Research Disciplines

Research Disciplines

Moffitt’s culture and organizational structure underscore a basic value: collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork. Our culture, which includes a singular focus on cancer, positions us to make significant contributions to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Our inclusive and flexible structure supports faculty from a variety of disciplines as they work together to develop innovative ideas into moving science and understanding forward.

Divisions

Moffitt research is organized into four divisions, each led by a senior leader. Under the direction of the center director, these divisions are responsible for overseeing Moffitt’s overall research operations, including strategic planning, recruitment, Cancer Center Support Grant oversight, translational and collaborative efforts, coordination between research and clinical activities, and policy implementation.

Programs

Moffitt’s five research programs consist of multidisciplinary teams of more than 160 faculty members focused on the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). A program leader oversees each program, and members represent multiple departments. Membership to programs is a distinct and dynamic process, separate from academic rank and appointment. These programs are highly collaborative, translational and span multiple disease sites. Each program focuses on an overall scientific theme and specific aims, which together provide Moffitt’s strong, multidimensional approach to defeating cancer.

Departments

Moffitt’s research departments are typically discipline based and focus on the career development of our faculty from appointment to tenure. Academic appointments include the ranks of assistant member, associate member and senior member. Due to medical group requirements, M.D.s, whether they perform clinical activities full time or are physician-scientists, are appointed to one of 15 academic clinical departments in the Clinical Science division. Ph.D. faculty members are appointed to one of the research departments within the Basic Science or Population Science divisions. Departments are led by a department chair.

There are 10 academic departments for research under two divisions.

Centers of Excellence

Centers of Excellence provide a framework for cross-cutting innovative research. With recognized leadership and strong philanthropic support, CoEs consist of transdisciplinary collaborations that have the potential for high-impact science, including translation of findings into new preventative measures, more effective treatments, and ultimately a cure.

Working Groups

Faculty members are encouraged to form teams around specific topics, no matter how informal, to take research in new directions. They also range from big ideas to very specialized areas of focus.