A holiday message from Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi, OICR’s President and Scientific Director:
This year has presented immense challenges and hardships for people around the world, including cancer patients, researchers, clinicians and many others in the OICR community.
As I reflect on what has transpired over 2020, I think the most lasting memory will be the amazing adaptability of our staff, funded researchers, leadership and partners that has allowed us to continue pressing ahead in the fight against cancer, all while contributing to COVID-19 research and staying safe. I thank everyone for their remarkable contributions to cancer research during this difficult time and for being part of the historic scientific campaign against COVID-19, while keeping our cancer focus solidly intact.
While the year did not go as anyone planned, we have continued to make a difference for cancer patients by advancing cutting-edge solutions for preventing, screening, diagnosing and treating cancer. Of particular note this year was the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) project coming to its climax, generating astounding insights into cancer genomics that are fueling entirely new ways to approach cancer such as developing new tools and approaches to interrogate the role of non-coding regions of the genome. This project is emblematic of the efforts of OICR researchers across our programs to collaborate and find truly novel solutions to the many challenges we face in improving the lives of cancer patients. The scientific network of investigators we fund has also made tremendous contributions, including advancing new drug targets and cell therapy approaches against cancer as well as inroads in understanding cancer therapeutic resistance via cancer stem cells and uncovering novel molecular subsets of cancers, such as pancreatic cancer.
Earlier this year a positive international external review found that OICR is making a true impact and is on the right track, having built a firm foundation to reinforce our model and take the next steps in furthering our impact. Through consultations with our stakeholders, we have developed a bold and visionary new strategic plan that will expand our focus on early cancer detection and intervention as well as strengthen our growing and successful drug discovery efforts. This plan builds not only on our current momentum, but also further deepens collaborations with our provincial, national and global partners.
Of course, our progress thus far would not be possible without the support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities – I thank them for their continued investment in made-in-Ontario cancer innovations and belief in our vision of “cancer solved together”. I also thank our partners in cancer research and care at cancer centres, research institutes and universities across Ontario for their continued collaboration and engagement. Together we have continued to perform world class research, improve cancer care and bring real economic benefits to Ontario’s economy.
In closing, I note that many of us will not be able to celebrate the holidays as we have in years past. While this is unfortunate, we must focus on the good we are doing for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities by doing our part for public health. I wish happy holidays and a happy new year to all as we look forward to a much brighter year ahead. Please take care and stay safe.
Sincerly,
Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi
President and Scientific Director, OICR