The mission of the Koch Institute (KI) is to apply the tools of science and technology to improve the way cancer is detected, monitored, treated, and prevented.
We bring together scientists and engineers — in collaboration with clinicians and industry partners — to solve the most intractable problems in cancer. Leveraging MIT’s strengths in technology, the life sciences, and interdisciplinary research — the KI is pursuing scientific excellence while also directly promoting innovative ways to diagnose, monitor, and treat cancer through advanced technology.
The Koch Institute facility was made possible through a $100 million gift from MIT alumnus David H. Koch. Our new building opened in March 2011, coinciding with MIT’s 150th anniversary. Our community has grown out of the MIT Center for Cancer Research (CCR), which was founded in 1974 by Nobel Laureate and MIT Professor Salvador Luria, and is one of seven National Cancer Institute-designated basic (non-clinical) research centers in the U.S.
The Koch Institute is a unique community of extraordinarily dynamic and diverse researchers working together to advance cancer research. This group includes cancer biologists; chemists; materials science, chemical and biological engineers; computer scientists and others, all dedicated to bringing the most advanced science and technology to bear in the fight against cancer.
Our faculty members have earned the most prestigious national and international science honors, notably:
Working with the faculty are more than 170 postdoctoral fellows and associates; 70 principal research scientists; approximately 70 technical assistants, associates, lab aides, and managers; more than 170 graduate students and 100 undergraduates, and more than a dozen visiting scientists and students, for a total research force of more than 1,000 individuals. The KI comprises more than 50 laboratories, located at its purpose designed facility in Kendall Square and across the MIT campus.
Strategic research at the KI is focused on five target areas viewed as critical for rapid progress toward controlling cancer:
Research and development in each of these target areas involves cross-disciplinary teams of faculty, students, and staff – and also encompasses collaborations with clinical centers and industry.
For more information, view our brochure.