Scientists, health professionals, patients and leaders in academia, government and industry from across Ontario gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of OICR’s founding.
Ontario’s cancer research community recently came together to celebrate two decades of life-changing impact at OICR’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Held Dec. 11, 2025 in Toronto, the celebration marked the anniversary of OICR’s founding, which was first announced by the Government of Ontario in December 2005.
Key figures from OICR’s past and present gathered at the celebration to commemorate all the institute had achieved for Ontario’s health and economic prosperity over the past two decades, and look ahead to new innovations that will transform cancer care and life sciences for generations to come.
The celebration kicked off with remarks from the Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, University, Research Excellence and Security, and a special video message from Premier Doug Ford. Other speakers included Chair of OICR’s Board of Directors Susan Fitzpatrick, OICR’s Acting President Dr. Christine Williams, OICR’s Acting Scientific Director Dr. Lincoln Stein, and Ambuj Srivastava of OICR’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.
OICR also honoured the first class of OICR Luminaries — a group of five leaders who played an essential role in building the institute. The inaugural Luminaries are John Evans, Tom Hudson, Michele Noble, Bob Phillips and Cal Stiller.
Later in the celebration, OICR announced the winner of InterConnections, a special art competition for images created as part of cancer research projects. First prize went to “The Meeting Point”, submitted by researchers Megan Hopkins and Dr. Melanie Spears.
The event’s MC Dr. Robert Campos, OICR’s Senior Director of Research Operations and Therapeutic Innovation, wrapped up the successful celebration by acknowledging the event planning team and the event’s sponsor organizations, which included Gold Sponsors Illumina and Fasken. He also thanked everyone in attendance and all members of the OICR community for their efforts to help people affected by cancer live longer, healthier lives.
