The project to structure oncology in Bordeaux was launched in 2018 and resulted in January 2022 in the creation of the Inserm U1312 Unit called BRIC (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology).
Labeled by Inserm and the University of Bordeaux, the BRIC combines all the current strengths in cancer research, i.e. the former units U1218, U1035, U1053, U1029 and EA 7435. The new unit is composed of 11 teams and more than 250 staff.
The unit is part of the Biological and Medical Sciences Department (SBM) of the University of Bordeaux.
A unit to gather forces in oncology
Born from the cancer community’s desire to restructure, the unit is a collective project with two main research themes: cancers with poor prognosis and rare cancers. Thus, liver cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, glioblastoma and onco-dermatology are the focus of the laboratory’s research. Oncogeriatrics and pediatric cancers are also important themes in the unit. In parallel, innovative fundamental and technological approaches are being developed to unravel the molecular mechanisms that drive these cancers.
The creation of the BRIC marks an important step in the structuring of oncology research in Bordeaux, which had already begun with the SIRIC Brio, the regional network Oncosphere, and now the NewMoon Impulse Network.
Presentation of the unit by members of the governance for Oncosphere.
A new feature is that the teams will be grouped together at only two sites: the new research building in Carreire and the B2 building in Pessac. Eventually, both teams will join up in a single building dedicated to cancer research.
Bringing youth to the fore
The advent of the BRIC has enabled the creation of new teams and the emergence of new leaders such as Christine Varon and Katie Sawai. Like Katie Sawai’s team, Atip-Avenir, the BRIC hosts many emerging teams and young researchers.
Our goal is not only to give pride of place to these young researchers. It is also to attract new talents, post-doctoral fellows and young high-level researchers who can drive the unit forward and continue its construction.
