Our research project is entitled, “SARS and the Global City: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Toronto”. It is funded by the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

The overall research objective of our project is to develop a comprehensive analysis of the spread and response to the SARS virus. As part of an interdisciplinary group of researchers at York University, our particular research investigates how processes of globalization have affected the transmission and response to SARS within the context of Toronto as a city of world-class status (that is, a “global city”). Part of our focus is to understand how pathogens interact with economic, political and social factors to represent a threat to human development and society in an increasingly globalized world. Insights gained from studying the global city dimensions of SARS will enable better management of future outbreaks of emerging disease by ensuring that detection, monitoring and response strategies are compatible with the current political, social, economic and ecological developments unfolding within our increasingly complex world.

Please see our documents section for more details about the project. You can also contact us to learn more.