I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the 8th President of AAISCR. I accepted to serve this prestigious organization because I truly believe in AAISCR’s mission of fostering scientific excellence and providing equal opportunities to all young investigators that dream of breaking the glass ceiling. As many of you know, the solid principles on which the foundation of this organization was laid has allowed us as a group to overcome numerous challenges and push forward for 30 years. My goal for the next 2 years will be to grow our organization in keeping with AAISCR’s mission so that the next generation of cancer researchers of Indian origin feel the same fulfillment in welcoming new members to the organization as I feel today.

We live in anexciting timein which knowledge and technology has exploded in many disciplines and cancer research has been on the forefront of these advances. The Indian-American cancer research community has contributed in many ways to these advances ranging from basic cancer biology discoveries to therapeutics to prevention and innovative ways to parse big data sets. Over the years, AAISCR has recognized many of these illustrious scientists for the body of contributions that has impacted different aspects of the fight against cancer.

I specifically want to reach out to our young investigators. I invite you to join AAISCR’s Youth Forum. AAISCR provides this platform to connect you with cancer research luminaries who have been there and done that before you. Just as cancer is not a single disease; your choice of a career in cancer research is not limited to academia. AAISCR is proud to count cancer scientists in pharma, government, policy and small business to mention a few career paths among its members. Along with their expertise, they are willing participants in providing guidance once you have answered your ‘personal call’ for a cancer research career. I have always believed that it takes a village to help a scientist reach her/his career goals. So, the more interactions and networks you establish through this program, the better are your chances of making informed career decisions.This is not a mechanism to replace your current mentor; rather to add to the mentoring team willing to help you succeed not just to get that first R01 but acommitment to your long-term success. One thing I have learnt from all the senior scientist awardees is that they all had great mentors that were vested in their success.

AAISCR offers a mentoring program for junior investigators. Survival and thriving have become challenging in an academic environment. Although the prospect for a new investigator to receive the first R01 has improved, having to hit the ground running is indeed challenging. The number of hats that one has to wear to succeed in academia has grown tremendously. There are so many different ways to achieve success and guidance plays a key role in steering one in the right direction. Despite the changing times, experience of our member senior scientists will definitely help you navigate the complex world of an academic career. This is also true for non-academic career choices if you truly believe academia is not your call.

I would like to end by thanking the community of cancer researchers that make up AAISCR. It is your commitment to this organizationthat has been instrumental in oursuccessful run for 30 years. I look forward to your continued generosity and support not only for the next 2 years but for the foreseeable future.

Most appreciatively,
Rita Ghosh, Ph.D.