The program, called the Avon Foundation-AACR International Scholars in Breast Cancer Research, will provide two-year grants to four junior-level faculty members from countries where opportunities for specialized scientific training and advancement for physicians and scientists are limited, including those in Asia, Latin American, and Eastern Europe.
"The objective of the program is to better equip each Scholar with the skills and knowledge needed to implement and/or continue a successful program of breast cancer research in his or her home country, ultimately leading to the enhancement of the quality of cancer research and clinical breast cancer for women in these countries," said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, the AACR. Principal investigators who are engaged in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological or prevention breast cancer research at NCI-designated cancer centers and cancer centers that are members of the Association of American Cancer Institutes in the United States will be invited to apply to for the prestigious designation of an Avon Foundation-AACR Scholar Host. Please note that government institutions are not eligible.
"This program will make a significant impact in the prevention and cure of breast cancer by bringing together talented scientists from different parts of the world," said Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation. "In turn, this unique collaboration will benefit all women around the world."
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,
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Nationals or permanent residents from countries where opportunities for specialized scientific training and advancement for physicians and scientists are limited, including those in Asia, Eastern Europe or Latin America, and must currently be residing and conducting breast cancer research within the targeted countries;
- Not be employees or subcontractors of private industry;
- Be holding a first faculty appointment at the level of Instructor, Acting Assistant Professor, or Assistant Professor, and have held this appointment for no longer than five years by December 31 of the application year. (A candidate with a different title, but who still believes that s/he is eligible for this award, must attach a letter from the institution's dean certifying that the position is an equivalent position);
- Currently hold a doctoral degree and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.
Neither applicants nor principal investigators need be members of AACR to apply. The AACR will open the call for Host proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) in Spring 2003. PIs will be invited to detail the opportunity available for an Avon Foundation-AACR Scholar within their institutions, and these opportunities will be promoted to potential Scholars during the Summer 2003. For further details, please see the AACR website at www.aacr.org.
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, Canada, 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 scholarly activities include the publication of five journals (Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics). AACR's Annual Meeting has more than 12,000 participants and features presentations of new and significant discoveries in the cancer field. AACR's 10 specialty meetings cover all of the important areas of prevention, basic, translational and clinical cancer research.