The McGill community, including researchers in genomic medicine and the health sciences, came together recently to mark the next phase of one of the University’s most rapidly growing disciplines and celebrate the generosity that is making it possible.
The occasion was the official unveiling of signage for the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, and on hand were the Institute’s UK-based benefactors, Victor and Mona Dahdaleh, who were recognized for the far-reaching power of their philanthropy.
President Deep Saini marked the occasion by gratefully acknowledging the impact of the Dahdaleh’s landmark 2022 donation that created the Institute. “Your visionary philanthropy has cemented McGill’s reputation as a global hub for discovery and innovation in genomic medicine, and will serve as a catalyst for future advancements in this important field,” he said.
The philanthropic investment has already paid impressive dividends. It was an important factor in McGill’s successful application for a landmark $165-million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund – the largest research grant in the University’s history – to launch a hub for genomics-based RNA therapeutics: McGill’s DNA to RNA initiative, dubbed D2R.
The day of the celebration, the Dahdalehs also met with some the key professors, researchers and graduate students involved in the Dahdaleh Institute, the D2R initiative, and McGill’s Centre for RNA Sciences to hear more about how these developments are moving their work forward at McGill.
By galvanizing McGill’s interdisciplinary expertise and research infrastructure, the Dahdaleh Institute is helping to advance genomic medicine and improve global health, propelling the development of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, targeted treatments, new pharmaceuticals and preventative vaccines in key areas such as cancer, neuroscience and mental health, chronic inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases.
These leading-edge research activities are helping the Dahdaleh Institute attract talented young scientists, students, and trainees from around the world. And as a key player in McGill’s School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute is ideally positioned to forge new partnerships in related disciplines at the University, as well as with leading genomics programs internationally, including Imperial College London and Cambridge University.
A loyal alumnus and supporter of McGill for many years, Victor Dahdaleh has directed his philanthropic gifts at two key areas: improving access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and finding innovative solutions to global health challenges.
The Victor Dahdaleh-Clinton Foundation Scholarship Program provides support for 32 disadvantaged students to attend McGill annually, and the Victor Dahdaleh Chair in Neuroscience supports McGill’s cutting-edge research in neuroscience.
“This outstanding legacy of philanthropic support reflects Victor’s deep belief in the power of education and research to unite us in solving the complex problems facing our world,” said Marc Weinstein, Vice-President, University Advancement. “His commitment to helping McGill forge a healthier future through exciting advances in genomic medicine is truly inspiring.”