Mission and Values of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center

Mission

At the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, our mission is to understand, cure and prevent each of the scores of diseases we collectively call cancer. We pursue this goal by promoting collaboration among a diverse and dedicated team of outstanding laboratory scientists, caregivers, clinical researchers and trainees. These partnerships help us develop solutions tailored to the complexity of individual cancers and the unique needs of each patient. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the investigators of tomorrow while providing superior care to the people of today.

Values

As members of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, we are committed to exploring and developing innovative ways to prevent and reduce the devastating effects of cancer. Although we recognize that we may never find a universal cure for all cancers, we are dedicated to transforming this deadly disease into a chronic ailment. To meet this ambitious challenge, we:

Stimulate and support collaborative interdisciplinary laboratory research in cancer;

Improve quality of life for patients;

Use clinical trials to test investigational drugs to identify effective new cancer therapies;

Strive to turn laboratory discoveries into clinical applications that bring the benefits of our breakthroughs to patients as soon as it is safe and practicable;

Apply the latest advances in molecular biology, genetics and cytogenetics to the study of human tumors;

Conduct integrated research projects and multidisciplinary clinical treatment programs to deliver superior, state-of-the-art patient care;

Provide education and training for basic scientists, clinical investigators and health care professionals at all levels;

Provide access to clinical trials to community oncologists and minority populations via a network of affiliated hospitals;

Develop and implement outreach programs that educate local health professionals about new treatment, prevention and diagnostic techniques;

Initiate and develop cancer prevention and control research at the University of Chicago and the Chicago metropolitan area; and

Bring clinical, biological, psychological, and scientists together, take their expertise into neighborhoods, and engage in community-based research in partnership with local individuals, groups and institutions in order to ensure that all populations benefit from the fruits of our research.