ResearchNB was proud to convene leaders from across the region in Moncton for the first Atlantic Canadian Immunization Conference (ACIC), held in partnership with the University of New Brunswick’s Institute of Population Health.
The conference brought together researchers, public health leaders, policymakers, community organizations, and industry partners to address one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: strengthening immunization uptake in an era of misinformation, disinformation, and declining trust in science.
The day opened with a ceremony led by Elder Laurie Nicholas, followed by welcoming remarks from Candice Pollack on behalf of ResearchNB and Dr. Jennifer Russell on behalf of UNB’s Institute of Population Health.
In her keynote address, Dr. Eilleen Devilla reflected on promoting vaccine uptake in a time of mistrust, setting the tone for evidence-informed and solutions-focused dialogue. Throughout the morning, panel discussions explored regional vaccine trends, community-level trust gaps, and the role of media and algorithm-driven misinformation in shaping public confidence.
Afternoon roundtables shifted the focus toward action. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on digital media and communications, trust-building with marginalized communities, public education strategies, public-private partnerships for innovation, and policy and legislative tools. The sessions emphasized that improving immunization outcomes requires coordinated efforts across sectors and sustained commitment.
Minister John Dornan reinforced the importance of collaboration, evidence, and long-term investment in public health solutions.
At ResearchNB, this commitment is reflected through targeted investments such as the Public Health Research Fund, delivered in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick. Earlier this year, the fund supported a focused call on vaccination uptake in New Brunswick. The award was granted to Dr. Jalila Jbilou of Université de Moncton for her project, EquiVaxNB, which aims to improve equitable access to pediatric immunization by identifying systemic and community-level barriers among underserved populations, including newcomers, refugees, and Indigenous communities.
EquiVaxNB exemplifies the type of collaborative, impact-driven research that the conference sought to advance—bridging research, policy, practice, and lived experience to generate meaningful, community-informed solutions.
ResearchNB extends sincere thanks to event leaders Jennifer Russell, and Candice Pollack, as well as to the conference sponsors—GSK, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, Sanofi, CanImmunize, Moderna, and CSL Seqirus—for their leadership and support in creating space for this important dialogue.
As the conference concludes, the work continues. ResearchNB remains committed to convening partners, investing in evidence-based research, and helping turn knowledge into action for New Brunswick and the broader Atlantic region.