Overview

The Discovery and Translation Labs features a unique collaborative approach in which clinician-researchers from many different specialties focus on one mission — discovering new ways to prevent and treat neurological conditions and several types of cancer.

This robust collaborative effort is based at Mayo Clinic in Florida, through research laboratories, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. To support these efforts, the Discovery and Translation Labs provides a base for world-class discovery science. It places a strong emphasis on applying knowledge gained in the lab to benefit care through a unified approach to basic research with translation and innovation as the foundation.

The Discovery and Translation Labs has two main focus areas: brain research and cancer research.

Brain research

Brain research in the Discovery and Translation Labs at Mayo Clinic is uncovering the causes of neurological conditions to develop new therapeutic strategies. This research focus area addresses neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, and cerebrovascular diseases. A unique team of world-renowned experts conducts research and fosters productive collaborations with clinical colleagues to translate discoveries into better care and cures for people with these conditions.

Cancer research

Cancer research in the Discovery and Translation Labs focuses on the underlying causes of brain cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. The goal is to develop innovative new methods of prevention and treatment, including vaccine therapy and immunotherapy.

Director

The director of the Discovery and Translation Labs is Tushar C. Patel, M.B., Ch.B. In this role, Dr. Patel provides the leadership for a unified approach to basic research that embraces teamwork, with translation and innovation at its core. He also ensures that there is appropriate support and oversight of all discovery science activities at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Patel also has the distinction of being the Alfred D. and Audrey M. Petersen Professor of Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Read more about Dr. Patel.