Montreal, September 28, 2026 – As part of the Inherited Retinal Disease Awareness Month, the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to highlight a major funding award from Fighting Blindness Canada to renowned scientist Dr. Michel Cayouette, Director of the Developmental Neurobiology Research Unit and Canada Research Chair in Retina Biology and Vision Restoration.
This new support of $200 000 over two years reflects the outstanding impact of Dr. Cayouette’s work and his research team, internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of the mechanisms that control retinal development and regeneration. For more than two decades, their discoveries have helped open new therapeutic avenues for people living with degenerative eye diseases, particularly inherited retinal disorders that lead to progressive vision loss.
“Dr. Michel Cayouette exemplifies the IRCM mission of advancing knowledge to improve human health. His remarkable career, innovative vision and commitment to developing therapies for blinding eye diseases have helped establish Quebec and Canada as leaders in vision research,” said Dr. Jean-François Côté, President and Scientific Director of the IRCM.
The IRCM also wishes to recognize that this funding opportunity was made possible in large part through the generous support of the Pillenière Foundation, whose visionary commitment to retinal disease research is helping accelerate promising scientific breakthroughs. This support will enable researchers to deepen the understanding of vision loss causes and to develop innovative approaches aimed at preserving or restoring sight.
Every advance in this field brings us one step closer to a future where blindness-causing retinal diseases can be treated more effectively. During this Inherited Retinal Disease Awareness Month, the IRCM is delighted to see Dr. Cayouette’s work recognized and supported by partners who share a common goal: bringing hope to the millions of people affected by retinal diseases in Canada and around the world.
The IRCM warmly congratulates Dr. Michel Cayouette and extends its sincere thanks to Fighting Blindness Canada, the IRCM Foundation and the Pillenière Foundation for their commitment to research, innovation and hope for people living with vision loss.
