$250,000 for health research in Montréal - The IRCM receives an important donation from Michel Saucier

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - During an annual recognition ceremony held on December 1, the IRCM Foundation announced the creation of the Michel Saucier Fund for priority research at the IRCM. The creation of this fund was made possible thanks to a donation of $250,000 by Michel Saucier, great Montréal philanthropist.

"This new fund will allow the Foundation to support the institute's most important projects, which can vary according to trends in research and society's needs," says André J.P. Couillard, President of the IRCM Foundation. "We are very proud to count Michel Saucier among the partners of our Circle of benefactors. I wish to thank him sincerely for his great generosity."

Former owner of Sabex and with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Saucier has shown particular interest in health research and has made numerous contributions to this field.

"I truly believe in biomedical research as a motor for innovation and the development of our society," says Mr. Saucier. "Discoveries that come from research lead to the advancement of knowledge, which, ultimately, improves our quality of life. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to support the outstanding work conducted by researchers at this internationally-renowned institute."

About the IRCM
The IRCM (www.ircm.qc.ca) is a renowned biomedical research institute located in the heart of Montréal's university district. Founded in 1967, it is currently comprised of 35 research units and four specialized research clinics. The IRCM is affiliated with the Université de Montréal, and the IRCM Clinic is associated to the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). It also maintains a long-standing association with McGill University. The IRCM is funded by the Quebec ministry of Economy, Innovation and Export Trade (Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et des Exportations).

About the IRCM Foundation
Also created in 1967, the IRCM Foundation (www.ircm.qc.ca/fondation) is an essential partner for the institute. Thanks to individuals who hold dear the IRCM's future, the IRCM Foundation is able to fulfill its mission and support scientific projects, technological development and training activities at the IRCM, thus contributing to the institution's growth and success.

SOURCE Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM)

Image with caption: "Left to right: Maurice Lagacé, André J.P. Couillard, Johanne Morency, Gisèle Beaulieu, Michel Saucier, Louise Lambert-Lagacé, Tarik Möröy (CNW Group/Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151203_C5961_PHOTO_EN_558017.jpg

For further information: Julie Langelier, Communications Coordinator, IRCM, [e-mail]; Manon Pepin, Executive Director, Communications and public relations, IRCM, 514-987-5535, [e-mail]