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REFERENCE LABORATORY (RL) NETWORK The Reference Laboratory (RL) Network has developed its capacities since 2009 to become a valuable resource for research endeavours both within PCIRN and beyond, through its provision of infuenza-related laboratory testing support (e.g., HAI, microneutralization, PCR and/or other infuenza-related lab tests). Laboratory support to other PCIRN studies has been a main focus of the RL Network during 2013-14. The RL has been assisting the PCIRN Clinical Trials Network in Community protection when children are immunized with live, attenuated infuenza vaccine. The network has also provided active assistance to the PCIRN SOS Network in support of their infuenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for Canada, and various other studies involving the epidemiology and characterization of respiratory viruses that cause serious outcomes in hospitalized Canadians. In addition to supporting other PCIRN studies, the RL also advanced development and/ or adaptation of specialized assays (e.g., for cell- based immune responses, anti-neuraminidase (NA) responses, multiplex PCR testing for multiple viruses that can cause infuenza-like illness , single radial haemolysis, and others). Those in advanced development stages were used to investigate research hypotheses. The RL also continued to maintain the PCIRN Sample Archive, a biorepository of research samples gathered in previous PCIRN clinical trials and available for infuenza research uses. Further, the network has also been mobilized to support other important Canadian infuenza-related research efforts, such as the ICS Health Care Worker Study run out of Toronto (McGeer, PI). Five principal investigators are all clinician-scientists with special expertise in microbiology, infuenza and other infectious diseases. They lead active research programs at their respective institutions and also operate within the public health sector. PHAC/CIHR INFLUENZA RESEARCH NETWORK