Three interdisciplinary teams awarded funding to launch innovative research networks at The Institute
SOURCE: The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute)
March 31, 2025
The inaugural Networks Competition at The Institute marks a significant milestone in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing precision health across the life course. Launched as part of The Institute's 2030 Vision, the competition was designed to break down research silos and encourage synergy across disease-focused Programs and discipline-based Centres. These networks aim to tackle critical unmet needs by uniting unique expertise and resources from both within and beyond The Institute.
After a two-phase process that began with seed funding for six teams, three winning networks have now been awarded $200,000 each over the next two years to implement their research initiatives and generate preliminary data for future grant applications. The applications were rigorously assessed by an international scientific review committee and a national patient partners committee.
Congratulations to the final awardees:
- Geneviève Bernard – CARELeuko: Canadian Association for Research Excellence in Leukodystrophy
- Julia Burnier – Circulating Biomarkers of Health and Disease (liquid biopsy and cfDNA)
- Stella Daskalopoulou – Hypertension and Vascular Diseases Network
Outstanding contributions were also made by Janusz Rak, Dana Small, and Bruce Mazer, who reached the final stage of the competition.
A milestone for collaboration at The Institute
The Institute is committed to generating internationally recognized, high-impact discoveries. Groundbreaking breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of disciplines. These newly funded networks will foster collaboration and synergy, positioning researchers for success in securing external peer-reviewed funding.
With the completion of this inaugural competition, these innovative networks are expected to drive transformative discoveries and strengthen global research impact.
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