Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that in 2011 177,800 new cases were diagnosed and 75,000 people died from cancer. Nearly 40% of Canadian women and 45% of Canadian men will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 1 out of every 4 Canadians is expected to die from cancer.

Despite considerable efforts and spectacular scientific advances to fight this disease, effective treatments are lacking for most types of cancer.

An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of Université de Montréal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this plague.

IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. In less than 10 years, IRIC has built a reputation for excellence with the Canadian and international scientific community. Its team of nearly 400 dedicated members, each one convinced of the soundness of the Institute’s approach: complementary expertise, collaboration and community, combined with creativity and innovation, make up its winning formula for beating cancer.