As we step into 2026, it has become a tradition to look back at some of the standout moments of the previous year at IRCM. And we have to say: our community has not stopped working hard! These twelve months were marked by major scientific breakthroughs, prestigious distinctions, inspiring initiatives for emerging scientific talent, and notable successes for this IRCM Foundation.
Cutting-Edge Discoveries: Science That Innovates
- Cancer: Promising breakthroughs in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer and metastases, paving the way for more targeted treatments.
- Immunology: Identification of the immune system’s “brakes” to design smarter anticancer therapies.
- Rare Diseases: A historic milestone – FDA approval of a treatment for Barth syndrome, co-discovered at the IRCM by Dr. Peter W. Schiller. A major advance in mitochondrial medicine.
- Autoimmunity: Breakthrough in lupus research with the discovery of a family of ubiquitin ligases (CBL), published in Immunity.
- Metabolism: Optimization of a bone hormone to improve metabolism, published in eLife, opening the door to innovative therapies.
- Neuroscience: Novel work on neuronal circuits controlling circadian rhythm and skeletal muscle formation.
- Immunity & Cancer: Discovery of the role of MAIT cells, offering new perspectives for treating infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Remarkable Distinctions and Recognitions
- Michel-Sarrazin Award (CRCQ): Dr. Nabil G. Seidah honoured for an exceptional career in biomedical research.
- Diabetes Canada Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret recognized for outstanding contributions to diabetes research.
- Prestigious Appointments and Awards:
- Dr. Jean-François Côté named Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
- Dr. Emilia Liana Falcone elected “Emerging Leader” at the Academy of Health Sciences and promoted to Associate Clinical Professor at Université de Montréal.
- Dr. Alexis Baass: Recipient of the Donald Hunninghake, MD, Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Abstract Award.
- Wilder-Penfield Award: Presented to an IRCM former student and researcher, Dr. Philippe Pibarot.
Strategic Grants:
- Three IRCM researchers awarded grants from the Cancer Research Society.
- Dr. Tarik Möröy: Laureate of a European TRANSCAN-ERA Net competition for innovative cancer projects.
- CIHR fall 2024 Project Grant Competition: IRCM stands out with six grants, achieving a 25% success rate—above the national average. These grants, totalling $4.7M, support the innovative research of Drs. Jennifer Estall, Hua Gu, Artur Kania, Marlene Oeffinger, Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, and Eric Racine.
- Additional CIHR funding for Dr. Michel Cayouette.
- An Canada – Brain Canada grant awarded to Dr. Eric Lécuyer.
Next Generation of Scientists: An Inspiring Year
- Laura Quirion, recipient of the Jacques-Genest Rising Star Award.
- Faces of a New Generation Series: Inspiring profiles of up-and-coming researchers like Easin Syed and Gilberto Duran Bishop.
- IRCM Seminar Series: Launch of the 5th edition to foster scientific exchange and continuous learning.
Collaborations and Key Events
- The 2025 Scientific Forum: Over 90 presentations and 155 participants, driving collaboration and innovation.
- Workshop “From Research to Innovation”: A resounding success, offering insights into research valorization, intellectual property, and career strategies in biopharma.
- CRCQ Congress: A vibrant 2025 edition fostering synergy among researchers, chaired by IRCM scientist Dr. Mathieu Ferron.
- Rare Disease Day: Spotlight on research into familial chylomicronemia syndrome.
Infrastructure and Strategic Projects
- Creation of the Mila and Brian Mulroney Philanthropic Chair in Diabetes, with a $10M fundraising goal to advance research on complex diabetes.
The IRCM Foundation: An Essential Support
- 2025 Annual Gala: A record-breaking $1,308,000 raised to support research, thanks to the mobilization of business leaders.
- A record $5.3M donated to the IRCM to advance research and training.
- Supporting Emerging Talent: $309,000 in excellence scholarships awarded to propel the next generation of scientists.
- An ongoing major fundraising campaign to sustain research and innovation.
In 2025, IRCM reaffirmed its role as a leader in biomedical research and training, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and next-generation talent to advance health. Thank you to our teams, partners, and donors for your unwavering commitment!
