2025 Reflections

As we come to the close of 2025, I want to pause and reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary year for our lab! If 2024 was the year of successful funding, 2025 was the year of knowledge mobilization and collaboration! 

This year, three EPIX trainees successfully defended their MSc theses — Farhan, Amanda, and Carmela. Each defense reflected not only academic excellence (exceeding all expectations) but also a deep commitment to meaningful public health research. Watching the three of you cross this milestone has been one of the highlights of my year. 

Collectively, the EPIX lab published 9 peer-reviewed papers (with many still in the peer-review process) in 2025 across leading journals in public health, infectious diseases, liver health, and methods.

We also had an exceptional year on the conference circuit, with oral and poster presentations across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including IWHOD, CSEB, SER, CPHA, CAHSPR, STI & HIV World Congress, the Canadian Liver Meeting, and presentations to public health decision-makers. These presentations amplified EPIX's work on syphilis prevention and screening, sexual health service disruptions, liver screening, decision science, and strengthening public health systems through collaboration, and most importantly, showcasing your confidence as emerging leaders in the field.

What I am most proud of, however, goes beyond numbers. It is the way this team works... with integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a shared commitment to equity-driven research with real-world impact. The way you support each other, from sharing code to discussing theory to showing up at milestone events, warms my heart each time. 

Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and trust in the process. I am deeply grateful to learn from and work alongside such a brilliant, thoughtful, driven, and kind group of scientists. 

I hope you take time over the holidays to rest, celebrate your accomplishments, and reconnect with what brings you joy.

Warmest wishes for a restful holiday season and a bright new year ahead,

Cheers, 

Sahar