Dr Boyle (age 51) has an international record as a cancer epidemiologist and biostatistician. He is currently leading the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the European Institute of Oncology based in Milan (Italy), and commented: "I feel distinguished for my country and for myself to be given the opportunity to serve this strong and internationally renowned research institute".

The Agency’s work has four main objectives: monitoring global cancer occurrence, identifying the causes of cancer, elucidating the mechanisms of carcinogenesis; and developing scientific strategies for cancer control.

The role of IARC among cancer research institutes is characterized by its focus on cancer prevention, by its emphasis on studies that combine epidemiological and laboratory approaches, and by the special forum and support it provides for international collaborations.

The session of the Governing Council of IARC that is just taking place today and tomorrow is the 44th since the founding of the Agency by the World Health Assembly in May, 1965. The States represented at this session are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.