Draft:Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI)

The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is a non-profit research organization located in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. ACRI is part of the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine.

History
ACRI was founded in 1998 as part of the Dr George L. Dumont University Hospital Center. It's founding Scientific Director, Dr. Rodney Ouellette, MD, PhD, led the organization until 2022. Dr Stephen Lewis, PhD is the current Scientific Director. The organization has grown to a team of over 60 researchers, staff and graduate students (2019).

Research
ACRI conducts research in a variety of areas related to cancer biology and precision medicine including translational research that aims to develop assays to improve patient diagnosis and predict response to treatment. Their expertise includes cancer genomics, cell biology, and patient trials. One of the institute's major research focuses is on the development of liquid biopsy technologies to detect and monitor cancer. They use the information contained within extracellular vesicles to identify specific biomarkers that can be targeted with novel therapies, increasing the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects.

Education
ACRI is committed to educating the next generation of cancer researchers. They offer a training environment for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents in collaboration with university partners.

Collaborations
ACRI collaborates with several universities, including l’Université de Moncton, Dalhousie University, McGill University as well as research organizations such as the Terry Fox Research Institute, Exactis Innovation, the Beatrice Hunter Research Institute and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation. It also works closely with provincial health authorities, the Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network.

Recognition and awards
ACRI has received several awards and recognitions for its work, including the New Brunswick Bioscience Achievement Award and the Knowledge Industry Research Award.

Notable Former Board Members

 * Bernard Lord
 * Donald Savoie
 * Denis Losier
 * Aldea Landry
 * Raymond Théberge