The Institute was founded in 2008 by Dr. Stephen Collins following a generous donation from the Farncombe Family of Toronto who have continued to support the Institute since its inception. Additional support has been gratefully received from the Paul Douglas Family of Hamilton as well as from the University.

The Institute is governed by an Executive Committee consisting of:
Stephen Collins (Director)
Elena Verdu (Director of Axenic-Gnotobiotic Facility)
Mike Surette (Director of Sequencing & Microbiology Unit)
Paul Moayyedi (Director of Clinical Research)