The holidays are filled with traditions old and new, whether it’s a turkey dinner, a movie with friends, a long flight home or an annual trip south to get away from the cold. At OICR we have staff and collaborators from all over the world, and it is always amazing to hear about everyone’s unique plans as they gear up for the end of the year.
While we each may have our own unique traditions and experiences, I think we can all agree that one tradition that unites us all is the shock that yet another year has passed so quickly. It still feels as though 2017 has just begun, and yet here we are, already looking back over the year that passed.
At OICR, 2017 has been filled with success and exciting new developments. We’ve been implementing our new Strategic Plan, focused on the areas of Adaptive Oncology, Therapeutic Innovation and Clinical Translation, as well as supporting programs that will enhance the broader research ecosystem in Ontario. We’ve launched several new programs, including our Translational Research Initiatives and the Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline, which will help to translate more therapies to patients. And our researchers have been working with partners to drive new innovations that can help people living with cancer worldwide, while also providing economic benefit to the people of Ontario.
We couldn’t do this without you, our collaborators, supporters, partners and champions. OICR enjoys the support of so many organizations and individuals who are continuing to help us realize our translational research mission. Collaboration is essential to our research success, and we thank you for the support you’ve given us over the year.
More recently, 2017 has been marked by sadness. OICR lost a close colleague and friend with the passing of Jeff Courtney, President of FACIT, OICR’s commercialization partner, in late November. Jeff led FACIT’s incredible successes on the commercialization front over the past few years and his skill, compassion and expertise will be sorely missed – not just by us, but by an entire community of Ontario researchers and innovators. We send our condolences to his family and friends, and our thoughts are with them this holiday season.
Jeff’s passing reminds us all, especially this time of year, to appreciate those around us. We hope that you get a chance to be with those who are most important to you this holiday season. And whatever unique and interesting way you spend it, we wish you all a safe, restful and happy holiday season, and look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.
Sincerely,
OICR Executive Team