Combining host pathogen biology and
advanced non-invasive imaging

The Imaging Pathogens for Knowledge Translation (ImPaKT) Facility is a one-of-a-kind facility combining PHAC certified containment level standards (CL2+ and CL3) with advanced in vivo imaging modalities. ImPaKT Facility features barrier-enclosed imaging scanners and instrumentation which will allow researchers to develop tools and methods to better understand the progression of infectious diseases, identify efficacious antimicrobial agents, develop diagnostic reagents to characterize hidden reservoirs of pathogens, and for the early and accurate detection of infections.

Barrier-enclosed Instruments:

  • 3T PET/MRI
  • Bioluminescence (BLI)-CT Scanner
  • Multiphoton Microscopy
  • High Resolutions Microscope
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Vevo 3100 Imaging System

Additional facilities housed within the ImPaKT laboratory:

  • GLP PCR clean room
  • Viral vector core
  • Barrier enclosed animal housing
  • CL2+/CL3 open lab space

Research Leaders

Eric J. Arts

Dr. Eric Arts is the Canada Research Chair in HIV Pathogenesis and Viral Control, and team lead on successful CFI grant to assist in funding for the ImPaKT Facility.



Featured Researchers

David Heinrich

A team led by David Heinrichs, PhD, is combatting one of the world’s deadliest superbugs, MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant variety of Staphylococcus aureus.

David Heinrichs

Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Greg Dekaban

Dr. Gregory Dekaban focuses on developing anti-inflammatory therapeutics for CNS trauma and adjuvants for vaccine-based immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer.

Gregory Dekaban

Professor and Acting Chair, Microbiology and Immunology

Paula Foster

Dr. Paula Foster leads Robarts Research Institute’s Cellular and Molecular Imaging Program.

Paula Foster

Professor, Medical Biophysics



Collaboration and Partnership

The ImPaKT Facility was designed from the beginning to be a place to foster collaboration and partnership. Our goal is to enhance research and development to improve our understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis, interventions, diagnosis, and treatments. If you are interested in more information please visit the collaboration page.