The idea came about during a discussion between members of the Quebec delegation at BIO 2015 which included Dr. Gaétan Barrette (Minister of Health and Social Services), Mr. Rémi Quirion (Chief scientist officer of Quebec) and directors and scientists from Merck, including the President and Managing Director of Merck Canada Inc., Mr. Chirfi Guindo.
The aim was to build bridges between the various oncology resources to ensure a competitive and cohesive system in Quebec. The project stems from the desire to demonstrate the unique spirit of collaboration present in Quebec.
A unique, public-private, co-creation partnership – Merck will invest $15 million over three years to launch Oncopole, which will operate under the auspices of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé [Quebec Health Research Fund] (FRQS).
Oncopole is a research, development and investment centre of excellence to accelerate the fight against cancer
Mission
To act as a catalyst and to maximize the full potential of Quebec’s cancer research and innovation ecosystem to accelerate the fight against cancer.
Mobilise the best research centres toward a common vision based on collaboration and shared resources through a multi-disciplinary approach
Innovate by accelerating the delivery of new discoveries to the market to develop cutting-edge clinical applications and support entrepreneurship training
Cure by prioritizing high-impact projects and practices for patients
Vision
To position Quebec as a key partner by developing a centre for excellence in oncology through strategic investments and partnerships to support innovation for patients’ benefit.
An ongoing co-creation process
Oncopole is a unique co-creation partnership with an implementation process attuned to the scientific community. The management committee organized a series of workshops with experts in order to create a strategic plan.
Oncopole is truly grateful to the following experts for their contribution: