Creation of an Emergency Fund for the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal

MONTREAL, April 27, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ -The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal is creating an Emergency Fund to support its research activities and is launching an appeal for solidarity. 

IRIC is being deeply impacted by the forced stoppage of part of its activities as a result of the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of its core facilities, which represent a major monthly financial resource for the Institute, have had to cease part of their activities. The future of young investigators and the completion of several promising projects are therefore greatly jeopardized. 

To make up for the critical shortfall caused by the temporary stoppage of certain research work, IRIC has created an Emergency Fund and is launching an appeal for solidarity.

Research is vital to help us fight diseases like cancer, or currently COVID-19. Many of the Institute's researchers possessing multipurpose and complementary skills have also been called upon to contribute to research on this new virus. They are working tirelessly to accelerate the advancement of knowledge and to find creative solutions to fight this pandemic. Their expertise, which includes the fields of bioinformatics, genomics and medicinal chemistry, is being harnessed in the hope to find innovative therapeutic solutions to fight COVID-19. 

More than ever, IRIC needs help to continue its mission and is launching an appeal for generosity. The Institute is well aware that the current situation poses collective health issues as well as economic issues. Moreover, it's with small and major donations that its investigators will be able to make the difference. Each contribution counts to support the research carried out at IRIC and contributes to finding new solutions against cancer and, currently, against COVID-19. 

In these challenging times and this period of great instability, IRIC would like to extend its warmest thanks for the support of its donors so that together, we can make a difference and overcome this extraordinary ordeal. 

About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal

An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montréal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. The IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. 

SOURCE Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal