About
In recognizing that Northwest Ohio faces higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than both the state and national averages, the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute (NOCRI) was conceived with a vision to integrate the strong cancer research workforce at The University of Toledo with the clinical cancer care expertise across the region. The concept for a unified, interdisciplinary cancer research institute emerged from the need to elevate collaboration, strengthen research infrastructure, and accelerate translational impact for the communities we serve.
A formal proposal to establish NOCRI was submitted to the University Research Council and approved on Sept. 29, 2025, followed by presidential approval on Dec. 4, 2025. Built upon UToledo’s R1 research designation, its diverse scientific strengths, and regional partners and stakeholders, NOCRI brings together basic, translational, and clinical investigators to drive innovation, expand precision cancer medicine, support workforce development, and improve patient outcomes across Northwest Ohio and beyond. As a collaborative hub, NOCRI provides the structure, visibility, and shared resources needed to foster high-impact discovery, secure extramural funding, and translate scientific advances into meaningful improvements in cancer care.