Cancer Research Institute, Inc.

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is the preeminent non-profit organization providing the means for scientists to further the understanding of how the immune system can be harnessed to treat and control cancer. CRI provides a broad range of research funding opportunities that support all levels of research, from the first stirrings of interest in cancer immunology to the clinical application of newly discovered biomedical technologies. Joining the Institute in identifying top scientific talent is the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC), an international roster of scientists who share a deep commitment to driving the field of immunology forward at an accelerated pace by supporting creative, scientifically rigorous research. The SAC is recognized as one of the preeminent brain trusts currently acting in an advisory capacity, counting among its members four Nobel Laureates, 29 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 23 members of the Academy of Cancer Immunology.

CRI's research programs are designed to recognize and support those researchers around the world who are focused on clarifying the link between the immune system and cancer; and on developing immunological approaches to controlling the disease. CRI provides funding at every level of inquiry from the most basic studies to clinical trials testing novel immunotherapies, while at the same time supporting scientists at every career level. The Institute's funding programs include: predoctoral training grants, postdoctoral fellowships, investigator awards, and a clinical investigation program that supports both preclinical research and clinical trials through its Coordinated Cancer Initiatives (CCI) and the Cancer Vaccine Collaborative (CVC). The core of the CCI lies in bringing together experts from various yet complementary backgrounds who cooperatively design a master plan of coordinated research tasks. The Institute then awards short-term funding to individual researchers charged with specific tasks to be accomplished within a specified timeframe. The participating scientists collaborate and communicate, share reagents, data, and ideas, and meet on a regular basis to present their findings and chart the course for the next six to twelve months. The Cancer Vaccine Collaborative (CVC) was created in partnership with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, and is a unique network of coordinated early-phase cancer vaccine trials at academic institutions around the world. In addition to its highly competitive research programs, the Institute's educational efforts include sponsoring an annual international symposium that focuses attention on cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, the two central approaches of cancer immunology. The Institute also disseminates important information about cancer immunology and immunotherapies to the general public. Finally, each year CRI presents awards to distinguished scientists and dedicated laypersons that have made outstanding contributions to the field of cancer immunology.

The Cancer Research Institute has one of the lowest overhead expense ratios among non-profit organizations, with more than 86 percent of its resources going directly to the support of its science, medical, and research programs. CRI meets or exceeds all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, the most comprehensive U.S. charity evaluation service, and according to Charity Navigator exceeds or meets industry standards and performs as well as or better than most cancer charities. CRI has also received an 'A' grade for fiscal disclosure and efficiency from the American Institute of Philanthropy as well as top accolades from other charity watchdog organizations.