The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to announce that four of its scientists were awarded funding through the Spring 2026 Project Grant Competition of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada's federal agency responsible for funding excellence in health research. IRCM researchers achieved an overall success rate of 22.2%, significantly exceeding the national average of 13%.
These highly competitive grants are a testament to the quality and potential of the research conducted at the IRCM. More importantly, they provide research teams with the resources needed to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, explore novel approaches, and accelerate discoveries that can ultimately improve patients' health and quality of life.
"At a time when competition for research funding is enhanced, these outstanding results underscore the scientific excellence of our researchers and the relevance of their work to a wide range of serious diseases. These investments are essential to advancing bold, innovative research that brings us closer to better treatments and improved outcomes for patients," said Dr. Jean-François Côté, President and Scientific Director of IRCM.
Funded Projects
Dr. Jane Yardley (with Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret and Caroline Grou of IRCM as co-applicants)
Project title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Functional mobiLity and Resistance EXercise for Postmenopausal Females With Type 1 Diabetes: The FLEX-T1D Trial
Dr. Jane Yardley's research will evaluate the benefits of a program combining functional mobility and resistance exercise for postmenopausal women living with type 1 diabetes. The project has the potential to help preserve mobility, strength, and overall health in this understudied population.
Dr. Mathieu Ferron (with Dr. Guy Rutter of CR-CHUM as co-applicant)
Project Title: The Role of Vitamin K-Dependent Carboxylation in Beta Cell Function
Dr. Mathieu Ferron is investigating a novel role for vitamin K in diabetes. His research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the function of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. This work could provide important insights into how beta cell activity is controlled and may contribute to the development of new approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Dr. Nicole Francis (with Dr. François Robert of IRCM as co-applicant)
Project title: Mechanism of Transcription Repression by the Polycomb Complex cPRC1
Dr. Nicole Francis investigates the fundamental mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Her project focuses on the Polycomb cPRC1 complex, a key regulator of gene activity whose dysfunction has been linked to several diseases, including cancer.
Dr. Hua Gu
Project title: Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Tfh Cell Biology
Dr. Hua Gu's research aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which play a critical role in the immune system. This work could open new avenues for understanding the development of lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Research That Changes Lives
Through these projects, the IRCM continues to advance knowledge in fields as diverse as diabetes, immunology, genetics, and cancer. Every discovery helps lay the foundation for tomorrow's therapies and brings the scientific community one step closer to new breakthroughs that will benefit patients.
The IRCM warmly congratulates Drs. Jane Yardley, Nicole Francis, Mathieu Ferron and Hua Gu on this outstanding achievement and sincerely thanks the CIHR for their indispensable support of health research in Canada. The IRCM also extends its gratitude to the researchers who generously supported the Institute's applicants by reviewing grant proposals internally and providing thoughtful, constructive feedback. Their commitment and collegial spirit played an important role in strengthening these applications and exemplify the collaborative culture that drives excellence in research.
