Fred Hutch scientists conduct high-impact research that ranges from the most basic, molecular level to a broad, population-based approach. Their findings have revolutionized our understanding of disease occurrence and detection and the prevention and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
More than 300 scientists in six scientific divisions continually generate new discoveries and translate them into effective medical practices, therapeutic strategies and public health approaches. Efforts are not isolated within divisions; rather, constant collaboration feeds new ideas and innovative discoveries. This cooperative approach is achieved through informal activities as well as through integrated research centers, institutions and networks.
Basic Sciences
Our Basic Sciences research teams strive to understand the normal molecular functioning of cells as well as the disruption that causes complex diseases like cancer and HIV infection. More than 30 laboratory groups are exploring topics as diverse as regulation of cell division and mechanisms that control wound repair. Our research has yielded a number of landmark breakthroughs and scientific advances, including two Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that may inform new approaches to cancer treatment.
Clinical Research
Building on our discoveries in basic science, our Clinical Research teams work to develop innovative ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer and other diseases. Our division includes more than 100 faculty members and dozens of scientific laboratories. Our investigators participate in advanced laboratory and clinical research as well as direct patient care. Our priority is translating promising discoveries from the laboratory to improve outcomes and quality of life for people with cancer and other illnesses, including HIV and infectious diseases.
Human Biology
Researchers in our Human Biology Division perform fundamental, applied and translational research in model organisms and in vitro systems. They form an interdisciplinary team, with backgrounds in molecular and cell biology, genomics, genetics, virology, infectious disease, computational biology, pathology and clinical research.
They also work closely with colleagues in other divisions to increase their knowledge base of genetic profiles and epidemiology. Studies within the division focus on breast, cervical, ovarian, prostate and esophageal cancers, as well as nonsolid tumors and infectious diseases that influence cancers.
Public Health Sciences
Our Public Health Sciences Division seeks strategies to reduce the incidence of and mortality from cancer and other diseases. Research includes observational studies and intervention trials to evaluate strategies for reducing the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovary, cervix, mouth, esophagus and lung, among others. Coordinating centers based in the division serve to expand research opportunities and build partnerships with outside organizations to extend access to populations and data.
Translational Science and Therapeutics
Beginning with the initial discovery of bone marrow transplantation as a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers, researchers and clinicians in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division have worked tirelessly to make transplantation safer and more effective. Their current work aims to improve the process at every stage by developing less toxic techniques for eliminating diseased cancer cells in preparation for transplantation and improving the chance of matching blood products for transplantation.
Vaccine and Infectious Disease
Applying an innovative multidisciplinary approach, VIDD scientists work to develop vaccines and innovative approaches to prevent HIV and other infectious diseases, improve treatment of serious infections among immunocompromised patients and create novel techniques to reduce the impact of cancer worldwide. They employ advanced statistical methods to analyze their experiments and reveal practical insights that can guide patient care. Our advanced computational analyses also help scientists and policymakers predict and prevent future outbreaks.
Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center
IIRC researchers are developing new ways to empower patients' immune systems to fight cancer and other diseases.
Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center
PAM IRC researchers explore the links between infection and cancer in order to improve treatment and prevention efforts.
Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center
TDS IRC researchers apply recent advances in statistics and computational techniques to open new avenues for preventing and treating cancer and related diseases.