Dr. Brett Finlay: Man Against Microbe

As he learns the secrets of our most pervasive killers - bacteria such as e-colli 0157 and salmonella - Dr. Brett Finlay could save the lives of millions and ensure the safety of our food and water supply.

Canadian Living magazine called Dr. Brett Finlay one of the 10 Canadian scientists "most likely to save your life." At UBC, where he works, he's the most notable professor on campus. The object of his research, however, is the humblest of species - the microbe.

Finlay's passion is to prevent the millions of deaths worldwide caused by food and waterborne bacteria.  He and his research team are determined not only to understand potentially fatal germs like e-coli 0157, salmonella and campylobacter, but also to find effective ways to keep these bugs out of the food supply.  If they succeed in chasing down the cure by vaccinating animals and boosting the immune system in humans, Finlay could follow in the footsteps of his late mentor, Prof. Michael Smith, down the path to a Nobel prize.