The AACR is the oldest and most prestigious multidisciplinary professional organization in the world devoted to all aspects of basic, clinical, translational, epidemiological, and prevention cancer research. As such, it is highly appropriate for MEG to affiliate with this organization. Since it is anticipated that MEG/AACR will become a leader in advancing the field of molecular epidemiology in cancer research, the relationship between AACR and MEG will contribute substantially to accomplishment of the goals of the AACR. By having MEG/AACR as a Scientific Working Group of the AACR, there are mutual benefits to both groups.
For MEG/AACR, AACR would provide the following benefits and services:
- an established, prestigious venue for the presentation of cancer research and cancer-related molecular epidemiological research
- the necessary expertise, experience and clout to advocate for issues that have important public policy objectives, such as the formation of an NIH study section on molecular epidemiology, more funding for molecular epidemiologic research, or the promulgation of sound scientific positions pertaining to cancer and public health (e.g., distinguishing between high and low penetrance genes in guidelines for informed consent, the use of archived tissue, etc.)
- a forum for meetings of MEG/AACR at the AACR Annual Meeting, as well as other specialty meetings
- increased professional opportunities within AACR for senior and junior investigators interested in molecular epidemiology, i.e., committee appointments, increased networking opportunities, and other relevant activities
- an increase in the number of MEG/AACR members through the substantial exposure of its programs within AACR
- opportunities for the publication of relevant information in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, which will be its official journal, and in other AACR journals as deemed appropriate
- ongoing organizational, managerial, and editorial support for MEG/AACR programs and activities
For AACR, MEG/AACR will:
- assist in providing an interdisciplinary network to move the field forward and advance our understanding of cancer etiology, epidemiology, cancer biomarkers, and cancer prevention
- provide a conduit between AACR and other scientific societies interested in molecular epidemiology through Educational Workshops and Seminars sponsored and conducted by MEG/AACR
- provide a Molecular Epidemiology Working Group of the AACR, which has been a goal of the AACR
- serve as an expertise database, when needed by the AACR, for a variety of purposes such as membership on scientific committees and editorial boards of journals, preparation of documents that would consider cancer research and public health issues and concerns, and activities at the national and international levels that have the potential to accelerate progress in the field
- attract into AACR membership cancer epidemiologists as well as a variety of public health researchers from all over the world who are interested in cancer research and cancer-related biomedical science