Ève-Marie Charbonneau, Manager - Animal Facilities and Animal Health
Serving best practices, without compromise
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
Unless you work on the third floor of the IRCM, you rarely see Ève-Marie Charbonneau and her beautiful, human smile in the corridors of our institute. Most of the time, and since early morning, from her bright, file-packed corner office, she manages what is one of the nerve centers of our research center: the animal facilities. This sector provides each of our labs with the mouse models they need to advance science in the service of public health, in fine-tuned response to the specific needs of our researchers.
Managing schedules, drafting and revising procedures, meeting with the animal protection committee, importing and exporting colonies, and simply being a caring presence for her teams, Ève-Marie keeps busy in this multi-tasking job. With her, her 35-strong unit works tirelessly to care for, feed and look after the animals, with the utmost respect for best practices in the field, and beyond. As a great animal lover, it is with this philosophy of absolute respect for animal welfare that she acts in all things, convinced moreover that the quest for quality can only be carried out in an optimal context for the mice.
‘’If animals aren't treated well, if they can't express their natural behavior, this is bound to be reflected in the research results. At the IRCM, we adhere to best practice.’’
In this, she feels fully supported by her team, her “pillars” as she calls them.
‘’I really like people, starting with my team. We're very symbiotic, and I rely a lot on their knowledge and skills. Some of them have been here much longer than me,” adds the woman who was recruited to the IRCM five years ago (she gives thanks to Ovidiu Jumanca), after having worked for fourteen years at the Douglas Institute.‘’
And then there's the gratifying feeling of being held in high esteem by scientists and respected for the expertise in her field.
‘’I feel that researchers listen to me. We're there on the floor, and we're the scientists' eyes and ears when it comes to animal health. I don't feel that the scientists feel superior; they appreciate it, it's very rewarding. The researchers have their expertise, the technicians have theirs, and it makes a good team. We feel we can work together to make sure the animals are well looked after. ‘’
Working at the heart of this beehive, which is responsible for thousands of mice, is a complex juggling act, which she manages thanks to her harmonious collaboration with her colleagues. And also, no doubt, thanks to the humanist streak that drives her as much for the well-being of humans as for that of animals.
