About us
The Diagnostic Development Program drives the implementation of precision medicine through biomarker discovery and validation and the development of assays to guide personalized diagnosis and treatment. A key component of our mission is to extend support and expertise to the cancer research community offering our services to scientists across Ontario and beyond.
Program Leadership
Dr. Jane Bayani
Dr. Bayani has extensive experience in molecular pathology and assay development with a research focus in precision medicine approaches to discover and validate biomarkers using large, well-annotated retrospective clinical and clinical trial cohorts.
Dr. Melanie Spears
Dr. Spears’ research focuses novel approaches to translate scientific research into innovative treatment approaches that will ultimately improve survival in cancer patients.
Dr. Sarah Barker
Senior Program Manager, Diagnostic Development
As Program Manager, Sarah will assist with defining projects, clarifying service details, and finalizing the service arrangements. She came to OICR with over 15 years of experience spanning academic research, contract research services and commercialization in molecular biology and biologics.
Ilinca Lungu
Senior Project Manager, Tissue Portal, Diagnostic Development
Ilinca manages the Tissue Portal, a core team within Diagnostic Development that oversees upstream tissue sample management and processing for OICR programs. Her role involves refining tissue collection processes, implementing new technologies, and facilitating research projects through optimized biospecimen use.
Collaborators
Projects
A list of programs and projects we service