Why "American-Italian"?

AICF was co-founded in 1980 by renowned breast cancer surgeon Umberto Veronesi, MD, a pioneer of breast-conserving surgical techniques in the treatment of breast cancer, and Italian businessman Alessandro di Montezemolo. Professor Veronesi envisioned a partnership between Italy and the United States to expose young scientists to new ideas, trends, and research techniques that would ultimately enrich the scientific community and increase international collaboration in the fight against cancer. It was Professor Veronesi's groundbreaking research in the treatment of breast cancer that served as the inspiration for AICF's two core programs: the International Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Program, which funds the innovative research projects of young scientists, and the Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program, which emphasizes the critical importance of early detection and provides no-cost screening services to women in need.

While AICF's Fellowship Program continues to focus primarily on the outstanding resources and collaboration possibilities of the scientific communities of Italy and the United States, our Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program serves communities citywide, providing access to early detection services and breast health education.