Responsibilities of the association in a changing world: presidential address.

In 1950, in the fIrst important deviation from previous custom, Dr. Aub devoted his address, entitled “This Business of Cancer Research,―to a consideration of the effects on the research community of extensive public support of cancer research. Prior to that time the Association from time to time did consider and express opinions on issues of broad import, but the tendency, as of most scientific societies, was to avoid entanglement in external problems of science. However, before 1940, decisionson all matters, includingselectionof officers, rested with the Board of Directors, which was a self-perpetuating body. Since then, the revised constitution has provided ample opportunity for free expression of opinion by all members, and increasing interest has been evidenced in external relations of science and matters of broad policy. Nevertheless, in common with scientists generally, there has been considerable resistance to extension of our activities be yond the internal affairs of the Association, i.e., those con cerned with the annual meeting and publication of the journal. This isolationist policy has been justified by its adherents on the basis that the purpose of the Association, as specified in the 1956 revision of the Constitution, is “tobring together active investigators of the cancer problem for presentation and discussion of new or significant observations.― However, it should be noted that the statement continues: “and to further research in cancer and other phenomena of growth.― My advisors on constitutional law inform me that this clearly authorizes, ifnot instructs, the AACR to do whatever it can to promote the welfare of cancer research, including attempts to insure conditions favorable for productive research activity. The AACR has been accomplishing well one of its chief purposes. Through its meetings and excellent journal it has provided an effective forum for communication of informa tion and for exchange of ideas. It has also been a continuing mechanism for promoting that personal acquaintance and understanding among workers in this field which contribute so much to scientific progress. However, increasing dependence on the public treasury for support of their professional activ ities has created a situation in which scientists must, in their own interest, become actively involved in external problems of science. Several aspects of this subject have been considered by certain of my predecessors over the past 20 years. One reason