What’s new at the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute?

In 2025, researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute advanced discoveries tackling therapy resistance, metastasis, immunotherapy response, and rare cancers—translating fundamental molecular insight into new therapeutic directions.

In 2025, GCI trainees played a leading role in shaping outreach, inclusion, and community engagement—from Research Day and Science-meets-Art to major fundraising and public-facing initiatives. Together, these efforts extend the impact of cancer research far beyond the lab.

From the discovery of the world’s first cancer biomarker in 1965 to the recruitment of rising research leaders, the GCI marks 60 years of scientific excellence—while investing in the discoveries and people shaping the future of cancer care.

As we close 2025, we highlight two defining milestones for the GCI: a transformative $10 million gift from the Courtois Foundation and the appointment of Professor John Stagg, PhD., as Director. Together, these developments signal a new era of leadership, momentum, and impact for cancer research at McGill University and beyond.

On December 4, 2025, Researchers and trainees from across the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute came together for GCI Research Day, a signature annual event celebrating scientific excellence, collaboration, and trainee leadership. From rapid-fire thesis talks to keynote insights and award-winning posters, the day highlighted the depth, creativity, and momentum of cancer research at the GCI.

Science becomes visible when research meets creativity. Hosted by McGill’s EtOH seminar series and the Goodman Cancer Institute, the Science-meets-Art exhibit invited researchers to reimagine scientific images as works of art—transforming microscopy, medical imaging, and data into a gallery that revealed the beauty, curiosity, and creativity at the heart of discovery.

This Giving Tuesday, we highlight how donor generosity empowers the next generation of cancer researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI).

Seven GCI researchers have secured nearly $1 million in funding from the Cancer Research Society. Their projects span breast, prostate, colorectal cancer, melanoma, immunotherapy, and metabolic and epigenetic research—underscoring GCI’s leadership in advancing high-impact cancer science.

What if genetic drivers of cancer could influence the composition and spatial organization of the tumour microenvironment? This is the question explored by The GCI's Logan Walsh in a recent Nature Communications (Nature Portfolio) study conducted in collaboration with Dr. Philippe Joubert.