Citybiz Interview with Deirdre McGinley-Gieser, EVP – American Institute for Cancer Research

Deirdre McGinley-Gieser is Executive Vice President of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and has remained committed to advancing the cancer prevention mission and vision of AICR for over 25 years.

As EVP, Deirdre is responsible for the overall management of the Institute and directing programs, projects and activities designed to meet AICR’s strategic goals.

Prior to this position, Deirdre led the research, education, communications and policy departments of AICR for 13 years as Senior Vice President of Programs. She took up this role after several years working at AICR’s international affiliate, World Cancer Research Fund International, in London, U.K. There, she was the Director for WCRF’s international operations and led its organizational start-ups, legal, regulatory, fundraising and program development, as well as strategic planning.

AICR champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that people make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk. In 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) awarded approximately $1.15 million in scientific research grants to seven innovative projects, all designed to better understand the relationship between diet, nutrition, physical activity, body weight and cancer prevention and survivorship. Over three decades, AICR-funded research has helped move the needle on understanding the link between lifestyle and cancer and has contributed more than $110 million to date to support over 797 studies conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across North, South and Central America.

Interview questions:

Mission | What is the mission of the American Institute for Cancer Research?

Snapshot | Can you provide a snapshot of the American Institute for Cancer Research today? (Years of research, $ invested in research, # of studies funded, people reached yearly)

Blueprint | What are the primary preventative measures that AICR recommends? (AICR’s 10 Cancer Prevention Recommendations)

Responsibilities | As Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President, Programs and Strategic, what are your primary responsibilities?

History | AICR was founded in 1982 at the time of the landmark National Academy of Sciences report, “Diet Nutrition and Cancer.” Can you provide some highlights on the history of AICR?

Research | AICR’s research initiative is called the Continuous Update Project. Please tell us about this program.

Strategic Plan | What is on the roadmap for AICR?

Connect with Deirdre on LinkedIn

New Directions in Cancer Research

About American Institute for Cancer Research

Our Vision: We want to live in a world where no one develops a preventable cancer.

Our Mission: The American Institute for Cancer Research champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can help people make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

We have contributed over $110 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the Americas. Find evidence-based tools and information for lowering cancer risk, including AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations, at www.aicr.org.

Recent News & Updates:

Effect of Different Lifestyle Interventions on Cancer Survivor’s Quality of Life

Star of Clueless, Elisa Donovan Picks AICR As Her Charity to Support Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

The Search for that Perfect Cancer-Fighting Superfood

How Diet and Exercise Affect Breast Cancer Survivors, Study Finds

Everything You Need to Know About AICR’s Healthy10 Challenge


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