News stories involving USask health science programs, health-related research, and more.
As Canadians begin spring cleaning, an often-overlooked health risk can surface alongside the dust. Illness caused by hantavirus is rare but serious, and researchers at VIDO are working to better understand these viruses and reduce the risk of human infection.
As the University of Saskatchewan (USask) prepares to celebrate National Nursing Week from May 11-17, Master of Nursing-Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) student Lisa King shares how her academic and professional journeys reflect her deep commitment to patient care and to strengthening Saskatchewan’s health-care system.
Renovations to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) dental clinic have provided the College of Dentistry with some of the most advanced technology and training infrastructure in North America.
SASKATOON, SK. — The College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has signed a $2-million research agreement with the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), establishing a five-year international collaboration dedicated exclusively to oral, dental, and craniofacial research.
A new study has revealed that while SARS-CoV-2 can weaken part of the body’s early immune response, it may also unintentionally trigger another defence that helps cells fight back.
Canada’s ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases depends not only on cutting-edge research, but on the development of a strong, well-trained scientific workforce.
What lies ahead for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), one of Canada’s five veterinary colleges and an integral member of the University of Saskatchewan’s health sciences group?
From ballet shoes to starting blocks, Nicole Ostertag’s athletic journey — defined by movement and perseverance — led her to pursue a career in physical therapy.
More than a third of Saskatchewan residents live in a rural or remote community. Some of these individuals can face challenges accessing health care, either through limited resources or long distances to urban care centres.
For Canadians diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), losing the ability to do the things they love is a real fear. And while breakthroughs in drug treatments have helped slow the progression of MS, there is still more to be done to ensure that people affected are able to keep living active and engaged lives.
For Martin Ugwu, a student in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), a passion for sport first sparked his academic journey.
2026 Indigenous Student Achievement Award recipient Michelle Desjarlais looks to play a role in transforming the future of Women’s Health.
From developing new vaccines to uncovering drug targets, researchers at VIDO are working to combat tuberculosis, a persistent global health threat that remains one of the leading infectious killers worldwide.
During her undergraduate degree, Dr. Nataliya Tokarska (PhD) realized she had an interest in neuroscience.
Five College of Nursing students receive USask Indigenous Student Achievement Awards.
SASKATOON, SK. — The College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has signed a $2-million research agreement with the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), establishing a five-year international collaboration dedicated exclusively to oral, dental, and craniofacial research.
With a new radiation oncology specialist and a new linear accelerator in place, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus has resumed offering a full range of veterinary oncology services—including radiation oncology—to its patients and their families.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has begun development of a new institutional strategic plan that will define the university’s identity, priorities, and direction for the decade ahead.
What did you have for lunch today?
It’s easy to take our hearts for granted. The strong muscle is powered by unseen electrical impulses that anchor our lives in a steady, reliable beat. But what happens when these electrical impulses misfire, and our hearts fall out of rhythm?
From greenhouse laboratory to teaching sites across the province, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine has been shaping health care in Saskatchewan and beyond for a century. This year the college celebrates two milestones—100 years since the two-year School of Medical Sciences was established and 70 years since students have been able to take their entire four-year medical degree at USask.
As Black History Month 2026 begins, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community aims to spotlight the voices, leaders, scholars, and trailblazers who shape campus life and beyond.
Early reflections from USask’s 12th president
At the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Inc. (Fedoruk Centre) is advancing diagnostics, therapies, and research capacity through its cyclotron facility and strategic investments.
Virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have evolved from technological curiosity to cutting-edge tools.
Dr. Harini Aiyer (PhD) didn’t know quite what to expect when she left family and friends back home in Asia and headed overseas to North America more than a decade ago.
More than 75 per cent of recreational cannabis users aged 19 to 30 crashed in a driving simulation after consuming edibles, a new University of Saskatchewan (USask) study shows.
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is the No.1 institute in Canada in research income growth, per a new national ranking.
Four Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students have proved that it is never too late to go back to school. Inspired by their life experiences and support from their families, they chose to become physical therapists and are not looking back.
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Dentistry has launched a new initiative designed to increase access to essential oral health services for individuals who may have limited or delayed access to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, or who do not have any other form of insured dental benefits.
Dr. Arinjay Banerjee (PhD) and Dr. Heather Foulds (PhD) are two new Canada Research Chairs (CRC) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) who are exploring ways to protect and improve the health of individuals and communities.
Pressure on the health-care system – from factors including workforce shortages, rising costs and an aging population – takes a prominent and hard-to-shift position among Canada's top challenges.
SASKATOON – Traditionally, the only way to gauge the strength of our bones would be to break them. Now, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are using advanced imaging tools to capture insights into bone strength, all while keeping them intact.
SASKATOON – As Canada grapples with record levels of homelessness, food insecurity, and public health workforce shortages, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is stepping up with a bold new initiative: a graduate program designed to educate nurses as frontline leaders in community health.
SASKATOON – A new cell sorting hub at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has received prestigious national-level funding through a joint, multi-unit effort.
Model developed by USask researchers at VIDO, College of Engineering shows promise for improving study of tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) College of Medicine received funding as part of Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) 2025 Spring Grant Competition.
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is celebrating the opening of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine and a linear accelerator—part of a vital animal health care and education project that wouldn’t have been possible without significant support from donors.
Ten years ago, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) hosted a first-of-its-kind national forum: Building Reconciliation: Universities Answering the TRC’s Calls to Action.
Now in its seventh year, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) People Around the World (PAW) international congress will bring together community members, researchers, industry partners and students for data-driven discussions about global challenges.
SASKATOON – Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have published the first Canadian clinical guidelines for Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), a rare hereditary neuromuscular disorder.
This year mark’s Canada’s 5th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on September 30, 2025.
SASKATOON - Two new programs have been launched in the School of Rehabilitation Science in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine. Learners can now apply to be part of the province’s first occupational therapy and speech-language pathology training programs.
SASKATOON – An international research collaboration led by a University of Saskatchewan (USask) water researcher is exploring the intersection of water, environment, social and cultural systems with health for women and mothers in communities around the world.
SASKATOON – A team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have identified a pathway to help the human body defend itself against sepsis – a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s inappropriate response to an infection.
On September 10, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community came together in an incredible show of support during the university’s annual 24-hour fundraising event.
On September 10, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community will come together in support of Giving Day, an annual 24-hour fundraising initiative. Among the researchers that could benefit from donor support that day is Dr. Stephen Lee, an associate professor, infectious disease and internal medicine physician, and member of the College of Medicine’s artificial intelligence (AI) education committee, who is exploring how AI could fundamentally change health care.
Here's a look at some of the major new appointments and announcements from the past two months across campus at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) researcher Dr. Arinjay Banerjee (PhD) is one of five Canadian researchers elected by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) for its inaugural Emerging Leaders cohort.
The USask Library is committed to creating resources and programming that help students develop skills that are critical for academic success.
Dr. Vince Bruni-Bossio (PhD) has been appointed as the 12th president and vice-chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2026.
SASKATOON – A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is bringing health education into a new, technological – and virtual – world.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) continues its commitment to truth and reconciliation with a powerful new Orange Shirt Day design by Indigenous artist and educator Chris Chipak.
Sundus Zia, a third-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a role in medical education.
University of Saskatchewan (USask) master’s student Heather Alford knows firsthand how important mealtimes can be for families and their loved ones living with dementia.
As part of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, we thought it would be helpful to provide a summer reading list for those interested in furthering their learning in the areas of Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenization, Decolonization, and Indigenous research methodologies.
Today marks a major milestone for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the province, as the Be What the World Needs Campaign—the largest fundraising campaign in Saskatchewan’s history—crosses the finish line. Together, alumni, individual, and corporate donors have helped USask surpass its audacious $500-million goal, reaching a grand total of $570,739,155.
While working as a pharmacy assistant in rural Saskatchewan, Emilia Gillies witnessed firsthand the gaps within the health-care system, particularly when it came to individuals who experienced substance abuse.
SASKATOON – Animals are at the core of many peoples’ lives, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is hosting experts from around the world to explore the many facets of that human-animal connection.
SASKATOON – The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is celebrating its past and future contributions to the veterinary profession during the regional college’s 60th anniversary homecoming on June 6-7.
SASKATOON – Dr. Chris Zhang (PhD) knows and understands the amount of time it takes to recover from lung cancer surgery.
Yesterday a state of emergency was declared in Saskatchewan in response to the wildfires burning in the north.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is proud to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community — during Pride month and every month.
Could a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease be sitting in the dairy cooler of your local grocery store?
SASKATOON – Today, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) celebrates 60 years of training physical therapists.
Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba have renewed their financial commitment to the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), continuing a longstanding interprovincial agreement that has been in place for six decades.
SASKATOON – A team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers, using innovative genetic screening, have identified a new target to suppress breast cancer growth.
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, three medical students speak about their journey into medicine and what diversity in medicine means to them.
The University of Saskatchewan-USFA Collective Agreement 2023-27 requires that faculty intending to serve on committees devoted to the appointment, promotion, salary review, and tenure processes for other faculty attend an anti-racism and unconscious bias training session.
SASKATOON – Trust in public health care is vital to its success, and that trust has been tested over the past five years like never before.
SASKATOON – A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has discovered a bacteria-killing molecule that enhances a pig’s immune system response and could transform how swine producers treat and prevent contagious diseases in their animals.
The honorary title of distinguished professor is an award that celebrates lifetime achievement in research, scholarly, and artistic work. Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty members and two professors emerti were selected to receive the honorary title this year.
In celebration of National Nursing Week in the month of May, USask profiles the Woodward sisters supporting each other during their studies in the USask Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Recognized nationwide, May is Asian Heritage Month. This month honours the legacy and contributions of members of the Asian communities that span East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Western Asia, and Central Asia.
A cross-campus collaboration between VIDO and WCVM created a new surgical suite that advances critical calf research while giving veterinary students rare surgical training opportunities.
As I made my way to the lecture theatre, a swarm of veterinary students spilled out through the doors, game boards tucked under their arms and dice clutched in their hands.
New research on the Florence Nightingale medicine chest traces the history of the artifact’s arrival at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
SASKATOON – Veterinarians at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are highlighting canine parvovirus prevention on April 22 as part of a national awareness day for preventing the deadly disease among dog populations.
Master of Nursing student Robyn Klassen is the recipient of the CGPS Indigenous Graduate Leadership Scholarship.
As the World Health Organization prepares to spotlight World Health Day on April 7 by kicking off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health, University of Saskatchewan (USask) health researchers are examining the benefits of donor breast milk for HIV-exposed infants.
For the past 11 years, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Images of Research contest has showcased the stunning research, scholarly and artistic work of USask staff, students, faculty and alumni. From honeybee yards to the hidden universe inside ourselves, this year’s contest captured the essence of USask research in eight winning photographs.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine is proud to celebrate Cameron Bird, Sheila Naytowhow, and Terri Thunder, who were honoured with USask Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) Awards.
Kellsey Brazeau’s compassion has driven her to go back to her home community of Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask. Brazeau was honoured with an Indigenous Achievement award for community engagement on Thursday, March 13 at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
As the University of Saskatchewan (USask) celebrates Indigenous Achievement Week from March 10-14, 2025, the spotlight shines on Makenna Sheppard, a Year 2 dental therapy student at the Prince Albert campus.
SASKATOON – Media are invited to attend the annual University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Student Achievement Awards.
SASKATOON – A national conference to engage in meaningful discussions on the creation, implementation, and impact of Indigenous membership and citizenship verification policies and processes in post-secondary education will be hosted by the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
SASKATOON – A five-year global initiative in community health and One Health—in collaboration with University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty and students—will help empower poor, marginalized farmers in rural Africa, especially female-headed households, women and girls.
The Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month campaign is held each March to promote the importance of healthy eating and the role of dietitians in improving the health and well-being of Canadians.
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, offered through the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine, will welcome its first cohort of students this fall.
In September 2021, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) installed 14 orange banners around the Bowl to bring a physical presence of the Calls to Action detailed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
SASKATOON – Researchers are still discovering more about the fundamental building blocks of human cells and a University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led research project is exploring microproteins and their role in defending against viruses.
University of Saskatchewan (USask) fourth-year kinesiology student Sophia Abiara has taken the lead on launching a brand-new association on campus dedicated to providing a space for Black students to meet with Black mentors.
Since its humble beginnings at the Saskatoon airport, the School of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been a cornerstone of high-quality physical therapy education and research for students from across the province.
This February, join the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community in learning, reflecting and celebrating the Black community in Saskatchewan and beyond during Black History Month.
Dr. Colleen Dell (PhD), professor in the Department of Sociology and the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness, is the recipient of Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Achievement Award at the 2024-2025 SHRF Santé Awards.
SASKATOON/OSLO — While the world continues to recover from the last pandemic, a major investment from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) could help the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) prepare the world for the next infectious disease crisis.
