Pros
The IRCM is a great institute with supportive communities, excellent facilities, and frequent student events. The regular invited speakers create a stimulating environment for scientific growth. It’s an ideal place for students to network, collaborate, and develop professionally.
Cons
In some laboratories, there appears to be a lack of oversight and clear governance to prevent certain PIs from overworking, mistreating, or taking advantage of their students. Even when issues are reported, consequences for PIs tend to amount to a “tap on the hand” at best. While this is a broader problem across academia and not unique to the IRCM, it’s particularly discouraging for students, most of whom are international, who realise their only two options may be to leave the lab and risk losing their visa, or to endure difficult conditions for several years.