Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute (SCC-RI)

The Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute (SCC-RI) at McMaster University was established in 2006 under the leadership of its founding director, Dr. Mick Bhatia. Renowned internationally, the institute was dedicated to groundbreaking interdisciplinary research in stem cell biology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. SCC-RI notably achieved significant milestones, including pioneering techniques such as directly converting human skin cells into blood cells. The institute comprised leading principal investigators and supported hundreds of trainees, fostering a vibrant environment of innovation, collaboration, and clinical translation. Although SCC-RI concluded operations in 2020, its impactful research and contributions continue to resonate within the global scientific community.