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About us

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years.

  • Our strategy

    Our vision: We will transform the lives of cancer patients through world-class research and education, and by growing our impact on society.

    Read our strategy
  • Our research

    At the ICR we are researching how to treat the differences between cancers – an approach known as personalised medicine.

    About our research
  • Our work with industry

    The Business and Innovation Office has many industrial partners and works with them to transform ideas into new products for the benefit of cancer patients.

    Working with industry
  • Our fundraising and philanthropy

    Our donors and supporters play a vital role in helping researchers at the ICR to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

    Make a donation
  • Our students

    The ICR is a college of the University of London, and educating and training the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians is a core part of our mission.

    Study at the ICR
  • Our cancer drug access report

    Our 2018 drug access report, 'From Patent to Patient', highlights the progress that is being made with discovering exciting new cancer medicines

    Read the report
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The ICR is led by Chief Executive Professor Kristian Helin, known for his pioneering scientific discoveries in cancer epigenetics.

We are world leaders in identifying cancer genes, discovering cancer drugs and developing precision radiotherapy.

Together with our hospital partner The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, we are rated as one of the top centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide.

As well as being as world-class research institute, the ICR is a higher education institution and a member institution of the University of London. We came second-top in the league table of university research quality, impact and environment compiled from the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

The ICR has charitable status and relies on support from partner organisations, charities, donors and the general public.

Our history of achievements

For more than 100 years, the ICR has been pioneering discoveries into cancer and its treatment.

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Policy and engagement

The Institute of Cancer Research works to influence policy development in high-priority areas and to give the ICR a voice on relevant policy issues. We also support staff who are engaging the public and coordinate opportunities to make young people aware of the opportunities for careers in science.

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Our values

Our values – developed together as an organisation – make it clear how each and every one of us work to meet our mission – to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

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The ICR: Over 100 years of cancer research in London

Here in London, our scientists conduct world-leading research every day. Our mission? To defeat cancer.

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Share your cancer story with us

We always want to hear from people who have a cancer story to share. Get in touch and help raise awareness of our research.

Share your story

Annual Report

The Annual Report and Accounts provides the ICR's accounts for the end of each financial year.

Read our 2023 Annual Report

Help fund exciting programme of research in our new Centre

Our researchers have now moved in to the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery to start their urgent work on creating more and better drugs for cancer patients.

Our cancer drug access report

Our report asks how we can best harness advances in science to bring innovative drugs to patients. It is designed to help us reshape the landscape for drug discovery and development – and create tomorrow’s cancer treatments.

Contact us

Contact us to find out more about the ICR.