Left to right: The Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Japan (NCCJ); Dr. Hiroyoshi Nishikawa (NCCJ) and Dr. Stefani Spranger (Koch Institute); the MIT Koch Institute
MIT Koch Institute
June 1, 2026
The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Cancer Center and the hub of cancer research at MIT, and the Research Institute, National Cancer Center Japan (NCCJ), a leading national research institute focused on advancing oncology through basic and translational research, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The collaboration will leverage both parties’ excellence in research to solve the most pressing problems in cancer and shape the future of convergence science in oncology, specifically in the areas of immune-oncology, basic and epidemiologic cancer research, as well as prevention, diagnosis, screening, treatment, cancer control, and survivorship. To promote knowledge sharing and cooperation, the organizations will jointly organize conferences, symposia, and other scientific meetings of mutual interest, and faculty, scholars, and administrators from both institutions will participate in exchanges and visits.
This partnership reflects a shared strategic commitment to establishing a global alliance effort to address grand challenges in oncology.
“We are delighted to work with our colleagues at the NCCJ to advance our shared vision of convergence science in oncology, said Stefani Spranger, Associate Director of the MIT Koch Institute and Associate Professor of Biology.
“This partnership exemplifies how bringing together world-class research institutions across continents, and combining complementary expertise, diverse perspectives, and cutting-edge capabilities, can enable us to tackle the grand challenges in cancer that no single institution can address alone. Through this collaboration, we look forward to accelerating discoveries that will ultimately improve patient outcomes and shape the future of cancer research globally.”
“We are pleased to embark on this collaboration with the MIT Koch Institute to advance a shared vision for the future of oncology” said Dr. Hiroyoshi Nishikawa, Chief of Division of Cancer Immunology, NCCJ.
“By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating diverse expertise, we aim to create new possibilities in cancer research and contribute to better outcomes for patients worldwide.”
This collaboration marks an important step toward advancing global efforts to address the most pressing challenges in cancer.