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

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.

Thanks to donor generosity, emerging cancer researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) are developing tools that may one day transform patient care. One of them is Ruomeng Fang, a second-year PhD candidate in Experimental Medicine working under the supervision of Dr. George Zogopoulos.

Behind every breakthrough in cancer research is a story of generosity and purpose. On this year's National Philanthropy Day, the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) proudly recognizes the extraordinary impact of Défi Canderel and the visionary leadership of its founder, Mr. Jonathan Wener.

The DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) awarded over $5.3 million in its second funding cycle, with an additional $3.9 million for training. Several projects led or co-led by GCI researchers received support through the Foundational Projects and Research in Motion (RIM) programs. These investments advance RNA therapeutics and translational research with direct potential to benefit patients.

GCI Investigator, Vincent Giguère and his team discovered that the nuclear receptor ERRγ prevents aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer from developing. Loss of ERRγ drives tumor progression, while restoring its activity can reverse cancerous changes. These findings point to promising new treatment strategies targeting ERRγ-related pathways.

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) proudly celebrates Plinio Queiroz Da Cruz, Technical Lead of the Histology Innovation Platform, recipient of the 2025 Priyabrata “PB” Mukhopadhyay Award from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). Since 2019, Plinio has advanced GCI research through his technical excellence, leadership in spatial transcriptomics, and mentorship that inspire innovation and collaboration.

A special event on October 22nd brought together the GCI, DNA to RNA (D2R), the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, and Audace au Féminin for an evening focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion in breast cancer research and careers.