AACR Annual Meeting 2025
April 25-30, 2025
McCormick Place Convention Center
Chicago, Illinois
The AACR Annual Meeting is the focal point of the cancer research community, where scientists, clinicians, other healthcare professionals, and patient advocates gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR Annual Meeting highlights the work of the best minds in cancer research from institutions all over the world.
Patient advocates are integral at the AACR Annual Meeting as essential members of the cancer research community, offering insights that reflect the lived experiences of those impacted by cancer. Importantly, advocates bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact, ensuring that research outcomes are not only innovative but also aligned with the needs and experiences of patients.
Meeting 2025 OverviewPrograms for Patient Advocates
Reduced Registration Rates for Patient Advocates (In-person and Virtual)
AACR Patient Affiliate Advocate members in good standing may register to attend the AACR Annual Meeting at a discounted rate. Nonmember patient advocates may also register at a reduced cost. This reduced registration category is reserved exclusively for patient advocates and is not intended for medical professionals, including nurses, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, patient navigators, or counselors. Both in-person and virtual registrations include access to live sessions, Q&A, networking, and more.
Learn More Register TodayAACR Scientist↔Survivor Program® 2025
Building Bridges for Progress Against Cancer
Celebrating 27 years of building bridges between the patient advocate and scientist communities, the AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP) is a unique educational program for cancer survivors, patient advocates, and scientists to share perspectives and discuss the latest findings in cancer research, regulatory science, and health policy. Led by Anna Barker, PhD, FAACR, the curriculum is designed to build enduring partnerships among leaders in the scientific, cancer survivor, and patient advocacy communities.
Distinguished Public Service Awards
AACR bestows Distinguished Public Service Awards to deserving individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the AACR’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy, advocacy, and funding for cancer research. Advocate Mary Lasker was honored with one of the first awards in 1967 for her role as a catalyst for the National Cancer Act. Since then, more than 27 patient advocates have been recognized with this prestigious award.
Learn MoreAdvocacy Partners Pavilion and Lounge
AACR is honored to welcome patient advocate exhibitors to the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 Advocacy Partners Pavilion. Located in the Annual Meeting Exhibitor Hall, the Pavilion and Lounge allow attendees to connect with advocates leading the fight against cancer. Mark your calendars for a special networking event at the Pavilion on Monday, April 28 from 12:30-1:30 pm.
Patient Advocate Abstracts
Patient advocates are invited to submit abstracts featuring studies led or co-led by patient advocates and cancer researchers. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, patient advocates presenting meritorious abstracts at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 are invited to apply for AACR Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Awards to offset a portion of expenses incurred in attending the conference. A limited number of awards are available. The deadline to apply has passed.
A select number of patient advocate abstract authors will be invited to present at the Patient Advocate Poster Symposium on Sunday, April 27 (3:00-5:00 pm).
Patient Advocate Dinner and REception
The Patient Advocate dinner is a special event for patient advocates attending the AACR Annual Meeting to celebrate, connect, and learn about the latest advances in cancer research. The 2025 program will feature a guest keynote on the impact of artificial intelligence on cancer research. Please note that this event is by invitation only and has limited space. If you are interested in attending please email advocacy@aacr.org.
Special Topic Tracks
Science of Survivorship Track includes sessions highlighting new and high-value areas of research to address the array of challenges facing long-term survivors. Sessions invite trans-sector discussion among the survivor and advocacy communities, basic and clinical researchers, industry representatives, health care providers, and government officials.
Regulatory Science and Policy Track includes informative sessions designed to highlight recent regulatory developments and provide an open forum for the consideration of issues that the FDA faces as the agency seeks to accelerate the pace of approval of safe and effective treatments for patients with cancer.
Science and Health Policy Track includes sessions that will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about how policy impacts science and vice versa. Health policy sessions will explore how scientific evidence can inform policy on cancer prevention and control and what impact policies are having on patients and communities
