Pascal Michel
Dr. Pascal Michel was appointed to the position of Director General for Ontario-Québec Region for the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on January 4, 2022. In this role, he oversees the strategic direction and scientific excellence of nine Research and Development Centers across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Dr. Michel comes to Agriculture and Agri-food Canada from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) where he was appointed as Chief Science Officer in 2015.
Previous to these executive functions, Dr. Michel has held various cross-appointments within academia and developed collaborations across Canada and internationally, providing epidemiological expertise to multiple major research initiatives. He is a co-founder of a multi-sectorial research center focusing on the epidemiology of zoonosis and developed long lasting relationships with the United Nations for providing a global health expertise to an international engagement on the peaceful uses of space sciences.
Dr. Michel holds Masters in Preventative Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health from the University of California, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Montreal, and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Guelph.
Current research and/or projects
Dr. Michel is responsible for overseeing the Public Health Agency of Canada’s science and research, encompassing: implementing, leading, promoting, and supporting the overall scientific agenda, leading the establishment and monitoring of Agency’s science priorities, promoting Agency science and science partnerships, leveraging funds for science in support of Agency and Ministerial priorities and leading excellence and innovation in Agency science and science-policy integration activities.
Research and/or project statements
- Holds various cross-appointments with the academia and developed collaborations across Canada and internationally, providing epidemiological expertise to multiple major research initiatives.
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Recognized expert in the application of public health geomatics and spatial analyses to population-based research.
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Interest in the application of modeling, epidemiological methods and decision analysis in assessing priority public health risks arising from the interactions of human populations with animals and the environment.
Professional activities / interests
- Public health lead on a United Nations action team on improving public health through the application of space technologies to improve global health outcomes.
Education and awards
PhD Epidemiology, University of Guelph, 1997
MPVM Preventative Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1992
DVM Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 1987
International experience and/or work
Additional links
Key publications
Rocheleau, J.P., Michel, P., Lindsay, L.R., (...), Fortin, A., Arsenault, J. Risk factors associated with seropositivity to California serogroup viruses in humans and pet dogs, Quebec, Canada. 2018 Epidemiology and Infection. 146(9), pp. 1167-1176.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268818001000
Hongoh, V., Gosselin, P., Michel, P., (...), Campagna, C., Samoura, K. Criteria for the prioritization of public health interventions for climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases in Quebec 2017. PLoS ONE 12(12), e0190049.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190049
Rocheleau, J.P., Michel, P., Lindsay, L.R., (...), Fortin, A., Arsenault, J. Characterizing environmental risk factors for West Nile virus in Quebec, Canada, using clinical data in humans and serology in pet dogs . 2017 Epidemiology and Infection. 145(13), pp. 2797-2807.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268817001625
Rocheleau, J.P., Michel, P., Lindsay, L.R., (...), Fortin, A., Arsenault, J. Emerging arboviruses in Quebec, Canada: Assessing public health risk by serology in humans, horses and pet dogs. 2017 Epidemiology and Infection. 145(14), pp. 2940-2948.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268817002205
Rocheleau, J.-P., Arsenault, J., Ogden, N.H., (...), Drebot, M., Michel, P. Characterizing areas of potential human exposure to eastern equine encephalitis virus using serological and clinical data from horses. 2017 Epidemiology and Infection. 145(4), pp. 667-677.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268816002661
Hongoh, V., Campagna, C., Panic, M., (...), Samoura, K., Michel, P. Assessing interventions to manage West Nile virus using multi-criteria decision analysis with risk scenarios. 2016 PLoS ONE. 11(8), e0160651.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0160651
Donnelly, B., Berrang-Ford, L., Labbé, J., (...), Ross, N.A., Michel, P. Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasitaemia among indigenous Batwa and non-indigenous communities of Kanungu district, Uganda. 2016 Malaria Journal.15(1),1299.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1299-1
Hongoh, V., Michel, P., Gosselin, P., (...), Cissé, H.D., Waaub, J.-P. Multi-stakeholder Decision Aid for Improved Prioritization of the Public Health Impact of Climate Sensitive Infectious Diseases. 2016 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(4), 419.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13040419
Mechai, S., Margos, G., Feil, E.J., (...), Michel, P., Ogden, N.H. Evidence for Host-Genotype Associations of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto. 2016 PLoS ONE, 11(2),e0149345.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149345
Michel, P., Martin, L.J., Tinga, C.E., (...), Cieben, B., Jamieson, F. Regional, seasonal, and antimicrobial resistance distributions of Salmonella Typhimurium in Canada: A multi-provincial study. 2006 Canadian Journal of Public Health, 97(6), pp. 470-474.