Dr. Étienne Richer first joined McGill University as a postdoctoral scientist in genetics of infectious diseases. Dr. Richer then joined BioMedCom Consultants where he was involved in projects covering a broad range of healthcare issues from biologics therapies to reimbursement policies. Dr. Richer returned to McGill in 2011 as the Assistant Director for the CIHR Institute of Genetics. Dr. Richer has been involved in the strategic orientation of the institute, the development of its team and the delivery of its activities. While establishing tight links with the national research community, an international focus is also infused in these three sectors.