Strategic Vision

The Institute's research focuses on uncovering pathogenic mechanisms and exploring gene-environment interactions in health and disease. The primary goal is to better integrate genomics data into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This involves employing genomics, epigenetics, single-cell genomics, and microbiome analyses to enhance early detection, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment efficacy. Additionally, extensive datasets from genetic association studies, transcriptomics, and other sources are combined with individual medical, psychological, social, and lifestyle information. This comprehensive approach aims to refine disease classification and offer a more precise understanding of gene-environment interactions, including the microbiome's role as a pivotal determinant of health and disease.

We integrate genomics, epigenetics, cell-based and animal models, alongside protein biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, to discern, validate, and rank targets for drug discovery. This is complemented by a structure-based approach for the strategic design of potent drugs. The Institute is dedicated to advancing genetically tailored clinical trials to forge personalised avenues in medical treatments.

The Institute applies high-throughput sequencing to identify prevalent, co-existing, and newly emerging infectious agents in biological specimens from diverse populations. Researchers collaborate with industry to develop and evaluate vaccine candidates, as well as to design and assess novel therapeutic agents and other impactful interventions. Additionally, substantial research efforts are directed towards understanding the relationship between the human microbiome and health outcomes. This body of research will also inform public health policy and decision-making processes.

The Institute is actively engaged in the development of computational tools, algorithms, and machine learning processes essential for the analysis and interpretation of the intricate multidimensional datasets generated across its divisions. These resources play a pivotal role in enabling a comprehensive understanding of the data. Moreover, these efforts contribute significantly to the establishment of robust models for data governance and sharing, thereby providing crucial guidance for the field of genomic medicine, both within Canada and on a global scale.

The Institute participates in the global wave of genomic-based health innovation initiatives. It catalyses collaborations with other leading institutions worldwide and attracts talent from Canada and beyond. In these efforts, the Institute upholds McGill University's dedication to improving global health by nurturing scientists and policy researchers with a global perspective that can identify synergies across research scientific communities. In doing so, McGill and the Institute stand poised to generate fresh avenues for impactful contributions. 

The Institute is educating and training a new generation of fundamental and clinician scientists, along with legal and policy scholars, giving them the interdisciplinary skills needed to address the challenges of genomic medicine. The Institute contributes to McGill’s strong education and training programs by creating and supporting multiple new opportunities for trainees to work, study and collaborate with investigators at leading partner institutions in fields central to future biomedical research.
 

Strategic visions of the Institute are supported via policy, standards and tool development enabling global data sharing, an essential component of the development of new methodologies, precision medicine, novel treatments, and computational tools. The policy foundation supports all aspects of innovation at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute.