Meet the New Editor-in-Chief of Cancer Research, Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD
Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently appointed Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD, as the new editor-in-chief of Cancer Research, arguably the most influential journal in cancer research today. In his inaugural editorial, Dang spoke about the progress of cancer research, ongoing challenges in the field, and the journal’s role in driving lifesaving research forward.
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dang about his new role at the AACR and his goals for this historic journal, which was first published in 1941.
What excites you about being editor-in-chief of Cancer Research?
Having the responsibility of editor-in-chief of Cancer Research is a remarkable honor that allows for a very broad exposure to the latest cancer research from around the world. As editor-in-chief, along with our exceptional deputy and senior editors, Executive Editor Judy Quong, and the rest of the AACR publications staff, we are able to shape the future of cancer research through the selection of the most impactful findings for publication in Cancer Research.
The daily broad exposure to the dozens of new submissions to Cancer Research is a delightful “scientific spiritual time” for me to study and determine how each submitted manuscript might shape the field if it were to be published. The new sections of Cancer Research will add texture to this flagship AACR journal that is primed to adopt new communication tools and embrace the dynamic nature of discoveries.
What is your vision for the journal moving forward, and what role do you see the journal playing in the changing landscape of cancer research?
With several new sections in addition to the foundational sections, I wish for Cancer Research to be not only impactful but also highly dynamic and influential.
Cancer science is shaped continuously by new technologies and new findings, and as such the Convergence & Technologies section will highlight enabling new technologies and the convergence of different disciplines to solve key cancer research questions. Big data is now a reality in cancer research, and the new Resource Reports section will allow for the description of data resources that are available to cancer researchers. Bringing forth topics in cancer research to the new Controversy & Consensus section will allow for Cancer Research to identify areas needing more attention and investigation.
Together with papers spanning basic molecular cell biology to tumor microenvironment to translational and population sciences, Cancer Research will contribute to shaping the future of global cancer research.
Dang is the scientific director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and a professor at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia.
