CLARA is a network of research teams, institutions and firms involved in fundamental, clinical and translational research in the field of cancer. Built around members and institutions, with a small Network Management team, CLARA aims to encourage the emergence of innovative collaborative research projects in order to develop clinical applications for the results obtained through fundamental research in biology, chemistry and physics, as well as in human and social sciences.

Thus, CLARA's first mission is to serve the national policy to fight against cancer, defined in the Cancer Plan (2003-2007), in the field of research.

A second mission is to accelerate the transfer of scientific knowledge from molecular biology to the routine practice of patient care, in order to improve the survival and quality of life of patients.

Finally, CLARA plays an active part in the economic development of both regions through the application of research to industry and partnerships with companies involved in diagnosis or therapeutics.

The Cancéropôle’s ambition is to make the Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions a European reference in the fight against cancer.