American Association for Cancer Research

American Association for Cancer Research
Name	American Association for Cancer Research
Founded	07 May 1907
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Key people	Philip D. Greenberg (President), Margaret Foti (CEO)
Focus	Cancer research
Website	https://www.aacr.org

American Association for Cancer Research. The American Association for Cancer Research is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Founded in 1907 by eleven physicians and scientists, it has grown into a global community of over 58,000 members working in laboratories, clinical trials, and population science. The organization's mission is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration, playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern oncology landscape.

History

The organization was established on May 7, 1907, in Washington, D.C., with founding members including pathologist James Ewing and gynecologist Howard Kelly. Its early meetings were often held in conjunction with the American Medical Association and focused on the emerging pathological understanding of malignant tumors. A significant early milestone was the launch of its first journal, *The Journal of Cancer Research*, in 1916, which later evolved into the influential *Cancer Research*. Throughout the 20th century, the association expanded its scope from basic pathology to encompass biochemistry, virology, epidemiology, and molecular biology, reflecting the growing complexity of the field. Its headquarters moved to Philadelphia in 1986, solidifying its central role in the global research community.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to prevent and cure cancer by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, accelerating the dissemination of new research findings, and advocating for increased funding for biomedical research. Key activities include publishing high-impact scientific journals, organizing major international conferences, and providing a wide array of research funding and training grants. The association also engages in science policy and advocacy, working with entities like the National Cancer Institute and Congress of the United States to support sustained investment in oncology. Its public education efforts aim to translate complex research into actionable information for patients, survivors, and the general public.

Publications

The association maintains a prestigious portfolio of peer-reviewed scientific journals that are among the most cited in the field. Its flagship publication, *Cancer Research*, was joined by other major titles including *Clinical Cancer Research*, *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention*, and *Molecular Cancer Therapeutics*. In 2010, it launched the open-access journal *Cancer Discovery*, which quickly became a leading venue for high-impact clinical and translational research. These publications cover the full spectrum from basic laboratory science and preclinical studies to clinical trial results and population health data, serving as essential resources for the global oncology community.

Conferences and meetings

It organizes some of the largest and most significant scientific gatherings in oncology. The annual AACR Annual Meeting attracts over 22,000 researchers from around the world to present cutting-edge findings. Specialized conferences, such as the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, focus on precision medicine and drug development. The association also hosts educational workshops, like the AACR Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop, to train the next generation of clinical investigators. These meetings foster critical collaborations among scientists from academia, industry, and government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration.

Awards and grants

The association administers a robust program of awards, prizes, and research funding to recognize scientific excellence and support career development. Prestigious awards include the AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research and the AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Award for Outstanding Basic Cancer Research. Its grant programs, which often partner with organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, provide critical funding for early-career investigators through fellowships and for innovative projects via team science grants. These financial supports are vital for advancing novel ideas in immunotherapy, cancer genetics, and early detection.

Leadership and governance

Governance is provided by an elected Board of Directors composed of leading scientists, which sets the strategic direction and oversees the organization's activities. The board is led by an annually elected President, a position held by prominent researchers such as Philip D. Greenberg and past presidents like Nadia Rosenthal and David A. Tuveson. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Executive Officer, a role held since 1982 by Margaret Foti, who has overseen the organization's tremendous growth. Committees focused on specific areas, such as scientific education or minority and cancer health disparities, guide program development and member engagement.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Pennsylvania Category:Cancer research organizations Category:Organizations established in 1907