Strategic Focus

The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer was created to confront one of the most urgent challenges in modern medicine: the rising burden of cancer in an aging population. Our strategic focus is built around four interconnected pillars—Discovery, Translation, Collaboration, and Partnerships—that together drive progress from fundamental science to real-world impact.

By studying aging and cancer together, we aim to identify cancer risk earlier, prevent disease before it starts, and deliver better treatments for the population most affected by cancer.

DISCOVERY

Uncovering How Aging Drives Cancer

At the core of our mission is discovery—advancing fundamental research into the biological mechanisms that link aging and cancer. Aging reshapes immune function, tissue environments, inflammation, and cellular behavior in ways that dramatically increase cancer risk.

We support innovative, curiosity-driven science to uncover:

Why cancer risk rises so sharply with age
How age-related changes create fertile ground for tumor development
Which biological pathways can be targeted to prevent or intercept cancer

These discoveries form the foundation for everything that follows, revealing new opportunities to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, and treated.

TRANSLATION

Turning Insights Into Solutions

Discovery alone is not enough. The Institute is committed to translating scientific insights into tools and therapies that improve patient outcomes.

We prioritize research that moves aging and cancer biology toward:

Clinical tools that measure individual aging and cancer risk
Early detection strategies that identify disease before symptoms arise
Therapies designed to work effectively in older adults

By accelerating the path from lab to clinic, we help ensure that breakthroughs in aging and cancer research lead to tangible benefits for patients.

COLLABORATION

Uniting Global Expertise

The complexity of aging and cancer demands collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and borders. No single lab or field can solve this challenge alone.

The Institute brings together scientists with expertise in:

Cancer and aging biology
Immunology, genomics, metabolism, and inflammation
Chemical biologists, bioengineers, and leaders in machine learning and AI

By fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration, we break down silos and accelerate discoveries that would not be possible in isolation.

PARTNERSHIPS

Amplifying Impact Through Shared Commitment

Strategic partnerships are essential to advancing a field as complex and underfunded as aging and cancer research. The Institute builds partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, foundations, and governmental agencies to amplify impact.

Through these partnerships, we:

Co-fund high-risk, high-reward research
Align resources around shared scientific priorities
Accelerate progress by leveraging collective expertise and investment

Together, we strengthen the global research ecosystem needed to address aging as the leading risk factor for cancer.

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