Frequently Asked Questions About the American Association for Cancer Research With Dr. Fatih Uckun, Part 2
continued from Frequently Asked Questions About the American Association for Cancer Research With Dr. Fatih Uckun, Part 1
In order to gain a complete understanding of the operations and efforts of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), we spoke with member Dr. Fatih Uckun on the organization’s mission and initiatives. Actively involved in AACR since 1989, Dr. Fatih Uckun possesses decades of experience in the field of cancer research. He currently serves as a member of the University of Southern California’s (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and a Professor of Research Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Other positions that Dr. Faith Uckun holds include Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at Turkey’s Selçuklu School of Medicine in Konya and active member of the National Cancer Institute’s Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and other professional organizations.
Q: Could you briefly describe how AACR originated?
A: Yes. In 1907, 11 doctors and researchers all active in cancer research joined together with the intention of furthering medical investigations in cancer and encouraging public awareness and research-backed information of the disease. By 1910, AACR included 100 members. Six years later, the organization began publishing its first research journal.
Q: What kind of work does the AACR do with cancer survivors?
A: In addition to producing seven major research journals, AACR publishes CR, a magazine targeted at cancer survivors and their families, as well as patient advocates, physicians, and scientists. AACR frequently partners with cancer survivors and cancer survivor groups on public awareness projects and regional and federal lobbying efforts.
Q: What role does the AACR Foundation play within the AACR?
A: The AACR Foundation serves as a charitable initiative dedicated to upholding the mission of the AACR. Established in response to reduced federal funding for cancer research, the foundation particularly focuses on the use of private donations to fund grant proposals, fellowship programs, and educational initiatives. You can read about the specific work of the AACR and the foundation at www.aacr.org.
