Associate Member Council

What is the Associate Member Council?

Since its inception in 1996, the Associate Member Council has served as the leadership body of the associate members of the AACR -- more than 13,000 graduate students, medical students and residents, and clinical and postdoctoral fellows who are enrolled in educational or training programs leading to careers in cancer research. The members of the council, who serve three-year terms, develop programs that address the particular needs of early-career scientists. Additionally, the council acts as an advisory body to the AACR leadership on issues of concern to the next generation of cancer researchers.

Mission

The council supports AACR's mission to prevent and cure cancer by promoting the professional development of early-career scientists throughout the world. The goal of the council is to foster excellence in cancer research through initiatives related to communications, education and training, and collaboration.

The council is currently focusing on issues related to:

• the funding crisis and the need to develop innovative sources of support for senior postdocs and junior faculty;
• supporting the career development of physician-scientists;
• emerging careers in biotechnology, regulatory affairs and other sectors of science;
• communicating in the global research environment; and 
• science policy and legislative affairs.

Programs

Among the council's year-round programs are the production of a quarterly news bulletin, and the development of content for the Associate Member Council section of the AACR website. Annual Meeting programs organized by the council include an annual grant writing workshop, roundtable and panel sessions featuring AACR senior scientists, the Associate Member Resource Center, and a special competitive Scientific Symposium featuring innovative work by early-career scientists.

Get involved

Associate members who are interested in serving as a member of the council may contact the AACR for more information. Applications from prospective candidates are accepted in the fall of each year.

Other ways to be more involved include:

• Participating in surveys;
• Attending AMC-organized sessions at the Annual Meeting and participating in discussion with AMC and AACR leadership; and 
• Suggesting Professional Advancement Series Sessions.

Contact

Email: amc@aacr.org

Write: 615 Chestnut Street, 17th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404