History of AFMR

Dr. Henry Christian

The American Federation for Clinical Research (AFCR) was founded in 1940 by Dr. Henry Christian. AFCR offered young researchers the opportunity to present their findings to their peers and to receive the guidance of senior scientists. As time went on, AFCR was drawn into public policy activities. In response to an inquiry from Senator Hubert Humphrey, the AFCR national council offered their advice regarding federal funding of medical research. In 1996, the name of the association was formally changed from the American Federation for Clinical Research (AFCR) to the American Federation for Medical Research (AFMR).

AFMR's diverse membership positions it as one of the few organizations that bridges basic and patient-oriented research in multiple medical disciplines. Our broad medical sciences constituency includes basic, translational and clinical researchers.

AFMR continues to promotes opportunities for young investigators to present their research and continues to participates in federal policymaking. We are at the forefront of career development for new and mid-career investigators, and have been for the last 50 years. We are committed to enriching the training and early development opportunities for entry level medical investigators and proactively advocate for support and training of mid-career investigators.

In 1996, the name of the association was formally changed from the American Federation for Clinical Research (AFCR) to the American Federation for Medical Research (AFMR).