The Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute has paid tribute to the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien by presenting him with the IRCM Merit Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to the advancement of scientific research in Canada.
As Prime Minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003, Mr. Chrétien helped establish important structural programs that revolutionized Canadian research, including the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Research Chairs Program, Genome Canada and the Research Support Fund.
Mr. Chrétien received the IRCM Merit Award at an evening event held under the honorary presidency of Louis Vachon, CEO of National Bank of Canada, and attended by a number of dignitaries from the science and business communities, as well as many IRCM Foundation donors. This was also an opportunity to celebrate the IRCM’s 50th anniversary.
“Mr. Chrétien’s contribution to the advancement of science is remarkable. His vision and commitment to scientists have been instrumental in establishing essential grant and scholarship programs, which have contributed enormously to the IRCM’s success. In the history of our Institute, these funding agencies have been the cornerstone for a number of discoveries,” said Dr. Tarik Möröy, IRCM President and Scientific Director.
Louise Lambert Lagacé, IRCM Board Chair, added that “Mr. Chrétien’s determination as prime minister of Canada to support the scientific research community is unique in Canadian history. The IRCM would like to pay tribute to and thank him for providing researchers with new tools and stopping the brain drain. In recognition of his outstanding support, we are presenting him with the IRCM Merit Award.”
“Through his dedication to stepping up funding for science, he has contributed to the discovery of new medications and innovative treatments, many of which were created at the IRCM.” We must acknowledge and thank this man of conviction whose support of scientific research has made a real difference,” concluded André J.P. Couillard, President of the IRCM Foundation.
About the IRCM Foundation
The Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute Foundation is one of the Institute's key partners. Through the tremendous efforts of people committed to IRCM's present and future, the Foundation can fulfill its mission of supporting IRCM's research, technological development and training activities, promoting its growth.
About the IRCM
Founded in 1967, the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute is a non-profit organization that conducts fundamental and clinical biomedical research in addition to training high-level young scientists. With its cutting-edge technology facilities, the institute brings together 33 research teams, which work in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, systems biology and medicinal chemistry. The IRCM also operates a research clinic specialized in hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes and cystic fibrosis, as well as a research centre on rare and genetic diseases in adults. The IRCM is affiliated with the Université de Montréal and associated with McGill University. Its clinic is affiliated with the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). The IRCM is supported by the Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation (Quebec ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation).
Source:
Anne-Marie Beauregard, Communication Advisor
Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) / Montreal Clinical Research Institute
514 987-5555 | anne-marie.beauregard@ircm.qc.ca
