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Our Research

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been driving scientific discoveries on cancer and its treatment for more than 100 years. We are internationally renowned for our work into cancer genetics, cancer biology and personalised medicine – and came second of all UK universities in analysis of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

  • Genetics and cancer risk

    Genetics and cancer risk

    We have uncovered more cancer predisposition genes than any other organisation, and we host some of the world’s largest epidemiological studies of the environmental and lifestyle factors that influence whether people develop cancer.

    Genetics research
  • Cancer biology

    Cancer biology

    We take a close-up look at the fundamental mechanisms at work within cells, while also employing complex data analysis and ‘systems biology’ approaches to gain an overview of the intricate webs of communication at play.

    Cancer biology research
  • Drug discovery and therapeutic innovation

    Drug discovery and therapeutic innovation

    At the ICR, we apply our knowledge of cancer genetics and tumour biology to the discovery of new cancer treatments.

    Drug research
  • Imaging and radiotherapy

    Imaging and radiotherapy

    With state-of-the-art facilities and internationally renowned researchers, we are pioneering technologies to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer, and to guide new forms of precision treatment.

    Radiotherapy research
  • Cancer evolution and precision medicine

    Cancer evolution and precision medicine

    We are working to create new treatments that anticipate cancer’s evolution, and can overcome or prevent drug resistance.

    Cancer evolution
  • Informatics

    Informatics

    Cancer is a complex, ever-changing set of diseases. To truly understand and beat cancer, we must have a comprehensive view of all its facets. New technologies allow us to gather data on all these views of cancer at scale.

    Informatics research
  • Clinical trials

    Clinical trials

    From first-in-human studies to large multicentre trials, we’re committed to delivering innovative, practice-changing clinical trials, particularly to assess the latest precision treatments.

    Our clinical trials
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Explore our research

Our researchers

Our researchers work to deliver our scientific strategy across a variety of areas – focused on genetics and cancer risk, understanding cancer biology and discovering new personalised treatments.

Meet our researchers

Centres and collaborations

The ICR works in partnership with funders to deliver a number of major centres and initiatives, focused on key strategic priorities.

About our centres

Our research facilities

The ICR runs a wide range of scientific services designed to support researchers within the ICR, and in some cases more widely, with specialist equipment and expertise.

Research facilities

Our record of discovery

The ICR has made some of the most significant discoveries in the field of cancer research over its more than 100 years of history.

Our discoveries

Our strategic partners

The ICR works closely with funding organisations including Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Now and the Wellcome Trust to deliver its programme of research.

Strategic partners

Publications

The ICR’s publications repository holds details of scientific papers and books written by our staff since 2001, including full text of many articles.

ICR publications

Our research divisions

Research at the ICR is structured into eight research divisions and more than seventy research teams. Find out more about our teams and research areas.

Research divisions