The MICR Council is the leadership body of Minorities in Cancer Research. With contributions from MICR members who volunteer for committee service, the Council facilitates the support of award and lecture programs, AACR Annual Meeting activities, communications outreach, and networking opportunities to facilitate its mission as MICR sponsored programs and activities.
Lecture and Awards
The AACR is proud to present the AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research-Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship which is intended to give recognition to an outstanding scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of minority investigators in cancer research.
AACR Minority-Serving Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Awards are offered to increase the scientific knowledge base of faculty members at Minority-Serving Institutions, and to encourage them and their students to pursue careers in cancer research. Awards are available for participation in AACR Annual Meetings and Special Conferences.
AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awards are offered to eligible minority scientists wishing to participate in Annual Meetings and Special Conferences of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Cancer Health Disparities
Save the date for the upcoming 2009 AACR Cancer Health Disparities Conference to take place February 3-6, 2009 in Carefree, AZ.
In 2007, AACR and MICR co-sponsored with the National Cancer Institute a conference, entitled "The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved," in Atlanta, GA.
This conference was a landmark event on the path of understanding and, ultimately, eliminating the disparities in cancer that represent a major public health problem in our country. By promoting the exchange of novel ideas and information between a wide range of professionals and laity, from academia, industry, government, and the community, the conference was able to harness the potential and maximize the many opportunities for bringing research on health disparities from bench to bedside or community, and back again.
Additionally, MICR advocates for the representation of cancer health disparities in AACR Conferences and Annual Meetings, its publications, and programming for other constituency groups within in the Association (i.e., patient advocates and cancer survivors).
MICR at the AACR Annual Meeting
The MICR Forum provides useful tools and information to support the professional development of minority cancer researchers. Specific topics include funding, training, mentoring, etc.
The MICR Professional Advancement Roundtable is a program designed for investigators at all levels, but particularly early-career investigators, to explore career options and issues affecting professional advancement and development through small informal discussions with senior researchers.
To inform the cancer research community about cancer issues related to race/ethnicity and/or provide a platform for minority scientists to present their work with discussion and debate, the MICR Scientific Symposium is presented during the AACR Annual Meeting.
The MICR Town Meeting provides an opportunity for the MICR Council to present its members, agenda, and programs to AACR members and Annual Meeting participants. This meeting gives participants a chance to share ideas, voice concerns, and express views on a variety of related topics.
Outreach and Networking
In an effort to keep MICR members informed about issues and opportunities relevant to minority investigators, several tools are engaged. Information about funding and career opportunities, special events and programs, cancer health disparities in minority populations, and more is disseminated to the MICR membership via electronic communications.
Additionally, MICR works to increase and sustain its membership in several ways. MICR members serve as repositories of information about AACR and MICR at their institutions and in the field, and encourage investigators to join the Association and its membership group for minority cancer researchers. Also, in an effort to sustain and maintain the existing MICR membership, retention efforts are undertaken, including appeals to members who may be in jeopardy of forfeiting AACR membership.
Recognizing the Contributions and Potential of Minority Scientists
The Database of Exceptional Minority Scientists serves as a resource for nominations for awards, lectures, and prizes as well as recommendations for committee service, conference speakers, editorial boards, etc., especially for those available through AACR.
Collaborations and Exhibits
MICR has collaborated with several organizations that support the mission of the membership group. Additionally, to promote the activities of AACR and MICR as they impact minority investigators, AACR exhibits at several annual conferences around the country. Below are links to these organizations