My first experience with the imagery of cancer research was on a tour of the OICR laboratories by Dr. Jane Bayani.  Aside from the state-of-the-art instrumentation, I was able to see what a cancer tissue and cancer cells looked like up close both down a microscope and on a computer monitor in the Diagnostic Development laboratory. It is difficult to reconcile the progression from donor tumour tissue to a deli-sliced thin section on a glass slide, then processing and preparation for assays or delivery to other OICR platforms with the elegant masterpieces produced on screen. The colours and contours created dazzling images of both the normal and abnormal, health and disease and more importantly life and loss.

Jane, Diagnostic Development’s Co-Director, and I mused over how mesmerizing these images were and how they really should be displayed on the empty walls of OICR…and there was the seed, planted on September 22, 2022. To achieve InterConnections has been a team effort involving many members across OICR’s departments and programs, the independent judging panel, the support of OICR’s executive and the sponsorship by Illumina.

 In honour of OICR’s 20^th anniversary and its dedication to engaging patient partners, we felt a celebration of the scientific contributions and connections to those impacted by cancer could be embodied in an art competition. Science is not just about the cells, structures or radiological images, it’s also about collecting, processing and interpreting data and using that information to develop safe and effective methods to prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, cure the collections of diseases we call cancer. It’s also about honouring the patients who agree to give their tissues and clinical information to be part of this important research. But most of all, it’s about collective understanding.

And here we are today…

We invite you to view and reflect on the captivating images of our exhibition, InterConnections: Art, Science and Cancer Research and to connect with others about what you have seen.

Diana Lemaire and Dr. Jane Bayani,
Co-chairs, InterConnections

InterConnections is supported by Illumina