Organization
Moffitt Research Institute
The Moffitt Research Institute (MRI) was formed in 2002 to provide a clear identity for research, which has rapidly developed since the Cancer Center’s initial investment in 1993. The MRI is integrated into the Center’s operational and physical structure. It is an organizational structure designed to unify everything related to research under one umbrella and guide the Center’s ongoing commitment to research. Moffitt recognizes that an integral part of its mission, “to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer,” requires a world-class research infrastructure.
The MRI includes more than 800 people dedicating at least part of their effort to research. This includes faculty, scientists, postdocs, graduate students, research nurses, core staff and operational staff. The MRI is led by three Associate Center Directors (ACDs) who have direct responsibilities for three divisions: Basic Science, Prevention & Control, and Clinical Investigations. Among the ACDs, Tom Sellers, Ph.D., serves as MRI Director. Underneath the Divisions, research is organized under Research Departments, each lead by a faculty level Chair.
Functionally, the MRI was designed to provide a voice for research faculty and a framework to set and accomplish research priorities. These priorities include operational and capital budgets, educational activities, allocation of research space and recruitment. The MRI also has evolved to become the academic home for Moffitt’s research faculty including oversight of appointment, promotion and tenure.
Programs
Research at Moffitt is based on the needs of the investigator and on sustaining a collaborative, translational environment. Investigators are grouped by their interests into programs. Research efforts at Cancer Centers are traditionally focused around the Research Programs, and they provide the cornerstone of our research at Moffitt. The National Cancer Institute notes in its Cancer Center Support Guidelines that programs comprise “the activities of a group of investigators who share common scientific interests and goals and participate in competitively funded research.” Programs also are expected to be highly interactive and collaborative, something at which the programs at Moffitt excel. Programs are aligned under Divisions reporting to the Associate Center Directors. Moffitt currently has six research programs. They are:
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Molecular Oncology
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Drug Discovery
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Immunology
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Experimental Therapeutics
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Risk Assessment, Detection & Intervention
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Health Outcomes & Behavior
Each is led by a Program Leader, who is an expert within the field and responsible for program development. Their authorities include:
- Overseeing and representing the needs of the program faculty
- Allocation of program resources
- Faculty recruitment and mentoring
- Nurturing a collaborative environment including hosting regular program meetings
- Development of Shared Resources
- Development of educational resources and events