History
Dr. Jacques Genest Sr, a pioneer in biomedical research

As the founder of the IRCM, Dr. Genest was internationally renowned for the quality and impact of his research and discoveries. He is the author of four books and over 700 articles especially on arterial hypertension.
In 1967, Dr. Genest was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, and in 1991 a Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec and Commander of the Ordre de Montréal. This eminent scientist holds 12 honorary doctorates attesting to his contribution to medical research.
Dr. Jacques Genest Sr. was born in Montreal on May 29, 1919 and passed away on January 5, 2018 at the age of 98.
The creation of the IRCM
On March 4, 1964, the provincial Minister of Health frees up the necessary funding for a clinical research institute. He allocates $1.2 million for construction and for the purchase of equipment and furnishings, as well as $100,000 per year (for eight years) to cover research, administrative and maintenance costs for the future institute.
In 1965, the Centre médical Claude-Bernard becomes the Institut de diagnostic et de recherches cliniques de Montréal. In 1986, the official name changes to the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM).
In June 1967, the Institute obtained its direct affiliation with Université de Montréal. Under this agreement, IRCM researchers will collaborate in the teaching and research activities of the faculty and may supervise graduate students whose work will lead to university degrees. At the time of the agreement between Université de Montréal and the Institute, André Barbeau (son of the eminent neurologist Antonio Barbeau) set up his neurobiology laboratory at the Institute, surrounded by a research team that already enjoys a solid international reputation.
