Cancer Center at Illinois Designated a Basic Cancer Center
The Cancer Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been designated a Basic Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. The designation from NCI is one of the nation’s highest honors in cancer research.
The designation places Illinois among an elite group of institutions recognized for pioneering discoveries that advance our understanding of cancer and innovation in detection and treatment. This also marks an important achievement: the Cancer Center at Illinois is now the eighth NCI-designated basic cancer center in the United States.
“Receiving a National Cancer Institute designation is a testament to the incredible work of the researchers, clinicians, and staff who have dedicated themselves to fighting cancer and saving lives.” - Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski
Institutions that earn the distinction are widely regarded as a gold standard for cancer research excellence, demonstrating scientific leadership and a strong commitment to the next generation of researchers.
With cancer still remaining one of the leading causes of death worldwide, the Cancer Center is uniquely positioned to address challenges through engineering solutions that can improve early detection, personalize therapies, and save lives.
The Cancer Center at Illinois
The Cancer Center brings together engineering, physical sciences, and oncology to tackle cancer in new ways. Its mission is to drive discovery to use, turning foundational research into real-world impact for patients and communities. The center leverages area in artificial intelligence, molecular imaging, and computational modeling to discover new possibilities in cancer research.
“Illinois is home to world-class medical research institutions, especially the Cancer Center in Urbana — a pioneer in the field of cancer engineering.” - Senator Dick Durbin
The NCI designation isn’t just a recognition of past achievements, but a catalyst for future impact. The Cancer Center at Illinois now has expanded resources and national visibility, allowing the center to push the boundaries of discovery. This milestone represents the shared commitment Illinois has to solving one of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
As Illinois advances groundbreaking cancer research, it continues to expand opportunities for students and researchers to engage with health sciences across campus. Through programs in engineering, applied health sciences, public health, and interdisciplinary research, the university prepares the next generation to tackle complex healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. Together, these efforts deepen Illinois' growing impact in health and medicine. Learn more in the Illinois Health Sciences Flippingbook.