The Lunenfeld celebrates 25 years of leading-edge science

This year, we are truly proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. Our 25th year provides an ideal time to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to what new, fantastic heights our future will take us.

Toronto – March 16, 2010

This year, we are truly proud to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. It has been a quarter century of extraordinary, collaborative research efforts that have achieved global impact. Our 25^th year provides an ideal time to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to what new, fantastic heights our future will take us.

“The Lunenfeld is like a neutron star, in that its impact in biomedical research has hugely exceeded its size,” said Dr. Jim Woodgett, Director of Research. “Success emerges from a critical mass of talent, and the Lunenfeld has enjoyed this in droves.”

We are pleased to unveil a new logo in honour of the anniversary, which you can see here on the website. The logo was designed to embody the spirit of pride and esteem with which we celebrate this milestone year. Since 1985 the Lunenfeld has achieved consistent research excellence and produced discoveries that have pushed the boundaries of fundamental science, and enabled advances in patient care.

“From the beginning, the ethos of the Institute has remained the same: We recruit outstanding young scientists, with tremendous collaboration and new ideas,” said Dr. Tony Pawson, Distinguished Investigator at the Lunenfeld. “It’s extremely rewarding and stimulating to think of what has been done, and what will be done.”

Recent examples of these achievements (to name just a few) include:

Dr. Andras Nagy’s work in stem cell research, which will help scientists and clinicians find treatments for a range of diseases and conditions;
Dr. John Roder’s focus on the genetics of schizophrenia and depression, which represents a major step toward understanding and treating mental illnesses;
Dr. Pawson’s groundbreaking work in cell signaling and transduction allows scientists to monitor communication between cells for the first time and reveals that this process can operate in two directions;
Dr. Sue Quaggin’s innovative work to understand kidney function and dysfunction is providing new insight into potential treatments for kidney disease;
Dr. Daniel Durocher’s focus on DNA damage and repair, which gives researchers a deeper understanding of the changes in cells that lead to cancer and immune disorders, and;
Dr. Jeff Wrana and his pioneering work to develop a technique that can assess patients’ prognosis in breast cancer and help determine optimal treatment.

To celebrate this pivotal year, various initiatives will be launched over the next several months, including events at which we will recognize the invaluable support of our donors, government and community partners.

“One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the Institute’s pursuit of excellence,” said Joseph Mapa, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Hospital. “This is reflected in the recruitment of new scientists, and has always been the hallmark of the Lunenfeld. Excellence has retained the stature and reputation of this important jewel in our hospital family.”

Then and now perspectives from Lunenfeld investigators…

“The new Institute presented the opportunity to conduct first-rate science with wonderful colleagues and complementary interests. It was the prototype for this kind of an endeavour in Toronto.”

Dr. Tony Pawson

“It’s been a wonderful experience to be here, surrounded by people doing excellent research in a highly competitive field.”

Dr. Marc Grynpas

“The Lunenfeld is always striving for excellence and this excellence is important to the scientists here. We all respect that and are pleased to be part of this family.”

Dr. Irene Andrulis

“The Institute was then and is now top-notch in Canada—without peer.”

Dr. Jim Dennis

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The Lunenfeld celebrates 25 years of leading-edge science

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