HCRI researchers are dedicated to conducting innovative and integrative research that confronts the complex challenges of cancer. From common malignancies to rare and recalcitrant cancers, our researchers are united in multi-disciplinary teams with a common goal: to increase the survival of all patients diagnosed with cancer.
From its inception in 2011, the HCRI was intentionally designed to bring together researchers from distinct disciplines in the biological, chemical, physical, medical, and engineering sciences to investigate the complex challenges of cancer. The Institute is distinctive in that it focuses on uniting scientists from fields that are not traditionally associated with cancer research such as engineering, mathematics and physics. These unique backgrounds provide an alternative and complementary approach toward the interrogation of cancer and thereby represent a significant untapped resource for discovery and innovation. Collaboration is a foundational principle of the Institute.
Our programmatic structure fosters this multi-disciplinary cancer research by promoting interactions among research groups with distinct expertise and by training early career scientists to work across scientific fields. Clinical partnerships provide key translational insight and strengthen the mission of discovery. Educational initiatives range from high school to post-doctoral trainees with the goal of developing a diverse and well-prepared cadre of oncology leaders.
Harper Hall, the administrative home of HCRI, opened its doors in March 2011 and contains 55,000 square feet of cancer research laboratory and office space. It is located on the corner of Angela Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue. In addition to the scientists in Harper Hall, HCRI researchers are drawn from all corners of the Notre Dame campus including 11 departments in the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Arts and Letters, and Business.
The Harper Cancer Research Institute is proud to share with the ThinkND community the work we do to identify and solve the grand challenges in cancer research, disseminate knowledge worldwide, translate scientific findings into clinical care, address local and global cancer health disparities, and train the next generation of cancer research leaders.
The Harper Cancer Research Institute promotes and integrates basic, translational, and clinical cancer research throughout the multiple disciplines of Institute members, and participates in cancer-related education and outreach activities of the Institute, in the local community, and national arenas. The HCRI program structure fosters cancer-focused convergence research by promoting productive interactions among research groups with distinct expertise and by cross-training young scientists to work collaboratively.
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