AACR to Send 16 Early-career Scientists to Capitol Hill

WHAT:

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will send 16 early-career cancer scientists from across the United States to Capitol Hill to meet with more than 50 members of Congress and their staff, representing 18 different states, as part of the fifth annual AACR Early-career Hill Day.

WHEN:

February 27, 2020

WHERE:

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

WHO:

• Early-career investigators who conduct cancer research in institutions across the country. A full list is available on the AACR’s website.
• Katerina Politi, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology; Co-leader, Cancer Signaling Networks, Yale Cancer Center. Politi is serving as the Scientist Mentor for the Hill Day.

During these congressional visits, the early-career scientists will call on members of Congress to keep funding for medical research a priority and support a $3 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year (FY) 2021. As the investigators whose careers may be most impacted by this funding, Hill Day participants are able to provide personal testimony and real-world examples of its importance.

In conjunction with the Hill Day on February 27, the AACR is inviting early-career scientists 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. Early-career scientists are also encouraged to tweet messages in support of NIH funding at their members of Congress using the hashtag #AACRontheHill.  

Federal funding for medical research is essential to continued progress against cancer and other diseases, and fuels a robust economy. In FY 2019, NIH funding supported more than 475,000 jobs nationwide and produced $81.2 billion in new economic activity.

In addition to 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.