AACR to Send 18 Early-career Researchers to Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will host the tenth annual AACR Early-career Hill Day on February 26, 2025.

Eighteen students, trainees, and early-career scientists who conduct cancer research in institutions across the country will travel to Washington, D.C., for the event. This year’s participants represent 15 states and will attend more than 50 meetings on Capitol Hill.

The AACR Early-career Hill Day is an opportunity for graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and other early-career cancer researchers to meet with members of Congress and/or their staff to convey the importance of investing in the future of cancer research. The participants will call on Congress to provide the highest possible funding for the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) foundational work in fiscal year 2025. These issues are particularly urgent this year because of the Administration’s recent actions threatening the NIH and its lifesaving mission to accelerate progress for patients with cancer and the hundreds of other diseases that afflict millions of Americans. Read the AACR’s full statement and call to action.

In conjunction with the Hill Day on February 26, the AACR is inviting early-career researchers around the country to participate in a National Day of Action by contacting their members of Congress via email or social media. The AACR has launched a campaign through its Legislative Action Center for sending emails to Congress. Individuals are also encouraged to send messages in support of NIH funding using the hashtags #AACRontheHill and #FundNIH on social media.

Beyond the AACR Early-career Hill Day, the AACR supports and engages early-career scientists through the Associate Member Council, Science Education and Career Advancement Committee, and other Association groups, as well as through various professional advancement programs, career initiatives, grants, travel awards, and membership and mentoring opportunities available throughout the year. Learn more.