McGill University, a beacon of research and innovation in Canada, has embarked on a promising new venture through a collaboration with the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe Programme[^1]. This partnership is set to open up new avenues for scientific discovery and technological advancement, fostering international cooperation and potentially placing Canada at the forefront of global research initiatives.
The Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine at McGill University is spearheading transformative research in genomics, developing cutting-edge diagnostic tools, targeted treatments, and novel pharmaceuticals, including vaccines[^1]. With the launch of its Strategic Research Plan in 2025, McGill aims to further align its research priorities with international partners and programs like Horizon Europe, enhancing its already robust cooperative efforts[^1].
McGill’s commitment to international collaboration is exemplified by its joint PhD program in Genomic Medicine with Kyoto University, supported by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology, and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec[^1]. This program not only enriches the training of its students but also strengthens McGill’s global research network.
Addressing global challenges is at the heart of McGill’s mission, particularly through the Horizon Europe programme. The university is actively engaged in health and inclusivity, climate, energy, mobility, digital technologies, industry development, and space research themes defined by Pillar 2 of the program[^1]. The McGill Centre for Innovation in Storage and Conversion of Energy (McISCE), established in 2021, exemplifies McGill’s dedication to overcoming barriers to electrification by exploring large-scale energy storage solutions and advancing materials research for safer and more efficient energy systems[^1].
Moreover, McGill houses the secretariat of the Group on Earth Observations – Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), which plays a crucial role in monitoring global biodiversity and supporting actions to meet biodiversity targets and Sustainable Development Goals[^1]. This international effort underscores McGill’s commitment to environmental sustainability and collaborative research.
The Horizon Europe programme represents a significant opportunity for Canadian and EU researchers to advance their work through dedicated funds for large-scale collaborative research endeavors[^1]. As a top collaborator in the Horizon 2020 projects, McGill is well-positioned to leverage this program to enhance its research capabilities and international presence[^1].
In the realm of Artificial Intelligence, RNA, and Genomics, McGill’s alignment with Horizon Pillar Two has been impactful. The university boasts leading AI experts and is an integral part of Montreal’s dynamic AI ecosystem[^1]. The McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS), launched in 2022, and the DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics (D2R) initiative, funded by the Canada Research Excellence Fund, are testament to McGill’s pioneering research in these fields[^1].
As McGill University continues to forge ahead with its international collaborations and contributions to science and innovation, the future of Canadian research looks brighter than ever, promising significant strides in addressing the pressing challenges of our time[^1].
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/new-horizon-for-canadian-research-mcgill-university-and-eu-collaboration/43583/](https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/new-horizon-for-canadian-research-mcgill-university-and-eu-collaboration/43583/)
