Research + Innovation, Academic Leadership and Units in the Portfolio
Research Advisory Council
Martha Crago, Vice-Principal, Research + Innovation
Christina Wolfson, Research Integrity Officer
Philippe Gros, Deputy Vice-Principal, Research + Innovation
Debra Titone, Associate Vice-Principal, Research
Benoit Boulet, Associate Vice-Principal, Innovation + Partnerships
Kristina Öhrvall, Assistant Vice-Principal, Research Development
Jean Saint-Vil, Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal, Government and International Partnerships
Roman Szumski, Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal, Public and Life Science Policy and Business Development
Suzanne Smith, Director, Animal Compliance
Mark Weber, Director, Innovation + Partnerships
Carole Goutorbe, Director, Office of Sponsored Research
Lynda McNeil, Associate Director, Research with Human Participants
Vacant, Director, Communications + Operations, Vice-Principal’s Office
How Animals Have Helped
At McGill, recent research involving animals has led to the following advancements:
- The discovery of previously unknown interactions between genes that control whether cells become cancerous.
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A better understanding of the mechanisms of blood flow that has helped in the development of drugs to ease vascular head pain.
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Improved understanding of how cells work, how genetic differences play a role in the development of life and disease, immunity and the regulation of cholesterol.
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The discovery of insulin, penicillin, streptomycin and yellow fever vaccine.
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The development of new, experimental treatments for diseases that affect the nervous system.
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The development of important medical devices such as the electrocardiogram, computer assisted tomography (CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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The treatment for cancer, AIDS, hypertension, cardiac stents, high cholesterol, depression.
Animal Care Safeguard Process
- Researcher submits a scientific project proposal to an agency. The proposal gets evaluated and only the most meritorious will be supported and the use of animals will only be considered if it is established that there is no other way of achieving the research objective.
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If the scientific project proposal was found to be meritorious, the researcher submits a proposal to the institution to do animal research before starting a new project or renewing an existing one.
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The University's Animal Care Committee (at a minimum composed of a veterinarian, researchers, a community representative, animal care staff and a compliance officer) reviews all aspects of the project with emphasis on ensuring animals will receive the best care possible for achieving the research objectives. It rejects, approves or gives conditional approval to the procedures in the project or to changes in the procedures before allowing the research to proceed. This review is about the welfare of the animals.
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Mandatory training of personnel on animal handling and procedures as well as health precautions are assured for all research personnel and animals - and for all animals.
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The institution approves the project for one year.
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Assistance is available to refine procedures, train people, care for the animals and, when needed, make changes to the research project.
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Quality assistants ensure that research personnel follow the approved proposal.
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One year later, the researcher must submit another proposal in order to continue the research.