IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Message from the Chief Executive Officer and the Scientific Director

Serving as Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of IRIC means getting a chance to interact with many exceptional Investigators with complementary expertise, who work in a collegial environment fostering collaboration. It’s also an opportunity to contribute to the training of an exceptional next generation of scientists. Finally, it is taking part in the advancement of knowledge and fostering the discovery of innovative therapeutic solutions that will help short-circuit cancer. We can be proud of the work that has been done so far and we can draw a positive picture of the past few years that have seen several discoveries providing us with a better understanding of the mechanisms of cancer. Particular highlights include advances in immunotherapy that are helping us to progress towards personalized medicine, partnerships and collaborations with other research institutes, but also advances in research that truly benefit patients, including the discovery of the UM171 molecule and the potential development of therapeutic anticancer vaccines. The work of IRIC’s scientists has also led to the creation of spinoff companies contributing to the valorization of discoveries.

Each year also provides an opportunity for several publications from our Investigators, who receive prestigious awards. Thus, several IRIC Investigators are honoured and rewarded for their efforts. The scientific breakthroughs that emerge from the Institute are the fruit of the passion and rigor of our scientists and of the privileged access that they have to 10 cutting-edge core facilities and a Drug Discovery Unit, made up of the country’s largest team of medicinal chemists and of biologists in an academic setting.

The fact that the Institute stands out today through its successes and its unique character can be attributed to all of the dedicated people pulling in the same direction. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the support of our partners and donors who allow us, each and every year, to bring our research activities to life. Through their support, their passion and their tireless commitment, they contribute to the success of our organization.

Marc Therrien, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of IRIC
Philippe Roux, Ph.D., Scientific Director of IRIC