About Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba

The former CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute was unveiled in May 2021 as a department of CCMB. However, the Institute has a long and rich history of research in Manitoba, evolving from its predecessor institutes and dating back to its foundation as a joint venture with The University of Manitoba in 1969 as The Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology. Research disciplines at the Institute range from basic science, preclinical and translational research, clinical trials, health services research, health care informatics, epidemiology and psychosocial oncology research. Working in multi-disciplinary teams of clinicians, scientists, technicians, research nurses, trainees, and bioinformaticians, the Institute brings together diverse skill sets to translate basic science discoveries into improved patient outcomes.

Since CCMB’s founding, research has been a key mandate of the organization. Today, research continues to be the pillar that drives CCMB’s pursuit of excellence. As such, the goal of the Institute is to have a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients. Its mission is to gain, through an interdisciplinary program of research and training in the basic and clinical sciences, a better understanding of the nature of cancer and blood disorders.

The Institute is generously funded by a long-standing partnership with the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, which provides extensive operational, research platform, equipment, education, and training support.

In May of 2023, the Research Institute’s name changed to the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba to recognize a transformative $27 million gift made by the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation.

Governance

The Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba is governed by an advisory board consisting of members appointed by CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.

Leadership

Check back for more updates. 

Strategic Plan 2018-2023

Three major strategic directions were identified: developing multidisciplinary teams, enhancing infrastructure platforms and identifying research themes. Multidisciplinary teams will promote research excellence by building connections with the clinical and academic partners at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB), Shared Health, Regional Health Authorities, and the University of Manitoba (UofM). Research platforms that support basic science, translational research, clinical trials, and epidemiology will be critical to support this multidisciplinary approach. Identification of research themes such as early detection, precision medicine, and health care innovation will maximize return on investment. Flexibility will be essential to adapt to the rapidly changing cancer research landscape.

Annual Report April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020

It has been a very successful year for the Institute, with some outstanding achievements, new initiatives and opportunities. Read the full report for details.

Research Infrastructure

The Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba infrastructure includes a Research Office, lab space at CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, and data, methodological, and analytical resources, including: