CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute was created in 2015 as a joint initiative of CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) and the University of Manitoba (UM). It brings together basic discovery scientists from the former Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology (MICB) and clinical, health services, and patient experience scientists from UM and CCMB, all of whom research cancer and/or blood disorders.
The Research Institute is the most recent stage of a long and proud history of research in cancer and blood disorders in Manitoba.
The Research Institute is governed by an advisory board consisting of members appointed by CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Neil Watkins is Director of the Research Institute. Dr. Spencer Gibson is Cell Biology Lead and Dr. Marshall Pitz is Clinical Research Lead.
Three major strategic directions were identified: developing multidisciplinary teams, enhancing infrastructure platforms and identifying research themes. Multidisciplinary teams will promote research excellence by building connections with the clinical and academic partners at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB), Shared Health, Regional Health Authorities, and the University of Manitoba (UofM). Research platforms that support basic science, translational research, clinical trials, and epidemiology will be critical to support this multidisciplinary approach. Identification of research themes such as early detection, precision medicine, and health care innovation will maximize return on investment. Flexibility will be essential to adapt to the rapidly changing cancer research landscape.
It has been a very successful year for the Institute, with some outstanding achievements, new initiatives and opportunities. Read the full report for details.
The Research Institute’s infrastructure includes a Research Office, lab space at CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, and data, methodological, and analytical resources, including:
The Institute has five levels of membership.