AACR sends 20 early-career researchers to Capitol Hill to advocate for NIH and NCI funding

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is hosting the eleventh annual AACR Early-career Hill Day today, March 18, 2026.

Twenty students, trainees, and early-career scientists who conduct cancer research in institutions across the country have traveled to Washington, DC, for the event. This year’s participants represent 16 states and will attend more than 50 meetings on Capitol Hill.

The AACR Early-career Hill Day is an opportunity for graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and other early-career cancer researchers to meet with members of Congress and/or their staff to convey the importance of investing in the future of cancer research. 

In their meetings, participants will call on Congress to:

• Place limits on the Administration’s use of multi-year funding mechanisms to avoid further reduction of new research grants that can be supported;
• Prioritize medical research by providing at least $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health’s foundational work, a $4.1 billion increase over the FY 2026 program level; and
• Provide $7.99 billion for the National Cancer Institute, an increase of $640 million.

These actions and investments would support research in key areas needed to advance progress against cancer.

In conjunction with the Hill Day, the AACR is inviting early-career researchers 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. Individuals are also encouraged to send messages in support of NIH funding using the hashtags #AACRontheHill and #FundNIH on social media.

Beyond 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.

Source: The Future of Cancer Research Is on the Line—and Young Scientists Know It