Letter from the Director

Welcome to the Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) at Columbia University.

Our institute began with an idea: to bring together researchers from both science and humanities backgrounds to work on cancer research. With a diverse, interdisciplinary lens, we aim to advance a deeper understanding of cancer biology, origins, treatment and prevention. 

Cancer itself is a dynamic and evolving disease that unfolds from molecules and cells to individuals and populations. Addressing these challenges requires new ways of thinking: approaches that integrate quantitative science, technological innovation, and biological discovery. Through research and partnership, IICD seeks to accelerate progress in areas including tumor evolution, computational biology, immunology, genomics, AI, and data science.

As a part of Columbia University, and in collaboration with the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the New York Genome Center, IICD drives discovery. We are committed not only to achieving cutting-edge research, but also to creating a collaborative intellectual community that supports students, postdocs, faculty, and partners across disciplines and institutions.

Equally important to our mission is engagement beyond our labs. Through education and outreach, we aim to make quantitative cancer science accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds, while encouraging broader participation in scientific discovery.

I invite you to explore our work, connect with our community, and learn more about our mission. Thank you for your interest in the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics.

Sincerely,

Simon Tavaré 
Herbert and Florence Irving Director
Professor of Statistics and Biological Sciences