The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT

an accordion of endothelial cells stained in pink and green

Using MIT ingenuity to create knowledge, tools, and treatments to fight cancer

Scientific Programs

As a National Cancer Institute-designated basic cancer research center organized along three program themes, we produce knowledge and tools to fight one of humanity's most persistent challenges. 

NCI Cancer Center: A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute

Research Focus Areas

From fundamental discoveries to engineering advances, we strategically pursue six areas of research that, across tumor types, are critical for rapid progress toward defeating cancer.

News

Robert Langer Wins 2026 Welch Award in Chemistry

The Welch Foundation

Robert Langer has been named the 2026 recipient of the Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry, established to recognize chemical research that meaningfully benefits humankind and carrying a $500,000 prize. His pioneering work in controlled drug release and tissue engineering has transformed patient care worldwide, generating tens of companies, licensing to over 400 organizations globally, and inspiring hundreds of researchers who now lead their own labs.

At the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, scientists and engineers work together to solve some of the most difficult problems in cancer. We ask big questions in strategic areas, where the answers have big impacts on how we understand and treat cancer.