The Institut’s goals have been clear from the beginning:
- To search for the causes, mechanisms and most effective treatments for diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, immunological disorders and Parkinson’s disease
- To train young scientists and managers to assume leadership roles, and to prepare young physicians who, once accustomed to research, would have a more scientific medical and teaching approach
- To foster a research atmosphere by bringing together under one roof all the clinical research departments frequently dispersed in various parts of a hospital, and to promote more frequent contact between researchers to pool resources and information
- To make fundamental science advances more accessible to patients by promoting a close association between scientifically-trained staff (PhD or D.Sc.) and clinician-physicians
- To pay all researchers based on the same salary scale, whether they hold a medical or a science degree
The Institut has an extremely effective evaluation system. Every year, laboratory directors and their associates attend a two-day retreat, during which they present their research findings and upcoming projects. Two external judges evaluate their work and submit a report to the scientific director. In addition, every five years, management and researchers receive a four-day visit from international experts who assess the scientific productivity, policies and administrative organization of the Institut. A report is then given directly to the chairman of the IRCM Board of Directors.