Health Crises in an Era of Autocracy, Disinformation, and Shifting Geopolitical Risks: Upcoming Event

McGill University is set to launch a new initiative aimed at strengthening global health crisis response with the formal opening of the Pandemic and Emergency Readiness Lab (PERL) on February 3, 2026. The interdisciplinary research center will bring together experts from various fields to address the complex challenges of health emergencies in an increasingly unpredictable world.

PERL’s establishment comes amid growing concerns about future pandemic threats and the acknowledged shortcomings in global response systems during recent health crises. Based at McGill University in Montreal, the lab will serve as a hub for actionable research, leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration.

“Our mission is to strengthen global and local readiness for health crises,” explained a PERL representative. The organization will work across boundaries of science, policy, and practice to develop more effective approaches to crisis prevention and management.

The lab is structured around three fundamental pillars. The first focuses on science and evidence, with research streams covering pandemic prevention, governance structures, data systems, community resilience, and crisis leadership. This multidisciplinary approach acknowledges that effective emergency response requires expertise beyond traditional medical fields.

The second pillar centers on leadership development, with initiatives including a new Pandemic Fellows Program designed to nurture the next generation of crisis response leaders. This addresses a critical gap identified during recent health emergencies—the need for skilled leaders who can navigate complex, rapidly evolving situations under pressure.

The third pillar emphasizes convening and collaboration, recognizing that siloed approaches to crisis management often fail. PERL will host regular dialogues connecting Canadian and global leaders to share insights and develop coordinated strategies.

The launch event at the McGill Faculty Club will feature prominent voices in public health, including Michael Osterholm, author of “The Big One: How to Prepare for World Altering Pandemics to Come.” Osterholm will deliver a keynote address exploring global preparedness for future health emergencies, followed by a fireside chat moderated by Dr. Joanne Liu, who has been instrumental in PERL’s development.

The day-long program includes panels addressing critical challenges in crisis response. A session titled “Responding to Human Crises in a Fractured World” will feature Paul Wise from Stanford University, Conrad Sauvé of the Canadian Red Cross, and Kelley Lee from Simon Fraser University, examining how geopolitical tensions complicate humanitarian responses.

Another panel will tackle the “Politics of Preparedness,” with speakers including Fatima Hassan from the Health Justice Initiative and Roojin Habibi from the University of Ottawa. This discussion will likely address how political considerations often influence emergency planning and response capabilities.

The rise of misinformation presents another significant challenge to public health emergency management. A dedicated panel featuring journalists André Picard from The Globe and Mail and Nora Loreto, along with academics and health communication experts, will explore strategies for combating harmful narratives during health crises.

The launch event will conclude with reflections from key participants and a call for broader collaboration, followed by a special session for students to engage directly with the panelists. This student-focused component underscores PERL’s commitment to developing future leaders in the field.

PERL’s establishment comes at a time when public health systems worldwide continue to grapple with lessons from recent emergencies while facing new challenges including climate-related health threats, antimicrobial resistance, and political polarization that complicates response efforts.

By bringing together experts from diverse fields including medicine, public policy, communications, and international relations, PERL represents a comprehensive approach to a complex global challenge—ensuring societies are better prepared for the inevitable health emergencies of the future.