Scientific Initiatives

AACR-CICR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry in Cancer Research 

The AACR and its Chemistry in Cancer Research Working Group established this Award in 2007 to recognize the importance of chemistry to advancements in cancer research. The Award will be given for outstanding, novel, and significant chemistry research, which has led to important contributions to the fields of basic cancer research, translational cancer research, cancer diagnosis, the prevention of cancer, or the treatment of patients with cancer. Such research may include, but is not limited to, drug discovery and design; structural biology; proteomics, metabolomics and biological mass spectrometry; chemical aspects of carcinogenesis; imaging agents and radiotherapeutics; and chemical biology. Nominations for the 2009 Award must be submitted by October 15, 2008.

Annual Meeting Scientific Sessions

CICR contributes significantly to the development of the Annual Meeting each year through the proposal of scientific sessions to the Annual Meeting Program and Educational Committees. If you would like to recommend a session for presentation at the next Annual Meeting, write to cicr@aacr.org.

"Drugs on the Horizon"

This annual symposium is geared toward the first disclosure of the chemistry and biology of new drug candidates which are either nearing clinical development or have entered clinical trials.  The 2008 symposium is in development and will be co-Chaired by Dr. Steven K. Davidsen, Director of Cancer Research at Abbott Laboratories, and Dr. Emma M. Lees, Senior Director of Oncology at SP-BIOPHARMA.

Multiple Abstract Submissions in Chemistry

AACR members may sponsor multiple abstracts submitted to the Chemistry Program Category. By doing so, members will not lose their own abstract submission rights or the privilege of sponsoring an abstract in another category. To receive a special sponsorship number to take advantage of this policy, contact cicr@aacr.org. 

Special Sessions

Professional Advancement Series 

Sessions specifically designed for early-career scientists provide an opportunity for mentored discussions on topics such as career paths for chemists in cancer research.

Networking Meeting and Reception

Each year at the Annual Meeting, the CICR Chairperson discusses recent activities of the group and the intended focus of the Steering Committee for the coming year and invites discussion from the membership. The meeting is followed by a networking reception.

AACR Special Conferences

Chemistry in Cancer Research: A Vital Partnership in Cancer Drug Discovery and Development
A joint meeting between the AACR and the American Chemical Society
February 8-11, 2009, Westin Canal Place, New Orleans, LA

This conference was first presented in 2007 to address the importance of chemistry in cancer research. It was highly successful and featured lectures several key chemically oriented areas of cancer research.

The next conference will continue to address the role of chemistry in cancer research, but will focus most specifically on cancer drug development. Topics will include target identification and validation, chemical libraries, chemoinformatics, drug targeting, and drug delivery, among others.

The inclusion of short presentations from abstracts submitted by younger investigators is an essential part of the program, in order to energize younger chemical investigators and inform them of the many opportunities to apply the power of chemistry to important problems in cancer research.

Additional Benefits

Quarterly Newsletter for Working Group Members

The CICR E-newsletter is a forum for summaries of AACR-CICR events, announcements of upcoming events relevant to CICR members, and articles of interest to the CICR community. Ideas and additional volunteers are welcome. Please write to cicr@aacr.org if you are interested in contributing ideas or time.