Principal investigators invited to apply for AACR Breast Cancer Research program

This new program, the "Avon Foundation-AACR International Scholars in Breast Cancer Research," is open to Principal Investigators engaged in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, or prevention breast cancer research at NCI-designated cancer centers or cancer centers that are members of the Association of American Cancer Institutes; government institutions are not eligible.

The AACR will promote all of the eligible Host opportunities received to potential Scholars in Summer/Fall 2003. Potential Scholars must be from countries where opportunities for specialized scientific training and advancement for physicians and scientists are limited, including those in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Each Avon Foundation-AACR Scholar will be awarded $50,000 in salary per year, in addition to $25,000 for direct research support, two $1,000 travel grants to support the Scholar's attendance at two AACR Annual Meetings, and a complimentary AACR Active membership during the duration of the award term. Each host institution will receive $10,000 to cover expenses associated with the administration of the award.

Applications for the Host designation must include a detailed explanation of the research to be conducted by the Scholar, the professional development opportunities afforded by the Principal Investigator and the institution, and other information with regard to the position. Full instructions for developing the application are available at the AACR Website at http://www.aacr.org/2003AvonAACR_Scholar_Awards.asp.

The Avon Foundation-AACR International Scholars in Breast Cancer Research is funded by a $2.785 million gift from the Avon Foundation to encourage and promote breast cancer research and education, particularly among young investigators in underserved countries. The gift is one element of the Avon Foundation-AACR Global Partnership in Breast Cancer Research, which also is supporting the international component of the AACR Scientist/Survivor Program; the Avon Foundation-AACR International Scholar-in-Training Awards; and an AACR Special Conference on breast cancer to be held for the first time October 2003 in Anaheim, Calif.

The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, awarded the gift to AACR last year from funds raised through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The Avon Crusade's mission is to fund access to care and to find a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on reaching medically underserved women. Since its inception in 1992, the Avon Crusade has raised $250 million worldwide through a variety of fundraising initiatives, such as walks, concerts and exclusive Avon "pink ribbon" products. Avon currently supports programs for breast cancer and related women's health issues in 50 countries around the world, making Avon Products, Inc. a corporate leader in global women's health.

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is a professional society of more than 20,000 laboratory and clinical scientists engaged in cancer research in the United States and more than 60 other countries. AACR's mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication and advocacy. Its principal activities include the publication of five major peer-reviewed scientific journals (Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention). AACR's annual meeting attracts more than 12,000 participants who share new and significant discoveries in the cancer field, and the AACR's specialty meetings throughout the year focus on all the important areas of basic, translational and clinical cancer research.