At IEO, a complete integration exists between clinical and research activities in order to translate scientific results into therapy, as quickly as possible. Basic and translational research takes place at the Department of Experimental Oncology (DEO) that is located on campus in Via Adamello 16 in Milan. The campus is also home to the European School of Medicine Molecular (SEMM), Center for Genomic Science of the Italian Institute of Technology and FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology.

Given the international outreach of research carried out at DEO, we decided to create a dedicated website, in English, following the example of major international scientific institutes. Such website will represent a reference and a link to the network of scientists and collaborators of all nationalities. All information concerning scientific research activities is therefore accessible on the IEO Research website.

IEO’s DEO is composed of about 300 scientists, whose research activities are aimed at discovering the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of cancer.

Specifically, research conducted at DEO is founded on five principles:

• Independent research, based on the initiative of researchers embracing a bottom-up approach, in which group leaders manage research projects and obtain funding necessary for their development.
• Strong interaction with clinicians working at the IEO hospital. DEO research group leaders, in fact, collaborate on the realization of clinical research projects, while some of them coordinate specific translational research programs.
• State-of-the-art equipment, provided by Technology Units, which support researchers with advanced technologies in various sectors of omics, imaging and cell biology, as well as Clinical Technoshots developing new technological approaches for translational research.
• Open, collaborative and participatory research environment. DEO has adopted an open-space laboratory model that favors communication and collaboration between researchers. DEO organizes: (i) weekly departmental seminars to discuss research projects in-progress; (ii) annual meetings to discuss research strategies and needs; (iii) committees of experts who support group leaders in strategic choices and management of Technology Units; (iv) Specific committees for the management of the department's support, in which scientists and administrative staff participate.
• Intense education activity. DEO offers training courses at all levels of a scientific career including: (i) a program for graduate students (medicine, biology, mathematics, physics, etc.); (ii) five international PhD programs (at SEMM) to train a new generation of basic and translational researchers and experts in "foundations and ethics of life sciences "; (iii) a program that encourages the most talented young researchers to pursue an independent scientific career; (iv) two career paths for young research group leaders ("Fundamental Science Program" and "Clinical Scientist Program").