As I prepare to hand over the reins of the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) to the next Scientific Director, I have taken a moment to pause and reflect on the successes and achievements of the last seven years. It has, without question, been a memorable and challenging experience to guide ICR through the early years of its mandate.
Throughout it all, I have been supported by an excellent staff in both Ottawa and Montreal and an advisory board of friends and colleagues who have provided both their wisdom and experience in guiding the development of Institute programs and initiatives.
Some examples of which I am particularly proud include our leadership role in the Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative, the many strategic cancer research training programs that ICR has supported, the creation of the first national tumour bank repository, the launch of the Palliative and End of Life Care initiative and the recently funded Access to Quality Cancer Care initiative. All these programs will add to the strength of Canadian cancer research and will continue to impact positively on cancer control worldwide.
During my years at CIHR, I have had the opportunity to work with many other organizations which share common goals in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. As the current Chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA), an alliance of 23 bodies supporting cancer research in Canada, I have been able to play a role in promoting the coordination of Canadian cancer research. I have seen the CIHR cancer research funding double from $52 million per year in 2000/2001 to $104 million in 2006/2007 resulting in the funding of many more outstanding grants and awards.
It has been a privilege to work with the other Scientific Directors and CIHR senior management in guiding the growth of CIHR from its inception to the world class organization that it has become and I will miss the challenges and accomplishments that have been the hallmark of CIHR's success.
As I move forward with new career opportunities, I will remember, with nostalgia, the friends and colleagues who have made my years at CIHR so memorable and I wish the next Director every success in his/her reign at the helm of ICR - it is a truly remarkable Institute supported by a loyal and supportive research community.
