It is with great disappointment that we announce that the Quebec Bio-Imaging Network (QBIN) was not selected to receive funding from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS), which has funded QBIN since 2008. With the support of an extensive list of partners and collaborators, QBIN applied for renewed funding of $1 million per year for the next eight years via the 2024-2032 Thematic Research Networks competition. The concerted effort of QBIN’s steering committee and partners was ranked exceptional by the scientific committee, but was ultimately not selected for funding.
While this news is obviously very disappointing, it offers us an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey QBIN has undertaken since its inception in 2008. Over the past 16 years, QBIN has been at the forefront of bio-imaging research in Quebec, bringing together researchers from across the province to advance the field. We are immensely proud of the contributions made by our members and supporters, whose dedication has propelled QBIN and its members to become recognized leaders in bio-imaging in Quebec and internationally.
We extend our sincere thanks to all those who have been involved with QBIN over the years. Your passion, expertise, and commitment have been invaluable in shaping the network and driving its success. We would also like to express our gratitude to the QBIN steering committee for their contributions during the application process.
Although we did not receive funding on this occasion, we remain committed to our mission to create an ecosystem that informs, structures, and facilitates research and innovation in bio-imaging to the benefit of nearly all aspects of human health. While the road ahead may be uncertain and challenging, we are confident that the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines QBIN will continue to flourish.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of QBIN and in expressing our gratitude to all those who have contributed to its success, including previous QBIN director, Julien Doyon, by joining us at the 2024 QBIN Scientific Day, which will take place on May 23 at Concordia University in Montreal. More information about this exciting event will be published in the weeks to come.