City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, commemorating a quarter century of advancing research and bringing new hope and promise to patients throughout the world.

Recognized nationwide for its innovative biomedical research, the institute is home to some of the most creative minds in science. Here, interdisciplinary teams of investigators, from renowned researchers to postdoctoral fellows to graduate students, challenge assumptions, explore unconventional strategies and pursue new lines of inquiry in a collegial and supportive environment.

The first of only five Beckman Research Institutes established by funding from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, we are responsible for fundamentally expanding the world’s understanding of how biology affects diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Our breakthroughs in the areas of recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies are testaments to the culture of collaboration that inspires and informs our work.

Both our discoveries and our commitment to move those discoveries into clinical trials without delay are grounded in the institution's history of compassion and drive to save lives and enhance the quality of lives of patients everywhere.

With a staff of more than 500, including nearly 100 principal investigators, Beckman Research Institute undertakes fundamental investigations in basic biology and genetics. The institute has eight major departments:

Cancer Biology
The Department of Cancer Biology offers a multidisciplinary research and training environment in tumor cell biology, radiation biology, molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics and developmental biology.

Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology
Dedicated to discovering immune-based cancer therapies, the Department of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology conducts research in a new and evolving field and is known particularly for its studies using genetically engineered T cells.

Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research
This department focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular bases of diabetes, developing novel treatment approaches for diabetes and preventing associated diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
 
Immunology
With a dual focus on immunology and structural biology, the Department of Immunology explores cancer immunology and biochemistry, antigen processing and T cell development.
 
Molecular Biology
Maintaining a strong emphasis on the interface of chemistry and biology, the Department of Molecular Biology focuses on gene structure, modeling of antibodies, theoretical biology and more.

Molecular Medicine
Established in 1996, the Department of Molecular Medicine seeks to understand basic mechanisms underlying cancer and other diseases for the purpose of developing novel molecular therapeutics.
 
Neurosciences
The Department of Neurosciences focuses on a range of research related to the brain and nervous system, including studies of molecular neurobiology/neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neuromorphology and molecular genetics.
 
Virology
Research in the Department of Virology supports eight faculty members and laboratories with research including viral vector development, viral immunology, and vaccine development. The program includes early phase clinical trials in gene transfer and in vaccine evaluation.

To discover better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other serious diseases, City of Hope scientists continuously look for ways to apply even the most basic scientific findings to the betterment of patients. In return, they seek ideas and feedback from their physician colleagues that may trigger investigations of cellular processes.

Beckman Research Institute boasts a wide array of technological and academic resources that are critical to effective research. Shared resources include diverse laboratory services, access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert administrative guidance.