معرفی
Dr. Matthew S Miller is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He serves as Executive Director of Global Nexus and Scientific Director of the M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University. Additionally, he is Co-Director of the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H) and holds a Canada Research Chair in Viral Pandemics. His leadership extends to national advisory roles including the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) COVID-19 Working Group, H5Nx Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Working Group, and Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT).
Dr. Miller completed his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Ontario, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Virology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Palese. He was recruited to McMaster University in 2014 and has established himself as a leading researcher in viral immunology and pandemic preparedness, authoring over 90 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Miller's research program focuses on pandemic prevention, particularly the development of broadly-protective vaccines, antibodies, and therapeutics. His team investigates how viral infections and immune responses contribute to genetic and neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS. The laboratory specializes in mucosal immunity and the development of mucosal vaccines and therapeutics for respiratory viruses including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Current work emphasizes trained innate immunity, novel antiviral strategies, and the role of viral infections in neurodegenerative diseases. His research bridges basic science with clinical applications to address pressing pandemic threats.
Dr. Miller's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on next-generation vaccine development, particularly mucosal and inhaled vaccines for respiratory pathogens. His work spans virology, immunology, and translational research with significant contributions to understanding immune responses to influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies examine viral evolution, vaccine effectiveness, mucosal immunity, and the intersection of viral infections with neurodegenerative conditions. His research group actively investigates how to develop broadly protective countermeasures against emerging viral threats.
- CIHR New Investigator Award
- CIHR Bhagirath Singh Early Career Award in Infection and Immunity
- Early Researcher Award from the Government of Ontario
- Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Basic Science from Western University
- Elected to the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars in 2024
Dr. Miller has been instrumental in securing significant research funding for pandemic preparedness initiatives, including the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub which received provincial investment. His laboratory has developed innovative vaccine platforms, including an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine that has progressed to clinical trials. He mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the fields of virology and immunology, fostering the next generation of researchers in infectious disease. His work has direct implications for public health policy and pandemic response strategies.
The Miller Laboratory at McMaster University focuses on three main research streams: Mucosal Vaccines and Therapeutics (defining IgA functions, developing mucosal vaccines, passive immunization strategies); Pandemic Preparedness (trained innate immunity, novel antiviral strategies, broadly-protective immunity); and Virus-Host Interactions (role of viral infections in ALS and other genetic diseases). The lab collaborates extensively with researchers across McMaster and internationally, contributing to Canada's pandemic response infrastructure and advancing fundamental understanding of viral pathogenesis.
