Jennifer Fraszczak, Director of Technological Platforms and Scientific Infrastructure
People First
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
The IRCM technological core facilities provide state-of-the-art equipment, specialized services, and technical expertise to researchers, while providing students with a valuable learning environment.
Main Roles
- Analytical Services and Consulting: Provide high-level expertise to ensure reliable, high-quality results.
- Research Support: Enable the successful implementation of basic and clinical research projects.
- Training the Next Generation: Serve as hands-on learning facilities for the Institute’s graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
When Jennifer Fraszczak talks about the IRCM, she does not start with the cutting-edge equipment, the scientific infrastructure, or the state-of-the-art technologies that make the Institute so impressive. She starts by talking about the people.
“What has kept me here since 2011 is the people,” she says without hesitation.
Recently appointed Director of Technological Platforms and Scientific Infrastructure, Jennifer knows the Institute from the inside out. She first joined the IRCM as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Tarik Möröy’s laboratory and later continued her journey as a research associate, working closely with research teams and technological core facilities across the Institute. This experience allowed her to discover one of the IRCM’s greatest strengths: a culture deeply rooted in human connections and the richness of interpersonal relationships.
“I love the family atmosphere at the IRCM. Everyone knows one another. Researchers and students alike are approachable. Regardless of our role, we can easily talk to one another. There is very little bureaucracy.”
Today, she sees that same spirit reflected in the teams she leads. Behind every technological platform are dedicated experts who support researchers in bringing their most ambitious projects to life.
“We are incredibly fortunate. The people who work in our platforms are exceptionally talented. They are completely dedicated to research and to the success of scientific projects.”
For Jennifer, their contribution extends far beyond technical support —which is a means rather than an end— in the pursuit of scientific advances that can ultimately improve lives and lead to new treatments.
“My colleagues are always available, always willing to help, to come up with solutions, to adapt protocols, or to take on new challenges. They are extraordinarily skilled, but they are also incredibly generous with their time and expertise.”
She particularly admires their ability to innovate and remain at the forefront of their fields.
“Intellectually, they are brilliant people. They are constantly developing new approaches so that our researchers have access to the best possible methods and tools.”
Their expertise is recognized well beyond the walls of the Institute. Several IRCM core facilities regularly attract users from other research centres and universities.
“What draws them here is certainly the quality of our equipment, but above all the expertise of our teams and their personalized approach. Our people take the time to understand the researchers’ needs and find tailored solutions . That is one of the IRCM’s greatest strengths.”
Now leading a team of approximately twenty professionals, Jennifer hopes to continue developing the Institute’s platforms while preserving what makes them unique.
“Infrastructure is important, but its value lies in the people who bring it to life. Our greatest asset is the talented individuals who work in our platforms every day.”
For someone who has devoted a significant part of her career to the IRCM, this new position represents an opportunity to further support a community she deeply cares about.
“I received an exceptional welcome from every team, including the administration. This transition has gone smoothly thanks to the generosity and kindness of the people around me. That has always been one of the IRCM’s greatest strengths.”
Jennifer concludes by emphasizing that her passion for academic research has played a major role in her attachment to the IRCM and its mission of advancing scientific discovery.
“It is a noble and deeply human mission.”
