The Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging in Nice (IRCAN) was founded on January 1, 2012. It was established under the collaborative efforts of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (now part of the University Côte d’Azur), the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm), and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The founding was motivated by the need to understand and address the complex biological interconnections between aging and cancer.

The institute was initially led by Professor Eric Gilson and is currently directed by Dr. Dmitry Bulavin as of January 1, 2024. Situated at the Medical School of Nice, IRCAN operates in partnership with local institutions such as the Center Antoine Lacassagne (CAL) and the Nice University Hospital (CHUN), focusing on becoming a leading center for research in the fields of cancer and aging.

The primary mission of IRCAN is to advance our understanding of the biological underpinnings shared by aging and cancer. Through integrating diverse areas of biology from basic research to medical applications, IRCAN aims to develop innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases and cancer.

Throughout its history, IRCAN has been active in forming significant regional, national, and international networks and collaborations. These include participation in programs like the Inserm Cross-cutting Program AgeMed and the FHU program OncoAge. IRCAN’s influence extends beyond research, with substantial contributions to teaching and public outreach. It has developed international master’s programs and actively engages in various educational and community initiatives to disseminate knowledge about scientific and medical advances.