WHERE VISION MEETS SCIENCE

The Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (“MSK”) was established in 2006. The Geoffrey Beene Foundation (and until 2018, Geoffrey Beene LLC), has funded over 165 separate new revolutionary research initiatives across all cancers to develop new treatments for cancer patients.

When the iconic Geoffrey Beene passed away in 2004, the vision for innovation lived on. In 2006, G. Thompson “Tom” Hutton, Esq., as Executor of Mr. Beene’s Estate and The Trustee of the newly formed Geoffrey Beene Foundation, partnered with Nobel Laureate Dr. Harold Varmus to create something unprecedented: the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Hutton’s vision was audacious: fund the bold research ideas that traditional sources often will not support, especially early-stage discoveries with the potential to transform how cancer is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Today, under the scientific leadership of Scott W. Lowe, PhD, Chair of the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center, Hutton’s vision continues. The Center supports unconventional, high-risk, high-potential science with the power to move cancer research forward in fundamentally new ways.

Dr. Lareau and his graduate student (Cole Honeycutt) discuss modeling of proteins for understanding their interaction and regulation of the immune system.

THE IMPACT

• $175 million invested
• 165 revolutionary research initiatives funded across all cancers
• Major breakthroughs in multiple cancers

Our approach works: For every dollar we invest, researchers secure an additional $1.67 in follow-up funding, proving that bold ideas attract bold support.

We don’t fund safe bets. We fund the unconventional thinking that transforms how we prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, because breakthrough science requires breakthrough support.

“The hallmark of the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center is its focus on revolutionary new research approaches—strategies that will lead to prevention through improved diagnostics and enhanced quality of life treatments toward the ultimate goal of making cancer a curable disease.”
— Dr. Harold Varmus, Nobel Laureate, Former Director of NIH & NCI

Dr. Lareau holds a 3D rendering of a chemotherapy (orange) bound by a protein (white) generated through AI

THE FOUNDATION

The iconic Geoffrey Beene (1924-2004) was one of America’s most visionary fashion designers, pursuing perfection through fearless experimentation. In 2006, G. Thompson “Tom” Hutton, Esq. as Executor of Geoffrey Beene’s Estate, founded The Geoffrey Beene Foundation with Hutton’s mission to support critical philanthropic causes. The most ambitious priority: revolutionizing cancer research.

A glimpse into the dynamic ecosystem of colorectal cancer, where tumor cells (light blue) interact with the surrounding microenvironment, an intricate network that shapes tumor growth, progression, and response to therapy. Almudena Chaves-Pérez, Lowe Lab

THE PARTNERSHIP

Hutton approached Dr. Harold Varmus, Nobel Laureate and then President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with a shared vision: create a research center that would support the bold, unconventional ideas that traditional funding sources often overlook. Together, they founded the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center at MSK in 2006, creating a home for high-risk, high-reward science with the potential to lead to genuine breakthroughs.

The MISSION

Fund revolutionary research that leads to new treatments for cancer patients.

Not incremental improvements. Not safe bets. Revolutionary approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer—research that has the power to make cancer a manageable, and ultimately, a curable disease.

THE STRATEGY

The Center serves as the nucleus for revolutionary new research at MSK, uniquely bridging two complementary worlds:

The Cancer Biology and Genetics Program
Scientists studying the genetic and biochemical triggers that transform normal cells into cancer

The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
Physicians translating molecular discoveries into clinical treatments

This collaboration accelerates the journey from lab discovery to life-saving treatment.

The COMMITMENT

Under Tom Hutton’s direction, the Geoffrey Beene Foundation and its affiliates have invested more than $175 million in cancer research at MSK, supporting approximately 165 bold research initiatives across all cancer types. This commitment has provided critical support for the people, ideas, and infrastructure needed to advance transformative science from early discovery toward meaningful impact for patients.

Our funding powers:

• Early-stage, high-risk research projects through two-year grant cycles
• Core research laboratories with state-of-the-art technology
• Senior and junior faculty chairs that help attract and retain world-class talent
• Annual symposia and research retreats that foster collaboration across disciplines

The Vision Continues

Geoffrey Beene believed that creativity and courage drive progress. Tom Hutton translated that philosophy into a research powerhouse that challenges how cancer research is funded and conducted.

The result: A Center that does more than support science. It accelerates discovery by funding the ideas with the power to change everything.