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AACI GR Forum Highlights Clinical Trial Innovation, Federal Policy Priorities
All photos by Randy Belice
AACI held its annual Government Relations (GR) Forum on Monday, October 26, in conjunction with the 2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago. Government relations representatives from cancer centers across the country gathered to discuss emerging federal policy issues, efforts to strengthen U.S. leadership in biomedical research, and the upcoming midterm elections. The forum was led by GR Steering Committee Chair Catherine Liao, Duke Cancer Institute.
Advancing Clinical Trials and U.S. Biomedical Research Leadership
Satish Gopal, MD, MPH, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Global Health, joined the forum virtually to discuss Operation TrialBlazer, an initiative announced in June 2026 aimed at strengthening U.S. leadership in clinical trials.
Dr. Gopal highlighted the changing global landscape of oncology clinical research, including the rapid expansion of clinical trials in China and the growing role of emerging biopharmaceutical companies in sponsoring innovative studies. He also discussed efforts involving NCI, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to modernize clinical trial processes, reduce administrative barriers, and accelerate study activation.
AACI is collaborating with NCI through the Accelerating Clinical Trials Steering Committee, comprised of five working groups, to identify opportunities to improve clinical trial operations and strengthen the nation's research infrastructure.
Stephen Ezell (pictured, right), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, followed with a discussion on China's growing biomedical research capabilities and the implications for U.S. competitiveness. Ezell highlighted China's expanding presence in innovative drug development, clinical trials, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
His presentation also examined policies that have contributed to this growth, including investments in scientific talent, financial incentives, and efforts to accelerate drug development. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained federal investment in biomedical research, regulatory modernization, and policies that support U.S. innovation and competitiveness.
Sustaining Members Share Advocacy Priorities
Representatives from four AACI sustaining member organizations, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), American Society of Clinical Oncology, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, and Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, provided updates on their respective federal advocacy priorities and ongoing initiatives to advance cancer research and patient care.
Midterm Elections and the Federal Policy Outlook
Ross Frommer, JD (pictured, right), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, provided an election outlook, examining the political landscape ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
The discussion explored historical midterm election trends, voter turnout, polling data, and key issues influencing voters, including the economy, health care, and education. Frommer also discussed potential changes in congressional leadership and their implications for federal policymaking.
AACI Announces Steering Committee Changes and 2027 Activities
The forum concluded with announcements regarding AACI's GR Steering Committee and upcoming advocacy activities. Caroline Powers (pictured, left), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, was named vice chair of the steering committee.
AACI also welcomed Alessia Daniele Leal, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, and Jake Jackson, Moffitt Cancer Center, as incoming committee members. They will succeed Alex Krigstein, UF Health Cancer Institute, and James Kennedy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. AACI looks forward to working with Leal and Jackson and thanks Krigstein and Kennedy for their service and contributions to the committee.
Looking ahead, AACI will again partner with AACR for its annual joint Hill Day on Thursday, May 20, 2027, in Washington, DC. Plans are also underway for a Spring 2027 GR Forum, which will be hosted at an AACI member cancer center.
AACI will continue engaging its member cancer centers through monthly calls and collaborative advocacy efforts focused on strengthening federal support for cancer research and care. Quarterly updates on AACI advocacy activities are available in the new Public Policy Roundup newsletter, slated for publication later this month.