IFOM 2020: the future directions for cancer research were set down in a public event held this morning at the Milanese institute founded by FIRC. The discussions, which were based on IFOM’s experience over the past 10 years, were held between national and international, scientific and institutional partners. Their conclusions? The future and excellence of Italian research depends on its ability to overcome geographical, institutional and professional barriers, in order to promote synergy, interdisciplinarity and transnationality in research.