THE INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2025
TRAINING AND MENTORING
The Institute continues to strengthen its commitment to training and mentorship, offering dynamic opportunities for the next generation of health researchers. From dynamic student events to innovative career initiatives and dedicated mentorship programs, our community is investing in the growth and success of trainees. The past year’s achievements speak to the impact of these efforts.
The Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training
The EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE)
The Clinical Observership Program
The Distinguished Professors Lecture Series
The Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training
Under the leadership of Miguel Burnier, MD and Emily Bell, PhD, the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) offers the more than 1,500 trainees at The Institute advanced career development skills and knowledge, helping to prepare them for impactful roles in research and across the broader health and life sciences ecosystem.
In December, DCAT held its annual Career Spark networking event, offering trainees an opportunity to connect directly with professionals from across the health research ecosystem. These exchanges help participants explore diverse career paths and strengthen their professional networks. Learn more
In August, DCAT hosted the 2024 Institute Summer Student Research Day, when young trainees presented their research findings to peers and members of The Institute community. For many, it was their first experience presenting scientific research and receiving vital feedback to guide their professional growth. This year set a new record, with over 120 student presenters showcasing their research. Learn more
For more on DCAT’s recent progress and successes, consult the latest DCAT annual report.
The EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE)
A research career can be challenging to navigate, particularly for young scientists. To address this, the EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE) supports postdoctoral fellows as well as early- and mid-career research associates and assistants at the Institute, helping them build skills and chart meaningful career paths.
In March 2025, the network marked International Women’s Day with their Accelerated Actions event on career development and gender equity in research. Senior and early-career speakers — including Nitika Pant Pai, MD, senior scientist in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program; Rhian Touyz, MBBCh, PhD, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of The Institute; Mariane Bertagnolli, PhD, scientist in the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program; and Shradha Wali, PhD, a founding member of EACARE now working as a scientist in the private sector — shared personal insights and strategies for success, underscoring the importance of mentorship and community support. Learn more
The Institute’s Clinical Observership Program: Bridging lab research and patient care
The Institute launched a new Clinical Observership Program designed to bring research trainees closer to the clinical realities of the biological systems they study.
Through this immersive experience, postdoctoral fellows followed physicians, met with healthcare professionals and interacted with patients and families, gaining valuable insights into diagnosis, treatment, and the human impact of disease. This program bridged the gap between biomedical discovery and patient care, fostering a more holistic understanding of health and illness and enhancing the relevance and impact of research.
The Clinical Observership Program was conceived by Dr. Rhian Touyz and initiated by Dr. David Eidelman, senior scientist at The Institute and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University. Learn more
The Distinguished Professors Lecture Series
Launched in 2023, the Distinguished Professors Lecture Series brings world-renowned experts to The Institute to share cutting-edge perspectives on health research. Featuring outstanding national and international speakers — including Nobel Prize laureates — the series offers trainees, staff and faculty the opportunity to learn from leaders shaping the future of science. Held monthly in the Cruess Auditorium at the Glen site, each lecture is followed by networking and discussion, fostering both knowledge exchange and community connection.
A highlight of the series was the Dr. Phil Gold Lectureship, delivered by Nobel Prize laureate Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, Group Leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In his public talk, “Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality,” Sir Ramakrishnan explored the biology of aging, the promise of longevity research and the profound ways extended lifespans could reshape society. Learn more
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