50 Years of Cancer Research at MIT

Celebrating 50 years of collaboration, innovation, and curiosity in cancer research at MIT
 

In 1971, the National Cancer Act shone a spotlight on the need for an increased understanding of cancer—about which little was known at the time—and how to better prevent, detect and treat the disease. Designated a National Cancer Institute basic research center, MIT readily accepted the challenge, launching its Center for Cancer Research in 1974 to bring the brightest minds in science together in pursuit of answers to fundamental questions in cancer biology. 

Building from the strong foundation of the Cancer Center, the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research opened its doors in 2011, establishing a new paradigm for cancer research in which life scientists and engineers innovate and collaborate side by side, under one roof, to accelerate the pace of progress against cancer.  

 Throughout 2024, the Koch Institute is celebrating 50 years of MIT’s cancer research program—from the seminal biological discoveries of the CCR era to the breakthroughs and achievements of the Koch Institute’s life scientists and engineers—and its community of world class investigators. Join us for events, programs, and other opportunities to connect with the KI during this milestone anniversary year. 

Celebrations begin March 14!