Living Lab at the Montreal Chest Institute: Revolutionizing respiratory research
March 17th, 2025
News
At the Montreal Chest Institute (MCI), research is no longer a separate entity—it’s becoming an integral part of daily care. The Living Lab initiative, a collaboration between the MCI, the Meakins-Christie Laboratories, and the Respiratory, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Unit (RECRU) at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), and the MUHC Foundation, brings clinicians and researchers under one roof, ensuring that every patient who walks through the doors has the potential to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in respiratory health.
"We’re trying to initiate a change in culture in the clinics where research becomes part of everyday practice," explains Project Manager, Mellissa Gaudet. "When people talk about research at the MCI, it’s the Living Lab — it’s centralized, standardized, and accessible to all."
A one-stop hub for respiratory research
The Living Lab collects patient data and biological material to enhance understanding of respiratory diseases. Over the years, the MCI has built a strong patient-centered community, with a dedicated ICU, day hospital, and highly specialized care. The Living Lab allows patients to become active participants in their own treatment, offers more personalized care, and contributes to advancing the field of respiratory medicine. "For years, the same small groups benefited from bio banking and data repositories," explains Inga Murawski, Program Manager of the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at The Institute. The Living Lab opens up these resources to the entire community, making respiratory research more inclusive and impactful."
A research hub without limits
One of the most exciting aspects of the Living Lab is its versatility. It’s not tied to a single project but serves as a launchpad for multiple studies. These include liquid biopsies to detect early signs of respiratory disease, wearable technology designed to predict symptom flare-ups before they require emergency care, and biomarker studies to better understand how different respiratory diseases manifest and overlap. "The Living Lab will be able to answer any and all questions we want to explore in respiratory research at the MCI," says Mellissa.
Transforming patient participation
Every patient at the MCI is a potential contributor to research. Many have already consented to research participation in other clinics, and the Living Lab is working to consolidate and expand these efforts.
For some, participating in research comes with immediate benefits. For example:
- Patients in sleep studies can access equipment faster than through traditional waitlists.
- Those in clinical trials can receive cutting-edge treatments before they are widely available.
- Participants are not only helping advance science but also improving their own care in the process.
A future of innovation and discovery
The Living Lab bridges the gap between research and patient care, ensuring that every discovery has a direct impact on the lives of those living with respiratory diseases.
By centralizing efforts, fostering collaboration, and making research an everyday part of the MCI experience, the Living Lab is set to redefine what’s possible in respiratory medicine.
“When you come to the MCI, you’re not just receiving care—you’re stepping into a Living Lab that’s shaping the future of respiratory health,” adds Mellissa.
For more information on the Living Lab, contact:
Tel: 514-447-2709