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The National Cancer Institute's

Center for Cancer Research

We are the basic and clinical intramural research program of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.

Message from the Director

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Photo of Center for Cancer Research Director Tom Misteli, Ph.D

The Center for Cancer Research is the largest division of the National Cancer Institute’s intramural research program with nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C.

The CCR is home to an extraordinary group of scientists and clinicians exploring the cutting edge of cancer and HIV/AIDS research. Our scientists work on a wide spectrum of biological and biomedical problems that range from visualizing and understanding the structure of individual genes and proteins and developing novel methods for drug discovery to inventing biomedical devices and technology and creating innovative ways to treat patients in the NIH Clinical Center.

Our scientists enjoy complete intellectual freedom and are expected to creatively and innovatively explore the most important questions in the field of cancer research and treatment. We support projects over a long time horizon allowing our investigators to pursue some of the most difficult, high-risk problems in the field, and we are always on the lookout for new challenges and the most pressing problems in modern cancer research.

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20th anniversary graphic of the CCR institutional cornerstones
Credit: Bill Dahut, Glenn Merlino, Tom Misteli, Nature Cancer, 2021

During the past two decades, work in CCR has led to numerous major scientific discoveries and made a positive public health impact, including the development of groundbreaking immunotherapy approaches, HIV/AIDS testing, the creation of a human papillomavirus vaccine and more as illustrated on our Timeline of CCR Landmarks.

The success of CCR over the last 20-plus years is based on several institutional cornerstones:

The CCR is a unique place of science where we combine diverse expertise with the freedom to thoroughly pursue the most pressing questions in cancer biology and treatment.

At CCR, we do cancer research that benefits all!

Tom Misteli, Ph.D.
Director, CCR

Our Vision, Mission, Values and Goals

Vision

To create the cancer medicines of tomorrow

Mission

The MISSION of CCR is to improve the lives of all cancer patients by solving important, challenging and neglected problems in cancer research and patient care through:

Values

The VALUES of the CCR reflect our dedication to creating an environment that catalyzes creative, innovative and transformational research and patient care through:

Goals

Our GOALS drive our relentless pursuit to advance cancer research and care through:

Office of the Director - reception area

CCR Office of the Director

View a listing of all CCR Office of the Director offices, with descriptions of function and staff.

Awards and accolades

Awards & Accolades

CCR’s remarkable staff have been recognized for their groundbreaking scientific discoveries, their skilled and compassionate patient care and the positive public health impact of CCR research.

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