[KEYNOTE] Bioaerosols: from the hospital, to the farm and beyond!

Keynote talk:

For several decades, bioaerosols have been studied to better understand epidemics, plant and animal diseases, as well as their potential use as bioterrorism agents. This presentation provides an overview of the research performed in the CRC-1 on bioaerosols lab, the key challenges associated with controlling bioaerosols in human and animal environments, and several real-world examples where research seeks to understand the behavior of microorganisms in the air and their impacts. From gastroenteritis to tuberculosis, including COVID-19 and farmer’s lung disease, air represents a major challenge: particles are invisible and can travel over very long distances.

Speaker bio:

Caroline Duchaine is a full professor of microbiology and holder of the Tier-/ Canada Research Chair on Bioaerosols whose research focuses on the presence, behavior, and health impacts of airborne microorganisms. Her work bridges microbiology, aerosol science, and exposure assessment, with particular emphasis on human and occupational environments, including agricultural settings.Over the course of her career, Prof Duchaine has played a leading role in advancing methodologies for sampling, characterizing, and modeling bioaerosols, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacteriophages. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding airborne transmission pathways, microbial viability in aerosols, and the health risks associated with inhalation exposure. Recognized internationally for her interdisciplinary approach, Prof Duchaine has contributed to major advances in respiratory health research, particularly in the context of infectious diseases, occupational exposure, and emerging pathogens. She is actively involved in collaborative networks that link fundamental research to public health and environmental applications.