research, innovative educational practices, student training and experience with biotechnology start-ups and commercialization. Complementing this is an outstanding cadre of national and international collaborators who serve as education resources and provide placements for trainees for 'hands-on' experiential learning beyond academia. The Program, led out of 5 faculties at the University of Calgary, offers training in cutting-edge research methodologies, critical analysis, project management and liaison with industry and government agri-food agencies. It addresses the pressing need to train individuals with the skills needed to become next generation leaders - bench research (academia or pharmaceutical-based), ecosystem management, education, advocacy, science media, regulatory bodies, governments - capable of recognizing and combating emerging Canadian and global problems (e.g. parasite control, drug resistance, food and water safety), and who will propel Canada to the forefront of innovation and management of agriculture, the environment, and public health well into the 21st century.