Food Microbiologist Advocates for Public Health at Science Meets Parliament

Dr. Lawrence Goodridge, a prominent food microbiologist, is set to address public health priorities during the upcoming Science Meets Parliament 2025 event in Ottawa, taking place on November 17-18, 2025. As a professor in the Department of Food Science and director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph, Goodridge emphasizes the critical need for collaboration between scientists and government officials in advancing public health measures.

His involvement in the Ontario Wastewater Surveillance Initiative has demonstrated how scientific innovation can proactively identify health threats. This program, which focuses on detecting COVID-19 in community wastewater, has equipped researchers like Goodridge with the tools to foresee public health challenges before they escalate. He stresses the importance of politicians recognizing this window of opportunity, stating, “It is imperative for politicians to understand that this is precisely the time to prevent public health emergencies – before they happen.”

The Science Meets Parliament initiative, which has been convening since 2018, aims to bridge the gap between Canada’s scientific and political communities. Goodridge notes a growing disconnect between the two sectors, as scientists and politicians operate on different timelines—politicians often consider election cycles, while scientists think in terms of long-term research and its implications for public health.

Public health challenges pose significant risks to the well-being of the population, and Goodridge believes they should be prioritized consistently. He serves as a Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics, focusing on the integration of molecular biology, genomics, and microbiome science. His work is pivotal in identifying and tracking bacterial contaminants, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can lead to severe health issues and strain public healthcare systems.

“Public health challenges are an existential threat to the survival of this country, or any country,” Goodridge explains. He emphasizes the necessity for the public to comprehend academic research and its practical applications, while also advocating for politicians to communicate the importance of this research to their constituents.

The Science Meets Parliament event is not only a platform for scientists to engage with policymakers but also serves as a networking opportunity for researchers across Canada. Goodridge highlights the potential for collaborative efforts to address overarching public health issues that impact all Canadians. “This is an opportunity to effect policy change and to really solve some of these challenges and improve the already excellent science taking place in Canada,” he states, calling for increased investment in domestic research programs.

Following the Science Meets Parliament event, the University of Guelph will partner with the Canadian Science Policy Centre for a conference from November 19-21. As part of this collaboration, the university will host a panel session titled, “A National Agri-Food Research Strategy: Empowering Cross-Sectoral Partnerships for Greater Impact,” further underscoring the critical link between research and policy in addressing Canada’s food safety and public health concerns.

In summary, Dr. Goodridge’s upcoming participation in Science Meets Parliament represents a crucial step in fostering dialogue between scientific and political spheres. His work serves as a vital reminder of the need for proactive measures in public health, urging a commitment to long-term solutions that benefit all Canadians.