A sustained commitment to research that heals
Mr. Richard Mayrand, Chair of the Montreal Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (IRCM)’s Board of Directors of the, is pleased to announce the renewal of Dr. Jean François Côté’s mandate as President and Scientific Director (PSD) of the Institute.
As the IRCM approaches its 60th anniversary, this decision reflects the Board’s confidence in Dr. Côté’s leadership and its determination to continue the transformation initiated in recent years. It will help accelerate the implementation of the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan and further position the IRCM among the most innovative biomedical research institutes in Canada.
“Since his appointment in 2022, Dr. Côté has successfully mobilized the IRCM community around an ambitious vision for biomedical research. He has strengthened our culture of excellence, fostered the recruitment of top-tier talent, and developed strategic collaborations that position the Institute to meet tomorrow’s scientific challenges. Renewing his mandate will allow us to accelerate this trajectory and pursue our ambition of making the IRCM a leader in precision medicine, biomedical innovation, and translational research,” said Richard Mayrand, Chair of the IRCM Board of Directors.
A Vision Focused on the Medicine of Tomorrow
During his next term, Dr. Côté will continue to advance an integrated vision of research in which fundamental discoveries, cutting-edge technologies, and clinical research converge to accelerate the development of tangible solutions for patients.
This vision is essentially based on:
- developing precision medicine, as well as RNA-based and monoclonal antibody therapies;
- integrating genomics, computational biology, and artificial intelligence approaches;
- strengthening partnerships with hospitals, universities, governments, and the industry;
- attracting leading researchers and training the next generation of scientists;
- accelerating the translation of discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.
Through these efforts, the IRCM aims to play an even greater role within biomedical research ecosystem of Quebec, Canada, and the world.
A Renowned Scientist Serving a Collective Vision
An internationally recognized cancer biology researcher, Dr. Jean François Côté leads the IRCM’s Cytoskeleton Organization and Cell Migration Research Unit. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis.
A Full Professor at Université de Montréal, an Adjunct Professor at McGill University, and a holder of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (Canada Research Chair in Cell Signalling and Cancer Metastasis), he now brings this scientific expertise to the Institute’s strategic development.
Since 2022, his leadership has helped strengthen the IRCM’s collaborative culture, increase its visibility, support the recruitment of outstanding researchers, enhance technological platforms, and intensify national and international collaborations.
The Ambition to Create Lasting Impact
“The coming years represent an exceptional momentum for biomedical research. Advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, cell biology, and precision medicine are offering unprecedented opportunities to better understand diseases and develop more effective treatments. Our ambition is for the IRCM to be at the heart of this transformation. We will continue to attract top talent, develop ambitious partnerships, and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into benefits for patients. This is how we will create a lasting impact on the health of our society.” — Dr. Jean François Côté
As the IRCM prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, the renewal of Dr. Côté’s mandate marks the beginning of a new phase in its development. Building on its scientific excellence and capacity for innovation, the IRCM community will continue its mission to push the boundaries of knowledge, improve population health, and contribute to the international reputation of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada.
