The Institute marks 10 years of research excellence, collaboration and community at the Glen site
SOURCE: Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute)
September 24, 2025
The Institute marked a major milestone this week: ten years at the Glen site. Since opening its doors in 2015, the Glen has brought together discovery, clinical care and evaluative research under one roof.The anniversary was about community, continuity and the promise of the next decade. An event held this week brought together researchers, trainees, staff and partners to reflect on a decade of achievement and to look toward the future. The Cruess Auditorium was filled to capacity as Institute members and long-time supporters came together to celebrate.
Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer, reflected on The Institute's remarkable growth over the past decade and the enduring impact of its research. "What a joy to see this community gathered to mark ten years at the Glen site. A decade ago, we opened our doors with a clear purpose: to bring discovery, clinical care and evaluative research closer together so ideas could move faster from bench to bedside. That vision shaped the Glen—literally and figuratively—and it still guides us today. As we look ahead, our commitment is unchanged and urgent: translate discovery into better health for all the communities we serve across the life course."
Prof. Vassilios Papadopoulos, who served as Executive Director during the move to the Glen site, shared his perspective on the bold transition. "For the first time, the university, hospitals and the Institute came together under one mission. It was a huge step forward in tackling problems with a shared approach. It is not about the building or the bells and whistles—it is about the people. The innovation and research done here are what truly build The Institute and make it worthwhile."
Dr. Bruce Mazer, led The Institute as Executive Director from 2016 to 2020. As he explained: "My four years as Executive Director were incredible. I saw myself as a bridge—between Vasily and Rhian, between the old sites and the new Glen, and between programs that were ideas on paper and those that became real, whether here, at CORE or at the MGH. Those bridges helped lay the foundation for what is now our Vision 2030 and all that has followed."
Celebrating together
The celebration continued in the McConnell Atrium, where interactive booths and refreshments created a lively setting for conversation and connection. Guests gained a window into The Institute's research programs, engaging directly with trainees and scientists to explore the breadth of discovery taking place at the Glen—from fundamental science to translational research aimed at improving patient care.
Long-time staff recalled the move to the Glen, while trainees looked ahead to the future. The gathering captured both pride in the past decade and anticipation for the next generation's contributions to The Institute's future.
Building the next decade
The 10-year celebration honoured past achievements while highlighting The Institute's bold trajectory, and thanking the MUHC, Montreal General Hospital, Cedars, and Montreal Children's foundations for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Over the past decade, The Institute has firmly established itself as one of the leading research centres in Quebec and across Canada, advancing fundamental discovery, translational research and clinical innovation. As it enters a new chapter, The Institute remains committed to driving discovery, fostering collaboration and delivering impact— strengthening the bridges between ideas and impact, people and purpose, science and better health across the life course.
