Embark on a captivating journey into the world of cutting-edge cancer research with the "Meet PM Research", an engaging story series that introduces you to the brilliant minds at Princess Margaret (PM).
This series goes beyond the lab coat, shedding light on the diverse and multifaceted personalities of these researchers. World-class scientists unveil the intricacies of their ground-breaking work, and provide insights into their career trajectories, life philosophies and the passions that drive them.
Carefully curated to align with advocacy and awareness initiatives, each featured researcher has made significant contributions, with prestigious awards or high-impact scientific papers. Join us in exploring the dynamic and inspiring world of PM researchers, and witness firsthand the dedication and diversity that define the forefront of cancer research.
2023
Combating ageism in healthcare and caring for older adults
Dr. Shabbir Alibhai
“We should be proud of our older adults. These are our parents and grandparents, who we should look up to and value them for their contributions and wisdom. They are an integral part of who we are as a society.”
Building computational methods to understand how cancer cells communicate
Dr. Gregory Schwartz
“No matter which cancer type we look at, some of the most highly expressed genes are those involved in cell-cell communication. This prompted us to develop a way to quantify how cells talk to each other and to surrounding cells, or stroma within a tumour, and determine whether those interactions correlate with disease progression and therapy resistance.”
Trailblazing in the genomic era: defining the field of structural genomics
Dr. Cheryl Arrowsmith
“Stay at the forefront of the crest of a wave.”
Chasing the passion for tumour immunology from Japan to Toronto
Dr. Naoto Hirano
“Young people should focus on finding a place that aligns with your goals and aspirations, embrace the world outside and take the risk to move around. And it's never too late to come back if you feel your roots are pulling you back.”
Making a splash in breast cancer translational research
Dr. David Cescon
“The activities we do in the clinic and in research enable a self-sustaining bench-to-bedside cycle.”
Persevering in research to find new ways of targeting and treating brain tumours
Dr. Gelareh Zadeh
“If we obtain results that are not anticipated, I don’t see that as a setback, I see it as an opportunity. It enables us to learn and redirect our attention. Ultimately, it’s about not giving up and making sure that you're committed to finding the answers that you set to seek.”
Discussing mind-preparedness and motivations for research breakthroughs
Dr. Steven Chan
“Getting the clinical trial started was a lot more challenging than I thought it would be, but it’s all worth it when you see patients benefiting from it.”
Building a research career with great adaptability gained from a travelling childhood
Dr. Laurie Ailles
“This is how science works—you stumble upon an interesting observation and you follow that path. It wasn’t necessarily always a mindful choice, but you follow the path where the results lead you.”