PHILADELPHIA -- To foster interest in cancer research careers among the next generation of young scientists, the AACR will provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience the field first hand at its Annual Meeting 2007 through the AACR-Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Awards for Undergraduate Students.

This program is designed to enhance the education of the students by providing financial support to attend AACR Annual Meetings, which are attended by more than 17,000 scientists from around the globe. The AACR Annual Meeting allows young investigators to present research, learn from various educational sessions and symposia, and take advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities.

The award program is open to full-time, third-year undergraduate students majoring in science. In addition, winners will participate in the 2007 Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition. Because the award provides registration for two consecutive meetings, 10 winners will attend the Annual Meeting 2008 as well.

Bardos, a native of Hungary, has been an AACR member for nearly 50 years and, since 1997, has supported the Science Education Awards for college students. Following World War II, he came to the United States, earning a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. He went on to hold a full professorship at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was a member of the faculty until his retirement in 1995; he now holds emeritus status. Contributions are matched by the AACR to support these awards.

The AACR Annual Meeting 2007 will be held April 14-18 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Undergraduate Student Caucus will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 15. Programs for young scientists are organized by the AACR Science Education Committee.