The International Agency for Research on Cancer was established in May, 1965, through a resolution of the XVIIIth World Health Assembly,
as an extension of the World Health Organization, after a French initiative.As a WHO Agency, IARC follows the general governing rules of
the UN family. It is governed by its own Governing bodies, however, the IARC Governing Council (GC) and the IARC Scientific Council (SC).
Governing Council
IARC's general policy is directed by a Governing Council, composed of the Representatives of Participating States and of the Director-General
of the World Health Organization. Its research programme is regularly reviewed by a Scientific Council. The Governing Council elects IARC's
Director, who normally serves for a 5-year term. The Council elected Dr Christopher Wild in May, 2008, to serve for a 5-year term; he took
office on January 1, 2009.
Session
The Governing Council of the International Agency for Research on Cancer meets every year in ordinary session the week prior to the WHO World Health Assembly. This year's session will take place on 16-17 May 2013 at IARC's Headquarters in Lyon. Professor P. Puska (Finland) will again chair the session this year.
Scientific Council
The Scientific Council consists of highly qualified scientists, selected on the basis of their technical competence in cancer research and allied
fields. Members of the Scientific Council are appointed as experts and not as representatives of Participating States. When a vacancy arises on
the Scientific Council, the Participating State that nominated the departing member may nominate up to two experts to replace that member.
Scientific Council members are appointed for 4-year terms by the Governing Council. The purpose of this Council is, among other things, to make
periodical evaluations of IARC's activities, to make recommendations on the programme of permanent activities and to prepare special projects to be
submitted to the Governing Council.
Session
The Scientific Council of the International Agency for Research on Cancer meets every year in ordinary session in late January-early February. It last met on 30 January - 1 February 2013 (Chairperson, Professor Mads Melbye [Denmark]), and the next session is scheduled for 29 - 31 January 2014 (Chairperson, Professor Mads Melbye [Denmark]).
Secretariat
The Secretariat is the administrative and technical organ of the Agency. It consists of the Director and the technical and administrative staff.
The Director of IARC is elected by, and reports to, the Governing Council. The Director is responsible for the development and implementation
of the scientific programme and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Agency.
