Cancer Center Shared Resources: A Nexus for Discovery, Innovation, and Impact

Shared Research Resources (SRRs) are indispensable to modern cancer research, powering discovery through advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and strategic scientific partnership. At NCI-designated Cancer Centers, their role has expanded from core service platforms to drivers of innovation, rigor, and translational impact. In 2024, this evolution led to the creation of the National Alliance of Cancer Center Shared Resources (NACCSR), a national collaboratory uniting Shared Resource leaders to advance best practices, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of the field. The articles in this special issue highlight key priorities including metrics, management, data and metadata stewardship, cross-institutional collaboration, and emerging technologies. Together, they position SRRs as essential architects of the next era of cancer research—one defined by innovation, reproducibility, FAIR data, and collective impact. NACCSR stands poised to help lead that transformation.