American Institute for Cancer Research

What it reported doing in 2024

See schedule o.researchresearch programsscientific study of the relationship of diet, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk and survivorship continues to be the primary focus of american institute for cancer research (aicr) research investment and activities. Evidence shows that weight management, physical activity, food and nutrition play important roles in cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship. Research shows that approximately 40% of all cancers could be prevented if everyone reached and maintained a healthy weight, followed the recommendations for regular physical activity, consumed a healthy diet, avoided use of tobacco products and followed appropriate screening and vaccination guidelines.aicr is unique in its focus on preventing cancer and improving survival through diet, nutrition, body composition and physical activity. We collate and interpret the latest and most authoritative global scientific research on the links between cancer and diet, nutrition, body composition and physical activity. We then translate our findings into practical, clear, evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention for use by health professionals, lay individuals and governments worldwide.in total, through fy25, aicr has committed more than $113 million for hundreds of individual research projects at universities, hospitals and research centers.aicr pioneered the funding of research examining diet and cancer and was the first organization to devote itself to studying the role of diet and other lifestyle factors in lowering cancer risk. The research that we have funded has helped transform the once-radical notion that everyday choices can dramatically reduce cancer risk into a universally accepted medical fact and public health policy.our multi-faceted investment in research continues across several core activities.aicr grant programsthe aicr grant programs are dedicated to funding research on cancer prevention, treatment and survival related to diet, nutrition, body composition and physical activity. All applications are subjected to rigorous peer review.inspire research challengeaicr continued the inspire research challenge in partnership with the world cancer research fund (wcrf) international to support innovative ideas from early career researchers in cancer prevention and survivorship.for the 2025 cycle of the inspire research challenge, 33 letters of intent were received: 14 on cancer prevention and 19 on cancer survivorship. Sixteen applicants were invited to submit full applications and 16 applications were received for peer review.the grant review panel was chaired by dr. Richard simpson (university of Arizona) and dr. Ellen kampman (wageningen university), with review from additional panel members.reviewersrichard simpson, phd, facsm, university of Arizona (chair)ellen kampman, phd, wageningen university (co-chair)yikyung park, scd, Washington universitykathryn beck, phd, pgdipdiet, massey universitychristina dahm, phd, aarhus universityjames turner, phd, fhea, university of birminghamceri steele, lay panel memberinvestigator-initiated research grant (iig) programfor the 2025 cycle of the investigator-initiated research grant program, we received 126 letters of intent: 51 on cancer prevention, 55 on cancer survivorship and 20 covering both areas. We invited 31 applicants to submit full applications and received 31 for our grant panel to review and discuss.the grant review panel was co-chaired by dr. Paul spagnuolo (associate professor in the department of food science, university of guelph) and dr. Carrie daniel-macdougall (professor of epidemiology, the university of Texas md anderson cancer center). The panel included 12 additional experts with the depth and breadth of expertise to evaluate the scientific merit and impact of the proposed research.reviewersjustin brown, phd, adventist health system/sunbelt, inc. Dba adventhealth orlandodoratha byrd, phd, mph, h. Lee moffitt cancer center & research ins

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 76.4%; rating input score 76
• Program expense ratio: 66.7%; rating input score 67
• Fundraising efficiency: $3.77 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 15; 15th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: 3 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 38
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Pass
  • Requires narrative reports: Pass
  • Conducts field audits: Limited
  • May suspend future funding: Limited
  • Requires financial reports: Pass
  • Conducts site visits: Limited
  • Requires grant agreements: Limited
  • May require repayment: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -8.9%; rating input score 11; 11th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.48; rating input score 50; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.29; rating input score 47; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7.3%; rating input score 34; 34th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -5.7% per year; rating input score 0; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -6.4% per year; rating input score 0; 2nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 0.4% per year; rating input score 100; 11th percentile among comparable filings