Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute

What Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute does

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) is a non-profit cancer research institute affiliated with McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Montreal, Canada. The institute traces its scientific lineage to the 1965 discovery of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by Dr. Phil Gold — the first cancer biomarker identified in human blood — and was formally established under the Goodman family benefactors (previously known as the Goodman Cancer Research Centre and McGill Molecular Oncology Group). GCI focuses on cancer therapeutics, cellular stemness, and oncometabolism, and its primary downstream beneficiaries are cancer patients and survivors, with research outputs flowing through peer-reviewed publications, translational collaborations with McGill-affiliated hospitals, and graduate and postdoctoral training programs.

GCI operates nine specialized core research platforms that together enable multi-disciplinary investigation across genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, imaging mass cytometry, 3D bio-printing, and transgenic animal modeling. These include the Histology Innovation Platform, Single Cell Imaging and Mass Cytometry Analysis Platform (SCIMAP), McGill Platform for Cellular Perturbation (MPCP), Metabolomics Innovation Resource (MIR), McGill Integrated Core for Animal Modeling (MICAM), the Bioinformatics Core, Flow Cytometry, the BIOBAR biobank, and the IMPACT-Core for advanced cancer and immunology testing. Distinctive data assets include the Breast Cancer Functional Genomics Group (BCFGG) Biobank (2,500+ breast cancer samples with linked clinical data; 1,000+ molecularly characterized by mRNA profiles) and a live biobank of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and organoids with matched tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and patient-derived cell lines.

The institute does not sell commercial products or services. Operating funding is drawn from three streams: competitive research grants from federal (CIHR, Canada Foundation for Innovation), provincial (FRQ-Santé, Quebec MEIE), and international (US Department of Defense) agencies; philanthropy via individual donations, tribute gifts, planned giving, and major campaigns; and event-based fundraising through the biennial Goodman Health Gala (since 2010), annual Défi Canderel race (since 1989), and Terry Fox Run teams. Strategic positioning is reinforced through leadership of the Quebec Cancer Consortium ($29M Quebec funding across six Montreal hospitals), co-leadership of the Marathon of Hope Montreal Cancer Consortium, the DNA-to-RNA rare cancers initiative, and a June 2026 biologics collaboration with Asimov. Leadership transitioned in September 2025 from Director Morag Park to Professor John Stagg, with Trina Johnson as Deputy Director.

Name

Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute

Legal name

Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute

Website

https://goodmancancer.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute is a non-profit cancer research institute affiliated with McGill University, operating nine specialized core platforms and biobanks to advance cancer therapeutics, cellular stemness, and oncometabolism through grants, donations, and event-based fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Research Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based) (EDAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA), Oncology & Hematology Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAC)

Keywords

• Cancer research
• Translational research
• Precision oncology
• Cancer biobanking
• Core research platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Montreal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Funding: Funded by federal agencies (CIHR), provincial agencies (FRQ-Sante, Quebec government MEIE), foundations (Canadian Cancer Society, Terry Fox Foundation, Cancer Research Society), and international sources (US Department of Defense)
2. Donations and Philanthropy: Individual and corporate donations through various giving programs including tribute gifts, planned giving, memorial donations, and major campaigns
3. Event-Based Fundraising: Revenue from events including the biennial Goodman Health Gala, Défi Canderel annual race, and Terry Fox Run teams

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute is a non-profit academic cancer research institute that conducts multi-disciplinary basic, translational, and clinical research on cancer therapeutics, cellular stemness, and oncometabolism. It operates nine core research platforms (histology, single-cell imaging/mass cytometry, cellular perturbation, metabolomics, animal modeling, bioinformatics, flow cytometry, biobanking, and molecular immunology) and provides training programs for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Research outputs are shared through peer-reviewed publications, public lectures, and clinical collaborations with McGill-affiliated hospitals.

Product overview

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute operates as a unified cancer research center offering a comprehensive suite of research platforms and training programs. The institute provides access to nine core research platforms including Histology Innovation Platform, Single Cell Imaging and Mass Cytometry Analysis Platform (SCIMAP), McGill Platform for Cellular Perturbation (MPCP), Metabolomics Innovation Resource (MIR), McGill Integrated Core for Animal Modeling (MICAM), Bioinformatics Core, Flow Cytometry, BIOBAR, and IMPACT-Core. These platforms support cancer research across multiple domains including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and immunology. The institute also offers training programs for students and postdoctoral researchers, and facilitates public engagement through events like the Phil Gold Distinguished Lecture series and public conferences on cancer research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Histology Innovation Platform Core research facility providing histology services for cancer research including tissue processing, sectioning, and staining; available to GCI principal investigators and affiliated researchers.
• Single Cell Imaging and Mass Cytometry Analysis Platform (SCIMAP) Advanced imaging and mass cytometry platform supporting single-cell analysis in cancer research.
• McGill Platform for Cellular Perturbation (MPCP) Platform for studying cellular responses to various perturbations in cancer biology.
• Metabolomics Innovation Resource (MIR) Resource for metabolomics analysis supporting cancer metabolism research at GCI.
• McGill Integrated Core for Animal Modeling (MICAM) Animal modeling facility for cancer research including transgenic and xenograft models.
• Bioinformatics Core Computational and bioinformatics support for analysis of cancer genomics and proteomics data.
• Flow Cytometry Flow cytometry services for cell analysis and sorting in cancer research.
• BIOBAR Biobanking Facility Biobanking resource for cancer research samples and data.
• IMPACT-Core (Innovative Molecular Platform for Advanced Cancer and Immunology Testing and Research Core) Molecular and immunological testing platform for advanced cancer research.
• Breast Cancer Functional Genomics Group (BCFGG) Biobank Biobank with 2,500+ breast cancer samples with linked clinical databases and outcomes data; more than 1,000 samples molecularly characterized by mRNA profiles, supporting breast cancer functional genomics research.
• Live Biobank with Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX) and Organoids Unique cohort of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and organoid models with matched tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and patient-derived cell lines, supporting preclinical cancer research.
• Graduate and Postdoctoral Training Programs Training programs for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows mentored by world-leading cancer researchers at GCI, including the Goodman experience and Student Society programs.
• Philanthropic Giving and Fundraising Program Philanthropic giving program including tribute gifts, planned giving, memorial donations, and major campaigns supporting cancer research at GCI.

Quantifiable outcome

• First cancer biomarker (CEA) discovered in 1965, remaining a cornerstone of cancer care worldwide
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• AsimovmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Strategic partnership announced June 18, 2026 for advancing next-generation biologics. Asimov will provide cell line development and process development services to support promising biotherapeutic molecules identified through McGill's oncology research programs.
• McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical research partnership with MUHC for translational research, patient care, and breast cancer Functional Genomics Group collaboration with surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists.
• Quebec Cancer Consortium (QCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnites six leading Montreal hospitals, cancer research centres, non-profit and pharmaceutical industry partners with $29M in funding from Quebec government (MEIE) and partners. Led by Dr. Morag Park.
• Terry Fox Research Institute - Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational initiative bringing together clinicians and scientists across Canada to leverage big data breakthroughs. GCI investigators co-lead the Montreal Cancer Consortium with 7 hospitals and research institutes studying immunotherapy resistance.
• DNA-to-RNA (D2R) InitiativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-led Jerry Pelletier Initiative for diagnostic and therapeutic innovations for rare cancers, applying RNA biology and precision oncology approaches to understudied cancers.
• Quebec Breast Cancer FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for breast cancer research including funding, collaborative events such as Breast Cancer & RNA Therapeutics conference.
• Défi CanderelmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual charitable fundraising event founded 1989 by Jonathan Wener, dedicated to supporting cancer research through recruiting faculty and funding student awards. GCI student society leads organizing fundraising events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre: One of the largest cancer research and treatment centers in Canada, affiliated with the University of Toronto. Directly comparable to GCI as a Canadian academic cancer research institute with multi-platform core facilities, large clinical translation footprint, and federal/provincial funding base.
• Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM): Montreal-based biomedical research institute affiliated with Université de Montréal. Comparable as a Quebec-anchored, multi-platform academic research institute focused on fundamental and translational biomedical research.
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Harvard-affiliated cancer research and treatment center. Comparable to GCI in translational cancer biology focus, strong faculty-driven research programs, and integration with affiliated hospitals.
• Centre de recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM): Montreal university-hospital research centre covering oncology, among other specialties. Comparable to GCI in geographic anchor, hospital-affiliated translational research model, and Quebec funding ecosystem.
• BC Cancer Research Centre: Western Canadian academic cancer research centre with multi-disciplinary programs, core platforms, and biobanking. Comparable in scale, scope, and integration with provincial health system.
• Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR): Provincial translational cancer research institute in Ontario. Highly comparable to GCI in mission, multi-omics platforms, bioinformatics emphasis, and integration with hospital networks and pharma partners.
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: US NCI-designated cancer research center with deep expertise in immunotherapy, transplant biology, and translational research. Comparable to GCI as a multi-disciplinary academic cancer institute with core platform infrastructure and clinical partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Largest and oldest US private cancer center, operating at significantly greater scale than GCI. Comparable as an academic cancer institute with broad programs spanning basic, translational, and clinical oncology.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: The largest US NCI-designated cancer center, with global reach and substantially greater resources than GCI. Comparable as a comprehensive academic cancer institute covering the full bench-to-bedside spectrum.

Others

• NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI): US federal cancer research agency that funds and coordinates academic cancer research. Comparable to GCI as a funder/convener of cancer research programs, though operating at vastly different scale and as a government agency rather than a single institute.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mcgillgci

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute