In a new series, The hope of progress, prominent researchers review what fundamental research has contributed to the clinic, and what we can hope for from future developments (See editorial). The first two are from Alan Ashworth and Christopher Lord on new cancer drugs (Biology-driven cancer drug development: back to the future), and from Philippa Marrack and colleagues on adjuvants to make better vaccines (Immune mechanisms of protection: can adjuvants rise to the challenge?).