Founded in 1995, the Department of Experimental Oncology (DEO) serves as the research arm of the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), with a strong emphasis on fundamental cancer research.
Our vision is to advance deep understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying cancer onset, development, and maintenance. By operating at the interface between curiosity-driven research and patient impact, we strive to bridge fundamental, translational, and clinical science, creating an integrated workflow that unites basic scientists and clinicians.
Our Aims include developing new molecular markers (to improve diagnostic and predictive tools), identifying novel molecular targets (to enable innovative drug development), and optimizing therapeutic approaches (by integrating targeted treatments).
Our research is founded on five key principles
i) Independent Academic Science, driven by a bottom-up approach where Principal Investigators (PIs) lead their own projects and secure funding independently.
ii) Strong Collaboration with IEO clinicians, with PIs actively involved in IEO Clinical Programs and leading specific Translational Research initiatives.
iii) Cutting-edge Technology, delivered through Technological Units equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and expert staff.
iv) An Interactive Environment, characterized by open-plan laboratories (including cell culture, wet lab, and bioinformatics), weekly departmental meetings to review ongoing projects, annual scientific retreats, and a Board of Experts (comprising department PIs) overseeing each Technological Unit.
v) A Focus on Personnel Training, which includes (i) two tenure-track programs for junior PIs—the Fundamental Science Program and the Clinical Scientist Program; (ii) a “Transition to Independence” program supporting promising young researchers on their path to independent careers; and (iii) five international cancer research PhD programs aimed at cultivating the next generation of fundamental scientists, clinician scientists, and medical humanities experts, delivered by the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM).
Our Outlook is to develop a new generation of fundamental researchers and clinician scientists, supported by advanced technological infrastructures, to drive the transition toward Personalized Oncology.
