Dr Maryam Kamkar

Maryam Kamkar is a research biologist at the Emergency Management Branch of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), supporting the office of the senior director of Medical Capability Development. She trained as a biologist (BSc) and a geneticist (MSc) and holds a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Ottawa, complemented by two postdoctoral fellowships in molecular physiology and translational cardiology research. She has been working in various roles at the PHAC since 2017.  

She has experience working in various settings including academia, industry and public service. Her expertise encompasses emerging infectious diseases including viral infections; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats and related medical countermeasures; dual-use research of concern (DURC); and activities to counter public health crises via emergency preparedness and response. She has published in peer-reviewed journals as a researcher and authored many benefit/risk assessments, technical reports, infographics and technical materials in her public service capacity. She also serves as a member of the WHO Advisory Committee for Variola Virus Research (ACVVR) in addition to Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG).