AACR Initiatives Accelerating Cancer Research
Mission
The mission of the AACR is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy and advocacy, and funding for cancer research. Through its programs and services, AACR fosters research in cancer and related biomedical science; accelerates the dissemination of new research findings among scientists and others dedicated to the conquest of cancer; promotes science education and training; and advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world.
Membership
- AACR has more than 58,000 members residing in 142 countries and territories around the world.
- Presently, 32% of members live outside the United States and 22% of AACR’s international members are located in countries with emerging economies.
- Members include laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates who depend on AACR’s programs and activities for the exchange of timely scientific information.
- With over 31,000 Associate members, AACR supports the education, training, and professional development of early-career cancer researchers/scientists, who are graduate students, medical students and residents, and clinical and postdoctoral fellows. Annual dues are not required for Associate members.
- Through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts of AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research and AACR Women in Cancer Research, AACR supports the professional development and career advancement of underrepresented minority and women scientists in cancer research.
- Open to any AACR member are Scientific Working Groups to explore expanded research opportunities and advance discoveries that lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cancer
Publications
The AACR proudly publishes 10 scientific journals of high quality, covering the full spectrum of cancer science and medicine, including the online-only, open access journal, Cancer Research Communications.
Cancer Today is a magazine for cancer patients and caregivers.
Leading Discoveries is a magazine highlighting AACR members, programs, and philanthropic initiatives.
The AACR Progress Reports are a cornerstone of AACR’s educational and advocacy efforts. The purpose of Report(s) is to inform Congress and the American public about the unprecedented progress against cancers; underscore the importance of and advocate for federal funding for cancer research; highlight the current challenges; and emphasize the urgent need to address cancer health disparities, with the overarching goal to achieve health equity for all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.
Other AACR publications include the AACR Annual Impact Report and the blog Cancer Research Catalyst.
AACR Grants Program
- AACR funds research directly, as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer-focused organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, AACR provides expert peer-reviewed grant administration and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants for cancer research projects that have the potential to improve patient outcomes.
- Since establishing its grants program in 1993, AACR has provided over $528 million in funding for cancer research projects.
Meetings
AACR hosts more than 30 scientific conferences and educational workshops annually. The largest of these events is the AACR Annual Meeting. The next AACR Annual Meeting will be held April 25-30, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.
Learn MorePolicy and Advocacy
- The AACR Office of Science Policy and Government Affairs actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical sciences to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It also advocates for critical federal cancer research funding.
- The AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program® provides support for cancer survivors and their families.
AACR Project GENIE®
AACR Project GENIE® is an open-source, international, pancancer registry of real-world data assembled through data sharing between a cohort of leading international cancer centers. The registry leverages ongoing clinical sequencing efforts at participating cancer centers by pooling their data to serve as an evidence base for the entire cancer community.
Learn MoreAACR Foundation
The AACR Foundation accelerates progress in the conquest of cancer by providing financial support for scientific research, education, and communication. The Foundation funds programs deemed by the AACR to be of the highest priority and impact. Eighty-six cents of every dollar donated goes directly to lifesaving cancer research.
Learn MoreProfessional Development
AACR supports education and training of cancer scientists and clinicians and provides professional development opportunities and resources to enhance and advance their careers. AACR CancerCareers.org is one resource that offers unparalleled career services and opportunities to cancer biomedical researchers and to potential employers who seek to recruit them.
Learn More Next Section: AACR President’s Vision: Envisioning a Healthier Future for All Cancer Patients Through Clinical Research Previous Section: AACR Call to Action