Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth announce next step in research partnership

Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth have announced a new milestone in their partnership. The two institutions are working together to establish AdventHealth as a consortium partner within Moffitt’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant — a grant that signifies NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. This partnership is the first in Moffitt’s history to include the full scope of the cancer center’s research enterprise — basic, clinical, population, translational and quantitative science.

As both institutions work collaboratively toward this goal, Steven R. Smith, M.D., has been appointed to the critical role of Associate Center Director, AdventHealth – Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership. This is a joint appointment at Moffitt, and Smith will continue to serve as senior vice president and chief scientific officer of AdventHealth Research Institute. His primary focus will be to establish and execute the research direction of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute in synergy with Moffitt, advance scientific goals and research oversight, and collaboratively lead and shape the shared vision and creation of this new research consortium.

“Recognition as an NCI consortium will strengthen science at both institutions and provide cancer patients across Florida with increased access to cutting edge treatments, personalized medicine and innovation,” said John Cleveland, Ph.D., executive vice president and center director at Moffitt. “It will also provide the opportunity to expand Moffitt’s impact across the state.”

NCI designation is the gold standard for cancer research and positively influences clinical care. It’s bestowed upon the nation’s top institutions in recognition of innovative and impactful science, interdisciplinary research, education and training, and the ability to translate discoveries into patient care. Moffitt has partnered with AdventHealth to establish a research consortium that both institutions hope will be recognized by the NCI in 2026.

“Our relationship with Moffitt Cancer Center has expanded our patients’ access to leading-edge research, clinical trials and promising new treatments,” said Daryl Tol, president & CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “Dr. Smith’s appointment to this key role will accelerate that relationship, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we move toward becoming an NCI-designated consortium partner through Moffitt’s NCI Cancer Center Support Grant.”