IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on January 15, 2024

Over the past 20 years, IRIC has built a research model unique in the country, and brought together exceptional expertise. To shine the spotlight on its community, promote science and set the stage for future achievements, the Institute has created a special program for 2023. Here, in retrospect, are the various initiatives and celebrations that marked this special year.

The pillars of IRIC

To highlight the work of the people who have contributed since the very beginning, sometimes behind the scenes, to making the Institute what it is today, a series of 12 portraits was created to raise awareness of “IRIC’s Pillars”.

Using a fun question-and-answer format, anecdotes, career paths and interests were brought to light by the project. At the rate of one publication per month, the IRIC community was able to discover (or rediscover) fellow builders.

FOCUS exhibition

Early February was the inaugural edition of FOCUS, an exhibition showcasing science from an artistic perspective, thanks to the creative talents of IRIC’s scientific community. The exhibition showcased scientific works created by the Institute’s community at Projet Casa, a Montreal showroom founded by Danielle Lysaught and Paul Hamelin, long-time supporters of IRIC. Over $10,000 was raised to support the creation of IRIC’s Chair in Biomedical Data. By harnessing artificial intelligence applied to human health, this Chair will ensure the development of powerful and novel computational approaches for the development of new therapeutic agents against cancer.

Audace benefit event

To mark its return to the face-to-face setting, the Audace benefit event was revamped and revitalized to encourage meetings and discussions between allies and various IRIC stakeholders. The evening, hosted by Stéphane Bellavance, drew over 250 guests and raised $505,000 for research.

Celebration of IRIC’s 20th anniversary and its community

A day of celebration for IRIC’s student community and staff underscored the collaboration, passion and enthusiasm that have characterized its members for 20 years. All dressed in blue, the spirit was festive at this convivial and unifying BBQ.

IRIC Scientific Symposium: a special 20^th anniversary edition

IRIC’s international symposium provided an opportunity to hear more than twenty eminent scientists from Canada and around the world describe their latest discoveries in oncology and discuss the potential for the development of new cancer therapies. The festivities concluded with a cocktail reception dedicated to celebrating IRIC’s 20th anniversary and scientific immersion. The evening brought together several of IRIC’s founding members and provided an opportunity to relive the Institute’s defining moments.

These initiatives were made possible thanks to the dedication of IRIC’s teams and partners. The year 2023 saw the celebration of a significant milestone in the Institute’s history; the years to come will be just as promising. Let’s write the next chapters together!