To ensure the smooth operation and administration of MEG/AACR as a Scientific Working Group of the AACR, mechanisms are being devised, and will be revised over time, for regular communication and dialogue between MEG/AACR and AACR. It will be essential to maintain information exchange through regular MEG/AACR reports and other means to ensure the approval and coordination of MEG/AACR programs and activities, the consistency of public policy initiatives emanating from either MEG/AACR or AACR, and the avoidance of any undue overlap or programmatic redundancy. Scientific, public, and other policies of MEG/AACR must be consistent with those of the AACR.
The holding of large events such as Special Conferences or Workshops, which will entail the substantial commitment of funds and staff on the part of the AACR, and which would jointly carry the names of MEG/AACR and AACR as the sponsors of the event, will require the prior approval of the AACR Special Conferences Committee. To this end, MEG/AACR will submit proposals to this Committee, via the AACR Executive Director, that include the scientific goals of and need for the Special Conference or Workshop, specific topics to be included, recommended speakers, potential funding sources and contact names, and the desired location and scheduling of the event. Before proceeding with the planning of such Special Conferences, it must be ascertained that the event will be at least self-supporting, including the administrative and marketing costs, as the AACR does not have the capacity to incur any financial deficits from its scientific events. International Conferences come within the purview of the AACR International Affairs Committee, and the same approval procedures and financial considerations will be invoked for those programs that are deemed to be of international importance and significance.
The participation of MEG/AACR representatives on key AACR committees is considered important to ensure: (1) regular communication and dialogue about the respective goals of the AACR and its MEG/AACR Scientific Working Group; (2) increased understanding and coordination of programs; and (3) ongoing expert contributions of MEG/AACR members to AACR scientific programs. Two-way communications between MEG/AACR and AACR will be facilitated by the appointment of a scientific liaison from MEG/AACR to serve as a member of the AACR Annual Meeting Program and Education Committees, the Editorial Board of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (the epidemiology journal of the AACR), the Special Conferences Committee, and other relevant committees of the AACR, as needed or deemed relevant. Likewise, the AACR Executive Director will serve as a member of the MEG/AACR Steering Committee to ensure the effective implementation of MEG/AACR programs and adherence to agreed-upon policies and procedures. Also, AACR-designated staff will be charged with the responsibility of carrying out the administrative and other work to sustain the programs of the Group; therefore, these individuals will be involved on an ongoing basis in Committee deliberations about such activities. The Chairperson of MEG/AACR will provide biannual reports on MEG/AACR activities to the AACR Board of Directors and he/she will be in regular communication with the AACR Executive Director and designated staff at the AACR Office to ensure the smooth execution of MEG/AACR programs and activities. This communication will include transmission of copies of important correspondence to the AACR Office so that staff will have up-to-date information on MEG/AACR initiatives.
All leaders of MEG/AACR,
i.e., Chairperson, Chairperson-Elect, Past Chairperson, and other members of the Steering Committee, will be AACR members. It is mutually understood that this Scientific Working Group's programs and activities will be focused on advancing cancer research and not on other chronic diseases.