IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on June 15, 2023

The Rector’s Awards 2023 of the Université de Montréal were presented on June 12 to celebrate the achievements and commitment of outstanding staff members who exemplify university values. IRIC congratulates Julie Mantovani, Head of Academic Affairs, who received the Innovation Award during the ceremony. This award celebrates an individual who dares to bring change by proposing and implementing new ideas.

Julie Mantovani is committed to the development of everyone at IRIC. Noting the isolation caused by the many months of pandemic, she proposed a bold project to revitalize the bonds uniting members of the Institute: the Connexion Breaks.

The concept is simple: every month, participants are matched in pairs and invited to meet over coffee or tea to get to know each other better. Members of the staff, student, post-doctoral and professorial communities form new duos. Unlikely encounters occur: a professor and an administrative technician, a postdoctoral fellow and the head of finance, etc. As diversity is plural at IRIC, these encounters help to break down barriers and bring together people from different backgrounds.

Launched in March 2022, the project was quickly adopted and continues to grow in popularity. Today, nearly 600 meetings later, 30% of IRIC members take part in the project. Many smiles, greetings and friendships have resulted from this initiative, which is now talked about outside of IRIC.

Thanks to Julie for this innovative project!