The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to announce that Dr. Michel Cayouette, Director of the Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit and Full Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Montreal, is the winner of the 2025 Marcel-Piché Award.
This award recognizes the scientific excellence and outstanding contribution of an IRCM researcher to the Institute's reputation. Dr. Cayouette perfectly embodies this mission through the remarkable quality of his work on the development and the rejuvenescence of the nervous system, particularly the retina, and his unwavering commitment to training the next generation of scientists.
"Dr. Michel Cayouette is an exceptional scientist, builder and mentor whose impact extends far beyond the walls of the IRCM. Through his rigor, vision and humanity, he inspires an entire generation of researchers and contributes in a remarkable way to the advancement of science in the service of health. "
— Dr. Jean-François Côté, President and Scientific Director of the IRCM
Internationally recognized for his discoveries in stem cell biology and cell differentiation mechanisms, Dr. Cayouette has opened promising avenues in regenerative medicine and in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Michel Cayouette exemplifies Quebec’s scientific leadership on both national and international stages. As Director of the Vision Sciences Research Network (VSRN), he plays a pivotal role in advancing vision research in Quebec. His expertise is sought by organizations such as INESSS and Fighting Blindness Canada. Globally, he serves on prestigious advisory boards, consults for venture capital firms, and is regularly invited to deliver keynote lectures, including the renowned David Beebe Lecture in 2025.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Cayouette is recognized for his role as a mentor to young researchers, whom he supports with rigor, generosity, and passion. His commitment to knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration makes him a pillar of the Quebec scientific community.
For nearly 60 years, the IRCM has been a unique center of innovation in biomedical research, where basic science meets clinical practice to tangibly improve people's health. The presentation of the Marcel-Piché Award to a researcher of Dr. Cayouette's stature perfectly illustrates this vocation.
Many of the previous Marcel-Piché Award winners are leading figures in research at its best.
The IRCM warmly congratulates Dr. Michel Cayouette on this well-deserved distinction and thanks him for his outstanding contribution to science and to the Institute's mission.
