News
Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. At ACRI, we are dedicated to expanding discovery and developing breakthrough solutions that will change the future of cancer care.
Our new philanthropic case for support highlights how we can accelerate progress together—by investing in people, innovation, and global knowledge-sharing.
Your Support Will Help Us:
🔹 Attract and Support Top Researchers
By funding research chairs and fellowships, we will bring leading cancer experts to ACRI and empower the next generation of innovators.
🔹 Share Knowledge, Spark New Ideas
Through knowledge transfer initiatives, we ensure our discoveries reach the global scientific community while fostering mechanisms to develop new, high-impact research directions.
🔹 Accelerate Bold, Transformative Research
With innovation and acceleration funds, we can seize emerging opportunities, invest in groundbreaking ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment.
Join Us in the Fight Against Cancer
Your support fuels discovery. Together, we can turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
📖READ OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT
🔬EVERY DISCOVERY STARTS WITH A COMMITMENT. MAKE YOURS TODAY.
Our new philanthropic case for support highlights how we can accelerate progress together—by investing in people, innovation, and global knowledge-sharing.
Your Support Will Help Us:
🔹 Attract and Support Top Researchers
By funding research chairs and fellowships, we will bring leading cancer experts to ACRI and empower the next generation of innovators.
🔹 Share Knowledge, Spark New Ideas
Through knowledge transfer initiatives, we ensure our discoveries reach the global scientific community while fostering mechanisms to develop new, high-impact research directions.
🔹 Accelerate Bold, Transformative Research
With innovation and acceleration funds, we can seize emerging opportunities, invest in groundbreaking ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment.
Join Us in the Fight Against Cancer
Your support fuels discovery. Together, we can turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
📖READ OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT
🔬EVERY DISCOVERY STARTS WITH A COMMITMENT. MAKE YOURS TODAY.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is very grateful for the generosity of its community and the contributions of donors who continue to support our research efforts in the fight against cancer. ACRI is fortunate to have the unwavering support of a partner of Assumption-Life’s caliber, and we are forever grateful. The funds raised during this tournament will allow ACRI to continue their research and thus contribute to the improvement of cancer care and ultimately to find solutions for these diseases which afflict so many families across the country.
Moncton, NB - As the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) looks to the future with its partners, the next transformational step in ACRI’s growth as a research organization is redefining its scientific priorities and future directions. The appointment of a new Scientific Director for ACRI will help achieve this step in its reorganization and succession planning. This step is undertaken with an academic lens and with a focus on aligning ACRI’s key scientific initiatives with academic and healthcare partners throughout the region. All this while maintaining ACRI’s research excellence and harnessing its great in-house competencies and expertise.
It is ACRI’s pleasure to announce that Dr. Stephen Lewis will be assuming the full-time role of Scientific Director. Dr. Lewis has held the position of Assistant Scientific Director at ACRI since 2013 and his scientific rigour and mentorship has helped shape ACRI as a reputable research centre. In addition to his role at ACRI, Dr. Lewis is currently Chair of the Management Advisory Council of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, a member of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Provincial Co-lead for the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Atlantic Cancer Consortium of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network.
Dr. Lewis’s mandate will focus on overseeing the scientific research development of the Institute while continuing to pursue his own research program as a principal investigator. Dr. Lewis will lead the identification of ACRI’s strategic scientific objectives and will contribute to the development of resulting action plans. He will also develop new partnerships and see to the maintenance of dynamic relationships with granting agencies and existing strategic partners.
ACRI wishes to thank its long-time Scientific Director Dr. Rodney Ouellette for his nearly 25 years of scientific leadership at ACRI. The team and the local research ecosystem are indebted to Dr. Ouellette for all that he has done to establish and grow ACRI. The Institute thanks him for his passion, his know-how, and his unwavering efforts that have made ACRI the unique and vibrant research institute that it is today. Dr. Ouellette will continue to focus on his research programs at ACRI as Founding Scientist and the R.R. Leger-NBHRF Chair in Precision Cancer Research. He will also be continuing his research activities with the Vitalité Health Network as a clinician researcher. His contributions and ongoing support continue to be highly valued by all members of ACRI and the broader scientific community.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute anticipates that this restructuring will bring positive change to the Institute’s scientific research objectives as it faces an ever-evolving research landscape.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists are advancing their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. To this end, ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in liquid biopsy for cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, and detection of treatment response. In addition, ACRI scientists are pursuing studies on cancer cell biology, gene editing, and the discovery of targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over forty researchers, support staff and students with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry, as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
It is ACRI’s pleasure to announce that Dr. Stephen Lewis will be assuming the full-time role of Scientific Director. Dr. Lewis has held the position of Assistant Scientific Director at ACRI since 2013 and his scientific rigour and mentorship has helped shape ACRI as a reputable research centre. In addition to his role at ACRI, Dr. Lewis is currently Chair of the Management Advisory Council of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, a member of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Provincial Co-lead for the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Atlantic Cancer Consortium of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network.
Dr. Lewis’s mandate will focus on overseeing the scientific research development of the Institute while continuing to pursue his own research program as a principal investigator. Dr. Lewis will lead the identification of ACRI’s strategic scientific objectives and will contribute to the development of resulting action plans. He will also develop new partnerships and see to the maintenance of dynamic relationships with granting agencies and existing strategic partners.
ACRI wishes to thank its long-time Scientific Director Dr. Rodney Ouellette for his nearly 25 years of scientific leadership at ACRI. The team and the local research ecosystem are indebted to Dr. Ouellette for all that he has done to establish and grow ACRI. The Institute thanks him for his passion, his know-how, and his unwavering efforts that have made ACRI the unique and vibrant research institute that it is today. Dr. Ouellette will continue to focus on his research programs at ACRI as Founding Scientist and the R.R. Leger-NBHRF Chair in Precision Cancer Research. He will also be continuing his research activities with the Vitalité Health Network as a clinician researcher. His contributions and ongoing support continue to be highly valued by all members of ACRI and the broader scientific community.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute anticipates that this restructuring will bring positive change to the Institute’s scientific research objectives as it faces an ever-evolving research landscape.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists are advancing their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. To this end, ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in liquid biopsy for cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, and detection of treatment response. In addition, ACRI scientists are pursuing studies on cancer cell biology, gene editing, and the discovery of targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over forty researchers, support staff and students with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry, as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
Moncton, New Brunswick (November 1, 2022) - The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) thanks the invaluable support of the volunteer members of its Board of Directors. Ongoing support that enables ACRI researchers to make globally recognized research contributions and to strengthen relationships with partners, collaborators, and the community.
ACRI is therefore proud to announce that Mr. Gaëtan Thomas was elected Chairman of its Board of Directors on October 28, 2022.
Mr. Thomas has served on ACRI's Board of Directors since 2015 and has acted as Vice-Chair for the past few years. Mr. Thomas, a seasoned and well-known provincial leader, currently serves as CEO of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and previously had a long career with NB Power. His contributions have been innumerable over the past few years and ACRI is fortunate to benefit from his continued support in its evolutionary journey. Mr. Thomas' chairmanship comes at a turning point for ACRI and will aim to mobilize and bring together key partners in the co-creation of a new health research institute in which ACRI will occupy an important place.
To Madame Gionet, our outgoing Chair and the first woman to serve in this capacity for the organization, ACRI would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the time and resources you have devoted to helping steer ACRI towards a prosperous future. During her mandate, Ms. Gionet devoted great energy to the sale of the Conceptia fertility clinic to a Canadian consortium. A transaction that allows ACRI to focus on its research vocation while having increased its coffers to finance its operations. In addition, she conducted strategic discussions with ACRI's close partners, namely the Université de Moncton, the Vitalité Health Network and the Center de formation médicale de l'Université de Sherbrooke to pave the way for a new research institute that will allow ACRI to better share its knowledge, create partnerships in research, and thereby increase its impact, its effectiveness and reduce its operational costs. Contributions that put ACRI on the right path to continue to make significant contributions to cancer research and to meet the needs of our population.
ACRI is therefore proud to announce that Mr. Gaëtan Thomas was elected Chairman of its Board of Directors on October 28, 2022.
Mr. Thomas has served on ACRI's Board of Directors since 2015 and has acted as Vice-Chair for the past few years. Mr. Thomas, a seasoned and well-known provincial leader, currently serves as CEO of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and previously had a long career with NB Power. His contributions have been innumerable over the past few years and ACRI is fortunate to benefit from his continued support in its evolutionary journey. Mr. Thomas' chairmanship comes at a turning point for ACRI and will aim to mobilize and bring together key partners in the co-creation of a new health research institute in which ACRI will occupy an important place.
To Madame Gionet, our outgoing Chair and the first woman to serve in this capacity for the organization, ACRI would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the time and resources you have devoted to helping steer ACRI towards a prosperous future. During her mandate, Ms. Gionet devoted great energy to the sale of the Conceptia fertility clinic to a Canadian consortium. A transaction that allows ACRI to focus on its research vocation while having increased its coffers to finance its operations. In addition, she conducted strategic discussions with ACRI's close partners, namely the Université de Moncton, the Vitalité Health Network and the Center de formation médicale de l'Université de Sherbrooke to pave the way for a new research institute that will allow ACRI to better share its knowledge, create partnerships in research, and thereby increase its impact, its effectiveness and reduce its operational costs. Contributions that put ACRI on the right path to continue to make significant contributions to cancer research and to meet the needs of our population.
“ACRI is very grateful for the generosity of its community and the contributions of donors who continue to support our research efforts in the fight against cancer. Thanks to the support of Assumption Life and its local partners, ACRI is positioned as an important player in the development of research capacity in the region. A capacity that enables contributions that go beyond cancer research. We are undertaking major collaborative projects with the Vitalité Health Network and the Université de Moncton that will aim to develop high-impact health research initiatives for the benefit of our communities. Initiatives that would not be possible without your continued support.”
Moncton (NB) – Tuesday August 17th, 2021 – Assumption Life has donated $100,000 to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) as part of its annual “Driving Research, together” golf tournament.
For the first time, Moncton’s own Philippe Myers, #55 of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, was the special guest at the Tournament. Philippe participated in a guided ACRI tour, met the teams, and also participated in a Question and Answer session with Mr. Sébastien Dupuis, President and CEO of Assumption-Life.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute would like to thank Assumption Life and all those involved and their generous support. The ACRI is fortunate to have the unwavering support of a partner of Assumption-Life’s caliber.
The funds raised during this tournament will allow the ACRI to continue their research and thus contribute to the improvement of cancer care and ultimately to find solutions for these diseases which afflict so many families across the country.
Moncton, NB – With a commitment to work together and $3.6 million in new funding from provincial and national partners, doctors and scientists at leading cancer centres, hospitals and research in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador have formed an alliance focused on providing improved cancer outcomes.
May 11th, 2021
Moncton, NB –After two successful decades and a long list of accomplishments, Dr. Rodney Ouellette has made the decision to step down as President and CEO of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. For the last 20 years ACRI has grown significantly under his steady leadership and wisdom.
Since 1998, Dr. Ouellette grew ACRI from two to almost 60 employees and built the Institute as the global centre of excellence for precision medicine that it is known for today. The Institute has thrived in a very competitive environment with larger facilities in urban centres.
During the last 20 years Dr. Ouellette secured over $100 Million in research funding and investments to New Brunswick and attracted numerous highly qualified and sought-after researchers to work at the Institute. Under Dr. Ouellette’s leadership ACRI has successfully marketed numerous inventions and secured patents Worldwide.
“ACRI was Dr. Ouellette’s vison and he turned that into a reality. From a small two-person facility to a globally recognized leader in cancer research. The Institute has excelled under his expertise and ACRI would not be what it is today without his leadership,” said Ms. Nicole Gionet, ACRI Board Chair. “Dr. Ouellette and his team have been focused on finding solutions to cancer that ultimately improve patient care here in New Brunswick and around the world. We are proud to carry on his work and can never thank him enough for all he has done.”
“There is something very special about ACRI and I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to have worked with a professional and brilliant team of experts in their field,” said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, “and I look forward to continuing clinical duties as Head of the Vitalité Health Network Molecular Genetics Laboratory and my research as interim Scientific Director at ACRI. I am passionate about cancer research and happy to continue contributing to it.”
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Brigitte Sonier-Ferguson, Vice-President University Mission at Vitalité Health Network as acting CEO at ACRI as of May 3rd, 2021. Brigitte’s new responsibilities with the Health Network and her active involvement in the ACRI Board of Directors make her the ideal candidate for this role. “Dr. Ouellette leaves a big legacy, and it will be a challenge to step up and fulfill his role, but we are committed to continuing the great work and progress he has made as we work to bring the Institute to its next level of its evolution through close partnerships with other stakeholders in the province such as the Vitalité Health Network and Université de Moncton.,” added Ms. Sonier-Ferguson.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a partner non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists also work with partners around the globe to advance their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in areas such liquid biopsy for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and response as wells as other focus on gene editing and targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over fifty researchers with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
Moncton, NB –After two successful decades and a long list of accomplishments, Dr. Rodney Ouellette has made the decision to step down as President and CEO of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. For the last 20 years ACRI has grown significantly under his steady leadership and wisdom.
Since 1998, Dr. Ouellette grew ACRI from two to almost 60 employees and built the Institute as the global centre of excellence for precision medicine that it is known for today. The Institute has thrived in a very competitive environment with larger facilities in urban centres.
During the last 20 years Dr. Ouellette secured over $100 Million in research funding and investments to New Brunswick and attracted numerous highly qualified and sought-after researchers to work at the Institute. Under Dr. Ouellette’s leadership ACRI has successfully marketed numerous inventions and secured patents Worldwide.
“ACRI was Dr. Ouellette’s vison and he turned that into a reality. From a small two-person facility to a globally recognized leader in cancer research. The Institute has excelled under his expertise and ACRI would not be what it is today without his leadership,” said Ms. Nicole Gionet, ACRI Board Chair. “Dr. Ouellette and his team have been focused on finding solutions to cancer that ultimately improve patient care here in New Brunswick and around the world. We are proud to carry on his work and can never thank him enough for all he has done.”
“There is something very special about ACRI and I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to have worked with a professional and brilliant team of experts in their field,” said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, “and I look forward to continuing clinical duties as Head of the Vitalité Health Network Molecular Genetics Laboratory and my research as interim Scientific Director at ACRI. I am passionate about cancer research and happy to continue contributing to it.”
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Brigitte Sonier-Ferguson, Vice-President University Mission at Vitalité Health Network as acting CEO at ACRI as of May 3rd, 2021. Brigitte’s new responsibilities with the Health Network and her active involvement in the ACRI Board of Directors make her the ideal candidate for this role. “Dr. Ouellette leaves a big legacy, and it will be a challenge to step up and fulfill his role, but we are committed to continuing the great work and progress he has made as we work to bring the Institute to its next level of its evolution through close partnerships with other stakeholders in the province such as the Vitalité Health Network and Université de Moncton.,” added Ms. Sonier-Ferguson.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a partner non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists also work with partners around the globe to advance their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in areas such liquid biopsy for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and response as wells as other focus on gene editing and targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over fifty researchers with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
