An opportune time to collaborate in the future of cancer research

Robert L. Durkee,
Executive Director

When the subject of cancer prevention and treatment is discussed today, the conversation inevitably turns to the important advances that have been made in the field of immunology, and the fact that significant immunotherapies for cancer will certainly be available in the not-so-distant future. The excitement immunology is currently eliciting comes as no surprise to all of us at the Cancer Research Institute; or, for that matter, to the individuals, foundations and corporations who have generously supported our work through the years. This Institute was founded with the singular mission of furthering scientific exploration in the field of cancer immunology — and largely through our efforts, and the funding opportunities we have established, cancer immunology has attracted some of the best researchers and clinicians worldwide. In the past ten years, CRI funding has increased dramatically and our programs now sponsor scientists at every stage of their career. Today, scientists who have benefited from these programs can be found in laboratories all over the world. With so many stellar immunological projects still in need of funding, we are well positioned to have an impact on the field to an even greater extent. Yet without the capital to nurture and grow our programs, we are forced to turn away a great number of deserving research projects each year. Today, not tomorrow, the Institute requires and deserves a broader base of philanthropic support.