12/30/2025
Recapping 2025 for Cleveland Clinic Research: A year of discovery and growth
2025 has been an incredible year of growth for research at Cleveland Clinic. This year, our teams came together as one unified Cleveland Clinic Research. We also celebrated a milestone in Cleveland Innovation District construction and expanded our research and education activities worldwide.
Our global lab-based, translational and clinical researchers:
- Uncovered new cancer risk genes to advance personalized cancer care.
- Pushed our understanding of metabolic health and disease.
- Advanced therapies for once-untreatable diseases.
- Pioneered new quantum computing methods to make fundamental medical and technological breakthroughs.
- Improved personalized medicine for diseases across all categories.
- Pioneered gene-based treatments that truly impact patients.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we’re excited to keep turning bold ideas into better health for all. Join us as we look back on a year of milestones defined by collaboration, innovation and international cooperation.
January: Our researchers used a metabolic age clock to show that having an “older” metabolic age (meaning your body functions slower than your years) raises the risk of COPD. Meeting our bodies where they’re at and targeting biological age instead of chronological age could help people age well and prevent a range of “old people diseases.”
February: Our team in Abu Dhabi began a regional study to understand why breast cancer can sometimes come back after remission. Our global footprint helps us create a powerful research network to improve outcomes for women everywhere.
March: Our scientists developed a personalized combination therapy that targets a subtype of glioblastoma, which is the deadliest brain cancer. This approach completely cured the cancer 50% of the time in lab models for a cancer that is considered incurable.
April: Our orthopedic surgery team celebrated a decade of our Patient-Reported Outcome Measures research. This research sets new standards for joint replacement outcomes everywhere. Our surgeons and patients work together to gather feedback on what matters most, making research and treatment planning a true partnership.
May: Our lung transplant team renewed its commitment to continue leading the national biorepository for cystic fibrosis lung transplant research through 2030. Supported by a $5 million grant, we coordinate collaborations between the nation's 15 top transplant centers. Our caregivers drive the transplant field forward to uncover why transplants fail and how to prevent it.
June: Our computational biologists used quantum computing in a brand new way. They modeled some of the most fundamental processes in biology: how molecules and atoms behave. This research advances what we can do with a quantum computer, and also lays the groundwork for discoveries that could transform medicine.
July: Our physicians and researchers in Florida were recognized by the state for their contributions to cancer research, receiving a combined total of $1.4 million in funding. This award funds projects ranging from improving cardiovascular care for cancer patients to developing new molecular therapies. They solve local challenges affecting Florida communities while fueling discoveries with global impact.
August: We marked a construction milestone with a beam-lifting ceremony for two new research buildings. Together, these buildings will add 300,000 square feet of research-focused space, accelerating breakthroughs in areas like pathogen research and precision immunotherapy.
September: Our researchers reported a “sweet tooth” gene that affects cravings, weight loss and our response to GLP-1 medications. Linking genetics to diet success and treatment outcomes helps bring us closer to personalized plans that make weight loss more effective for every patient.
October: A Cleveland Clinic study found that even people with no family history of cancer can carry hidden genetic risks. In fact, at least 5% of Americans have DNA variants in cancer risk genes. These findings suggest genetic testing could help far more people than we ever thought.
November: Our physicians launched the first U.S. trial of a CRISPR-based therapy that literally rewrites our DNA to safely lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Gene editing could one day prevent disease before it starts to help people live longer, healthier lives.
December: Our researchers and physicians shared the results from our phase I clinical trial for vaccine that prevents breast cancer. So far, the vaccine is safe and triggers a strong protective immune response. This vaccine reflects how research can lead to groundbreaking therapies.