A showcase of innovation, collaboration and discovery
SOURCE: The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute)
November 12, 2025
On November 5, the Technology Platforms of the Centre for Translational Biology at The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) hosted the 2025 Platform Expo, an event that brought together scientists, trainees and industry representatives for an afternoon of technology-driven discovery. The showcase highlighted how advanced infrastructure and expert support continue to empower researchers and accelerate innovation across programs at The Institute.
"The Platform Expo is about connection — connecting ideas, people and technologies," says Patrice Vaillancourt, Manager of the Technology Platforms. "Each year, we see how these interactions open new possibilities for research and collaboration."
A closer look at emerging research
The program began with an overview by Tyler Lalonde, Lead Small Animal Imaging and CTB Business Relations (Chef, Imagerie du petit animal et relations d'affaires du CBT), of how multidisciplinary platforms can strengthen experimental design and help researchers push scientific boundaries. Investigators then presented examples of high-impact studies in theranostics, spatial transcriptomics, precision oncology and deep proteomics, underscoring the essential role of the platforms in advancing translational research.
Trainee presentations followed, illustrating how the next generation of scientists is applying cutting-edge tools and analytical approaches available through The Institute's platforms to tackle complex biological questions.
Guest speaker and industry insights
This year's keynote address was delivered by Jean-Philippe Couture, PhD, of Allumiqs, whose talk, "Novel Techniques for Multiomic Research," who explored how integrated multiomic strategies are reshaping our understanding of biological systems. His presentation offered practical insights for researchers interested in applying multiomic approaches to their own projects.
After the talks, participants gathered in the Glen site atrium for a networking mixer, where platform staff, investigators and industry partners exchanged ideas, explored collaborative opportunities and learned about tailored technology solutions.
Platforms powering discovery
The 2025 expo featured interactive kiosks and demonstrations from the following CTB platforms and collaborators: Biobank, Bioinformatics, Centre for Applied Nanomedicine, Containment Level 3, Histopathology, Immunophenotyping, Molecular Imaging, Proteomics and Molecular Analysis, Small Animal Imaging Labs (SAIL), Animal Resources Division, McGill Integrated Core for Animal Modeling (MICAM), and Gnotobiotics.
Partnering with industry leaders
The event also included a vibrant sponsor exhibition, where attendees connected with representatives from leading scientific companies showcasing advanced instrumentation and research services. Sponsors included Allumiqs, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Leica Biosystems, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Avantor, Medicom, Scintica Instrumentation, PharmaMedSci, indica labs, ACD BioTechne, Syncell and MediLumine.
The Institute extends its appreciation to Patrice Vaillancourt, Tyler Lalonde, Lise Sirois and the Platform Expo Organizing Committee for their commitment to creating another engaging and successful event that fosters innovation and strengthens collaboration across The Institute's research community.
