Michael Drebot

Michael Drebot is an Associate Professor at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He serves as Director of the Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens section at the National Microbiology Laboratory (Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg). His research focuses on emerging zoonotic and vector-borne disease agents, including arboviruses (e.g., Zika, West Nile) and rodent-borne pathogens like hantaviruses.

• Post-doctoral fellow in Molecular Genetics, Hospital for Sick Children (1991)
• PhD in Microbiology, Dalhousie University (1988)
• MSc in Microbiology, Dalhousie University (1983)
• Honours BSc in Biology, Dalhousie University (1980)

Drebot’s research spans molecular diagnostics, epidemiology, and genetics of infectious pathogens, with a focus on surveillance and characterization of mosquito-borne and zoonotic diseases. He leads subcommittees like the Subcommittee on Arbovirus Information Exchange and Research (SIE-ASTMH) and the International Peribunyaviridae Study Group.

Scientific awards:

• Public Health Agency of Canada Research Merit Award (2009)
• Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2003)

His professional roles include Director of Science Technology and Core Services division (2007-2013) and leadership in poliovirus/enteric pathogen research at the National Centre for Enteroviruses (1991-1996). Contact: mike.drebot@canada.ca.