Mariana
BAZ

SCIENTIFIC PROJECT

"From lab bench to real life: Innovative preclinical models to evaluate therapeutic strategies against respiratory viruses"

This project aims to develop innovative preclinical models essential for the study of antiviral drugs and vaccines targeting major respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza viruses, respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, coronaviruses, and other pathogens of medical importance. Our research focuses on understanding how these viruses affect vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

By combining complementary expertise, we will develop and refine experimental systems that advance our understanding of viral replication and disease mechanisms and support the design/evaluation of more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.

This project will also strengthen the collaboration in the framework of the France-Canada international research laboratory RESPIVIR, bringing together teams from the Infectious Disease Research Center at Université Laval (Québec, Canada) and the International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI, Lyon, France), with the shared goal of advancing translational research on respiratory infections. By turning cutting-edge laboratory research into real-world solutions, this project aims to accelerate the development of better treatments and vaccines to protect those most vulnerable to respiratory viruses.

BIOGRAPHY

Mariana Baz is an Associate Professor at Université Laval in Québec, Canada, and holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Pre‑Pandemic and Pandemic Viruses and Therapeutic Strategies. Trained in Uruguay, Canada, and the United States, her research focuses on respiratory viruses, including their pathogenesis, transmission, antiviral therapies, and vaccine development and evaluation.