Uniting Innovation and Impact: Highlights from the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago

Starting tomorrow, April 25, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 will take center stage at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. As the world’s premier gathering for cancer researchers, clinicians, and advocates, this annual event serves as a global platform to unveil breakthroughs, share bold ideas, and unite the oncology community in the mission to conquer cancer.

Advancing Cancer Science with Unified Collaboration

The theme for this year’s event, “Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact,” reflects AACR’s vision of bringing together diverse disciplines to accelerate meaningful progress. Program chairs Dr. Lillian L. Siu (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) and Dr. Matthew G. Vander Heiden (MIT) have emphasized the importance of dissolving silos between basic science, clinical research, and translational medicine.

By fostering cross-functional dialogue, AACR 2025 creates a collaborative space where molecular biologists, immunologists, data scientists, pharmaceutical innovators, and patient advocates come together to solve the most pressing challenges in cancer care.

Program Highlights: Insights, Innovation, and Inspiration

1. Educational Deep Dives and Discovery Science

The event kicks off with two days of educational sessions and methodological workshops, equipping attendees with cutting-edge insights on biomarkers, immune mechanisms, and computational oncology. Saturday culminates in a compelling Discovery Science Plenary Session titled “Novel Mechanisms Influencing Cancer Evolution,” featuring emerging research shaping the next decade of oncology.

2. Opening Ceremony and Plenary

Sunday morning sets the tone for the week ahead with the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session—a powerful reminder of AACR’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, and collaboration. Expect thought-provoking keynotes and the unveiling of groundbreaking science.

3. AI in Oncology

One of the most anticipated sessions this year is a keynote on artificial intelligence in cancer research. With AI revolutionizing everything from clinical trial design to image-guided diagnostics, this session will explore how machine learning is reshaping oncology and empowering researchers to unlock deeper insights faster.

Advocacy and Public Engagement: Patients at the Center

AACR has long championed patient inclusion in the research ecosystem. This year’s Patient Advocate Poster Symposium on Sunday, April 27, spotlights impactful research led by patient advocates themselves. By elevating these voices, AACR fosters a culture of inclusive discovery.

Additionally, the event continues its outreach through the "Conquest of Cancer and the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers" program on Tuesday, welcoming over 300 high school students from Chicago to experience science firsthand and interact with researchers. With over 40 student poster presentations, it’s a glimpse into the future of oncology.

Showcasing Institutional Impact: Mount Sinai in Focus

Among the many institutions presenting at AACR 2025, the Mount Sinai Health System stands out with a robust portfolio of studies. Researchers like Dr. Jian Jin and Dr. Thomas Marron will showcase work on targeting undruggable cancer proteins and exploring immune dysfunction in lung cancer—advancing the frontiers of precision oncology and immunotherapy.

These contributions highlight how academic institutions are driving translational research that bridges bench to bedside, transforming scientific discovery into patient outcomes.

Economic and Social Impact Beyond the Lab

Beyond scientific exchange, the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 is expected to generate over $66 million in economic impact for the city of Chicago. Community initiatives such as the AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk—which has already raised over $250,000 for cancer research—demonstrate the event’s broader commitment to public health and community empowerment.

Seamless Experience with Digital Tools

To support the attendee experience, AACR offers an enhanced Annual Meeting App and Online Itinerary Planner, enabling participants to customize schedules, access session details, and explore e-posters. These tools are designed to make navigating the wealth of content more accessible and engaging for everyone.

Final Thoughts

As the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 begins, it symbolizes more than a scientific conference—it is a beacon of collective ambition, innovation, and hope. By uniting stakeholders across academia, industry, patient communities, and policy, AACR continues to pave the way for a future where cancer is no longer a life sentence, but a curable condition.

Whether you're attending in person or following the highlights from afar, the discoveries and discussions over the next few days will undoubtedly shape the future of cancer care and research for years to come.