DRAFT FOR SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL PROPOSED PROGRAMME (2012–2015) AND BUDGET (2012–2013)

Scientific Council
Forty-seventh Session
SC/47/6
09/12/2010
Lyon, 26–28 January 2011
Princess Takamatsu Hall
PROPOSED PROGRAMME (2012–2015)
AND BUDGET (2012–2013)
DRAFT FOR SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
PROPOSED PROGRAMME (2012–2015)
AND BUDGET (2012–2013)
DRAFT FOR SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.
2.
1
SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY 2012–2015
3
Describing the Global Cancer Burden
IARC Monographs
Cancer Etiology
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Cancer Prevention
Education and Training
The Future International Leadership Role of the Agency
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
DETAILED SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME 2012–2013
9
Area 1
Describing the Global Cancer Burden
9
Area 2
IARC Monographs
12
Area 3
Cancer Etiology
13
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Infections
Nutrition and metabolism
Genetics
Environment, radiation, lifestyle, and occupation
Area 4
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
13
15
16
17
18
4.1 Molecular carcinogenesis
4.2 Epigenetics
4.3 Molecular pathology
18
19
20
Area 5
21
Cancer Prevention
5.1 Primary prevention
5.2 Screening
5.3 Quality assurance and guidelines
21
23
25
Area 6
27
Education and Training
6.1 IARC Fellowship Programme
6.2 IARC Courses
27
28
Area 7
29
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
Methodology and Research Tools
Biostatistics
Exposure assessment
Biomarkers
WHO Classification of Tumours
29
30
31
32
i
Area 8
3.
33
8.1 Laboratory services
8.2 Biobank
8.3 Communication
33
34
35
Area 9
37
Research Leadership and Management
9.1 Direction and leadership
9.2 Programme management and development
9.3 Ethics
37
38
39
ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMME 2012–2013
41
Area 1
Administrative Management
41
Area 2
Human Resources Services
41
Area 3
Conference, Office and Building Services
42
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.
Scientific Support
Accommodation, Office and related Services
Building Management Services
Conference Services
Records Management Services
42
43
44
44
Area 4
Budget and Finance Services
44
Area 5
IARC Grants Office
45
Area 6
Information Technology Services
46
PROPOSED BUDGET 2012–2013
49
4.1 Presentation
49
4.2 Development of the programme budget
50
4.3 Computation of the budget
51
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
Staff Costs
Decrease in programme activities
Increase in assessed contributions from Austria
Increase in assessed contributions from India
Exchange Rate
51
52
53
53
54
4.4 Financing of the regular budget
54
Appendix A
55
Information Table A:
“Total staffing and non-staffing costs
by Section and Group, by year and biennium”
ii
5.
BUDGET TABLES
5.1
SUMMARY TABLES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Determination of programme budget level 2012–2013
Proposed total IARC regular budget for the financial period 2012–2013
Summary of regular budget by appropriation section
Summary of assessments on Participating States
Summary of activities by area and source of funds
Summary of resources by area and year
Summary of regular budget by component and cause of
increase/decrease
H Summary of regular budget staffing by area and category
5.2
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
BUDGET TABLES BY AREA
Appropriation Section 1: Governing and Scientific Councils
Area 1
Governing and Scientific Councils’ meetings
65
Appropriation Section 2: Scientific Programme
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Describing the Global Cancer Burden
IARC Monographs
Cancer Etiology
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Cancer Prevention
Education and Training
Methodology and Research Tools
Scientific Support
Research Leadership and Management
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
Appropriation Section 3: Administrative Programme
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
Area
1
2
3
4
5
6
Administrative Management
Human Resources Services
Conference, Office and Building Services
Budget and Finance Services
IARC Grants Office
Information Technology Services
75
76
77
78
79
80
UN accounting rates of exchange: Euro to US dollar
Annual rates of inflation in France
81
82
ANNEXES
Annex 1
Annex 2
iii
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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PROPOSED PROGRAMME (2012–2015) AND BUDGET (2012–2013)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The primary objective of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is to
conduct and coordinate high quality research that will contribute to the reduction of the
global burden of cancer, by providing the scientific evidence for the development of
effective strategies for cancer prevention and control. The Agency has a longstanding
focus in promoting and developing research activities in low- and medium-resource
countries in order to address the projected increase in cancer burden in these regions.
The present Proposed Programme and Budget reflects the priorities set out in the IARC
Medium-Term Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2010–2014 (GC/52/6) adopted by
the Governing Council (resolution GC/52/R4). Based on these priorities the work of the
Agency is centred on six core areas: Describing the global cancer burden —
collection, storage and statistical analysis of data on cancer to provide accurate
estimates of prevalence, incidence, survival and mortality; IARC Monographs —
evaluation of evidence regarding the possible causal association between risk factors
and cancer; Cancer etiology — employing a multidisciplinary approach to investigate
the interaction between genetic and environmental factors on the development of
human cancers; Mechanisms of carcinogenesis — study of the molecular
mechanisms underlying carcinogenic processes, providing important insights into the
plausibility of risk-factor/disease associations and the identification of biomarkers of
exposure, susceptibility, early detection and prognosis; Cancer prevention — research
into the effectiveness of intervention strategies on cancer prevention and control,
including understanding how these can best be implemented in particular socioeconomic
and cultural environments; Education and training — the Agency has a strong
commitment to form new generations of cancer researchers through the development of
an integrated programme of education and training in its areas of scientific expertise.
In addition to these six core areas of activity there are three generic support or strategic
areas: Methodology and Research Tools — comprises research areas that contribute
to the research activities of groups across the Agency; Scientific Support — includes
common resources and services that support the work of research groups; Research
Leadership and Management — concerns the areas of activity relating to the
definition and implementation of the Agency’s scientific strategy and programme, and
the coordination of relations with governance structures and with external partners and
collaborators.
Overall the statutory costs of the Agency have increased from the previous biennium by
11.44%. These costs relate to staff costs and are, in major part, beyond the control of
the Agency. In times of global financial constraint the Agency proposes to finance these
additional costs by a combination of a reduction in programmed activities (-6.57%) and
an increase in regular budget (+4.87%). The Agency’s administration costs have been
proportionally reduced compared to 2010–2011 and the costs related to Governing
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Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
bodies are also slightly reduced in order to protect the scientific programme. The
Agency will seek to further compensate for the reduced regular budget financing by a
number of measures including: new Participating States, increased Voluntary
Contributions from existing Participating States and additional extra-budgetary sources,
including cost recovery against regular budget costs.
The budget proposed for 2012–2013 is € 39 758 435 compared to € 37 911 000 in
2010–2011. Other than Austria that will pay its full assessment in 2012–2013 and India,
whose WHO scale of assessment has changed effective 2011, no Participating State will
have an increase of more than 4.25% over the biennium — or a maximum of € 50 253
per annum.
Overall the Proposed Programme (2012–2015) and Budget (2012–2013) reflects not
only the IARC Medium-Term Strategy and Implementation Plan but closely aligns to the
broader core elements of the IARC Statute:
¾
Planning, promoting and developing research in all phases of the causation,
treatment and prevention of cancer;
¾
Collection and dissemination of information on the epidemiology of cancer, on
cancer research and on the causation and prevention of cancer throughout the
world;
¾
Studies on the natural history of cancer;
¾
Education and training of personnel for cancer research.
The Agency has thus developed a programme and associated budget that plays to its
strengths as an international organization, its multidisciplinary approach and inherent
collaborative nature.
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Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
1.
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SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY 2012–2015
The IARC Medium-Term Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2010–2014 sets out a
number of guiding principles, based on the Agency’s Statute, which direct and focus its
activities in the short- and medium-term.
The central role of IARC is to conduct research on human cancer, which provides
evidence to develop strategies for cancer prevention and control and thus contributes to
the reduction of the global burden of cancer. Given this broad remit the Agency
develops much of its activities through the promotion and coordination of large
international collaborative research projects involving a wide network of partners.
IARC’s mission is pursued on a number of different levels, ranging from research on
human subjects and populations through to molecular and cellular studies. By this
interdisciplinary approach, the Agency is particularly suited to promoting research
which integrates the knowledge of the basic causes and mechanisms of carcinogenesis
into population-based studies. As an international organization with a worldwide
mandate, IARC is uniquely placed to conduct and promote research in areas of the
world where resources are limited, but where the need is often greatest; in this context
the Agency has defined as one of its main priorities for research the fight against the
projected increase of cancer burden in low- and medium-resource countries. Finally, in
addition to conducting original research the Agency also has a strong commitment to
education and training, to form the next generation of cancer researchers.
The scientific organization of IARC has changed since the last Proposed Programme and
Budget to be consistent with the emphasis given in the Medium-Term Strategy and
Implementation Plan for 2010–2014. The current operational structure comprises nine
research Sections (each with one or more research Groups): the Section of Cancer
Information (CIN) monitors the global cancer burden by collecting and analyzing data
on cancer prevalence, incidence, survival and mortality; the Section of IARC
Monographs (IMO) evaluates the evidence regarding the possible causal association
between risk factors and cancer; the Section of Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
(MCA) studies the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenic processes; the
Section of Molecular Pathology (MPA) focuses on the identification of reliable
markers for tumour classification and on correlating histologically recognized phenotypes
with genotypes of human cancers; the Section of Infections (INF) focuses on a
combined epidemiological/biological approach to the investigation of the role of
infections in cancer; the Section of Environment and Radiation (ENV) investigates
the role of a broad range of environmental risk factors in the etiology of human cancers;
the Section of Nutrition and Metabolism (NME) investigates the role of factors such
as diet, obesity, physical inactivity and endogenous hormones in cancer etiology; the
Section of Genetics (GEN) focuses on identifying specific genes and gene variants that
contribute to the development of cancer and how these genetic effects interact with
environmental factors; the Section of Early Detection and Prevention (EDP)
conducts research on the development and evaluation of strategies for cancer
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prevention and control which are appropriate to local socio-economic and cultural
contexts.
In addition, there are four Groups within the Director’s Office: the Gambia Hepatitis
Intervention Study (GHIS), Communications (COM), Education and Training (ETR), and
Laboratory Services and Biobank (LSB). The latter three Groups have a wide range of
activities that are relevant across the Agency.
The six core areas of scientific activity as defined in the IARC Medium-Term Strategy
and Implementation Plan (2010–2014) frequently involve contributions from several
Sections, reflecting the emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary research outlined
above. However, the main areas of scientific activity at IARC and the major focus of
each Section are:
¾
Describing the Global Cancer Burden (CIN)
¾
IARC Monographs (IMO)
¾
Cancer Etiology (INF, NME, GEN, ENV)
¾
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis (MCA, MPA)
¾
Cancer Prevention (EDP)
¾
Education and Training (ETR)
An overview of the scientific strategy and current and planned research activities under
each of these areas is provided below.
Describing the Global Cancer Burden
The monitoring of worldwide cancer occurrence and provision of accurate data on
cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality and survival remains one of the primary
activities of the Agency. Access to reliable, timely, national and regional cancer statistics
is essential to support the development of effective cancer prevention and control
programmes, by providing a measure of the problem and highlighting priorities for
action. In addition, they provide an essential tool to evaluate the success of cancer
control interventions through the monitoring of temporal and regional trends. However,
the collection of cancer occurrence data continues to be inadequate in many regions,
particularly in low- and medium-resource countries, due to the lack of resources and
training for local cancer registries.
Another important area of the Agency’s work in the context of the description of the
global cancer burden is the standardization of tumour classification, which enables the
uniformization, comparison and analysis of combined data obtained from different
cancer registries. The WHO Classification of Tumours series (WHO Blue Books),
currently produced at IARC, is the definitive reference work for tumour classification.
The WHO Blue Books are also of great importance in disease classification in clinical
practice. The series is remarkable for the contribution it has made to improve the
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standardization of the histological classification of tumours and the Agency is now
pursuing the publication of the 4th series.
The Agency is also taking responsibility for the 11th revision of the International
Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) for neoplasms. This activity is in collaboration with
international experts and coordinated through WHO headquarters in Geneva.
IARC Monographs
The accurate identification and assessment of the carcinogenic potential of risk factors
for cancer is fundamental for the development of effective cancer prevention strategies.
In this area the IARC Monographs series has acquired an international reputation for its
authoritative and independent evaluation of a broad range of potential risk factors for
cancer. The Agency assembles and coordinates the activities of expert working groups,
composed of an international panel of external and internal scientists, which undertake
the evaluation of the published scientific evidence on each potential carcinogenic agent.
With 100 volumes published to date, the IARC Monographs series is one of the most
widely recognized outputs of the Agency, used extensively by national and international
health agencies to develop approaches for preventing exposure to known and suspected
carcinogens.
Cancer Etiology
Despite advances in the identification of the causes of a number of human cancers,
there remains a significant proportion for which etiology is unclear. In this context, the
interaction between genetic background and environment is increasingly recognized as
being determinant in the development of the vast majority of cancers. The study of the
etiology of human cancers is one of the largest areas of activity at IARC, involving
contributions and collaborations between research groups in and outside the Agency.
The interdisciplinary approach, enabling the integration of population- and
laboratory-based studies, is particularly appropriate to research in this area.
Recent developments in the area of genomics have enabled the identification of an
increasing number of genes and gene variants which are associated with, or are known
to contribute to, the development of specific types of cancer. In addition, the availability
of novel technologies to assess environmental exposure, based on the identification of
biomarkers of exposure developed through “omics” and other technologies, such as
mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance, has opened new possibilities for
addressing the etiological role of environmental exposures on the development of
cancer.
The Agency’s strategy on cancer etiology places a major emphasis on the identification
and validation of biomarkers, which can be used in epidemiological studies to improve
exposure assessment, define susceptibility and classify disease. Such biomarkers will
also serve to address the biological plausibility of putative exposure–disease associations
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Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
and as endpoints in pilot intervention studies. Therefore, epidemiological studies having
associated biobanks will be a priority.
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Research into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis provides the essential bridge from
basic sciences to population-based research. Advances in the understanding of the
cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis provide fundamental insights into
the interaction between environmental and genetic/epigenetic factors that result in the
development of cancer. These insights into cancer mechanisms open new opportunities
for the discovery of novel strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. In addition, as
described above, results from mechanistic research allow the identification of
biomarkers for disease detection, progression and outcome, as well as biomarkers of
environmental exposures which provide essential tools for molecular epidemiology
studies. Increasingly the molecular pathologic characterization of tumours is a vital
approach in linking specific genetic alterations to both cancer risk factors and cancer
outcome.
Other areas of focus of mechanistic research at the Agency are the development of
functional genomic studies to explore the involvement of genetic loci identified by
genome-wide association studies, and of studies into the mechanisms by which
epigenetic modifications are implicated in cancer development and progression.
Cancer Prevention
The development and evaluation of intervention strategies for cancer prevention and
early detection is of fundamental importance to the work of the Agency, because it
represents the translation of the insights obtained in its other areas of research into
concrete approaches for addressing the primary objective of reducing the burden of
cancer. The focus of the Agency in this area is research into the development of
cost-effective prevention strategies and how these can be best implemented at the
population level in the context of the local socio-economic and cultural environments,
with particular emphasis in low- and medium-resource countries. This work is relevant
to WHO in terms of the development of public health policy and for the successful
design of public health programmes.
Education and Training
The Agency will pursue its commitment to developing a strong education and training
programme, which is contiguous with and integrated into its research activities, through
the strengthening of its Fellowship and Courses Programmes. By maintaining active
working relationships with past fellows, course attendees, etc., the Agency can greatly
expand its network of external collaborators and provide fellows with valuable
opportunities for conducting high-quality research and training.
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The Future International Leadership Role of the Agency
In the coming decades the growing burden of cancer will become a major public health
concern in low- and medium-resource countries around the world. The research carried
out and coordinated by IARC, with its focus on these regions, will be key to providing
the evidence for the development of effective, coordinated, national and international
strategies for cancer prevention and control, which will contribute to the reduction of
the global cancer burden. The reputation of the Agency in low- and medium-resource
countries is high due to several decades of collaborative research and training in these
regions. In addition, its research is of the highest international quality. The Agency is
thus excellently placed to take a leading role on an international scale in combating the
projected increases in cancer burden worldwide.
The Agency will continue to seek and develop partnerships with other organizations and
scientists that share these objectives. It will continue to work in close partnership with
WHO, and to coordinate its activities with the goals and priorities outlined in the WHO’s
“Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable
Diseases”. Cooperative working with other international organizations, including the
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the International Atomic Energy
Agency’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (IAEA/PACT) will be important.
The growing recognition of the threat that the increase in the burden of cancer, and
more widely of non-communicable diseases, represents to socio-economic development
has highlighted the need for urgent concerted international action. In this context, the
UN General Assembly has convened a high-level summit on the “Prevention and control
of non-communicable diseases”, which will take place in September 2011. It is expected
that this summit will generate significant global commitment and momentum
to implement policies and mobilize additional resources for the control of
non-communicable diseases.
The UN special summit will provide a unique opportunity for the official
acknowledgement of the importance of control and prevention of cancer as a
development issue. The Agency will play a leading role in promoting the recognition of
the central contribution of research in identifying priorities for action, and, together with
its network of partners and collaborators, in lobbying for the development of a
coordinated international cancer research agenda that addresses, in particular, the
needs of the developing world.
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2.
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DETAILED SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME 2012–2013
AREA 1
Describing the Global Cancer Burden
IARC is the definitive reference source for the provision of information concerning
worldwide vital statistics on cancer and this activity is coordinated within the Section of
Cancer Information (CIN). The monitoring of cancer occurrence provides fundamental
baseline information for the development of research programmes into the etiology of
the disease as well as for the planning and evaluation of public health interventions.
Geographical and ethnic group comparisons, temporal trends and ecological studies can
all provide important clues as to the causes of cancer. At the same time, incidence and
mortality rates quantify the size of the problem in a given population and provide the
basis for initiating cancer control measures and evaluating their effectiveness. Alongside
these indicators, survival and prevalence rates provide measures of treatment efficacy
and the consequent numbers of cancer survivors in different populations.
Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) has been published by IARC in nine
successive volumes over the last 45 years. This publication, produced in collaboration
with the International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR), contains comparable
worldwide cancer incidence data. CI5 has become an invaluable tool for supporting both
cancer research and national programmes for cancer control. These data are made
publicly available through the CANCERMondial website. This also gives access to cancer
mortality data, provided by the World Health Organization, together with other relevant
software tools including GLOBOCAN 2008, which allows the production of cancer
incidence and mortality estimates for all countries of the world.
In order to increase the worldwide coverage of cancer registry data, CIN also provides
programmes of support for cancer registries. This activity includes providing
administrative facilities and a secretariat to the IACR and to the European Network of
Cancer Registries (ENCR). CIN staff are involved in conducting site visits to assess the
feasibility of establishing new cancer registries and to provide developmental advice to
existing registries, particularly in low- and medium-resource countries. CIN arranges
training courses on cancer registration and its application to epidemiology.
Alongside the above, CIN conducts a programme of research focused on descriptive
epidemiology. Core components include the study of temporal trends and patterns in the
occurrence of and outcomes from cancer, as well as the development of methodological
approaches to their analysis.
Objectives
¾
To collect, analyse and disseminate information concerning the global cancer
burden and to improve the timeliness of this information.
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Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
¾
To provide support to cancer registries worldwide in terms of development, staff
training, promotion of common standards for coding and classification and
ensuring effective use of data produced.
¾
To increase coverage of population-based cancer registration in particular in
low- and medium-resource countries.
¾
To conduct a programme of research in the descriptive epidemiology of cancer
including geographical analyses, time trends and the estimation of the future
burden of the disease.
¾
To develop the use of new sources of information concerning the burden of
cancer and novel methodological approaches in the analysis of registration data.
¾
To develop online global cancer statistics tools for inclusion in CANCERMondial.
Present plans
CIN will continue to support cancer registries worldwide with a view to increasing the
coverage of the global population with high-quality, population-based registration
systems. Such support will include promotion of common standards and registration
processes, development of and training in the CanReg5 registration system, improved
coding and classification standards through the development of the 3rd revision of
ICD-O, and extending the dataset captured by cancer registration processes (to include,
for example, addition of stage, screening and treatment information). In particular, CIN
will continue activities to build cancer registration capacity in low- and medium-resource
countries. CIN is developing a strategy of promoting regionally-based resource centres
which will provide a focal point for those engaged in or seeking to develop
population-based registries in low- and medium-resource countries.
CIN will make use of the global information available, to produce novel analyses
describing cancer incidence, mortality, survival and prevalence by world area, level of
economic development, cancer type, sex and age group. We also plan major
collaborative publications examining:
¾
global time trends and the role of demographic, epidemiologic and cancer
transitions according to human development indices; where possible, this work
will also consider major histological subtypes and anatomic sub-sites for specific
cancers;
¾
scenario-based predictions of the future cancer burden, globally and within
specific populations, based on prospects for early detection, prevention and
implementation of screening programmes;
¾
worldwide estimates of cancer burden attributable to infection (with the
Infections and Cancer Epidemiology Group) and dietary factors (with the
Nutritional Epidemiology Group) together with accompanying online maps (as
enhancements to GLOBOCAN).
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Within Europe, close collaboration with ENCR will be strengthened by the provision of an
efficient secretariat at IARC, which will secure co-funding of the ENCR core activities,
organize ENCR meetings and courses, provide support and advice to individual cancer
registries, and further develop and maintain facilities for data exchange in standard and
comparable formats. Centralization and dissemination of data will be further improved,
as well as time-lines for the provision of results.
For childhood cancers, our existing network of collaborators will be solicited to update
the IARC database, and new data providers will be identified. A newly established
survey facility will be used to explore the availability of new non-standard data items,
with a special focus on data describing short-term and long-term survival. This
extension of the database will allow a more thorough description of cancer burden in
childhood populations and aid international comparisons.
Future directions
Alongside maintenance of the production of CI5 and GLOBOCAN, CIN will also develop a
global cancer data repository and other resources to provide access to information
concerning worldwide patterns of cancer mortality, prevalence, survival and where
possible, staging and screening information. Continuing the development of
user-friendly online presentation and analytical tools will be an important component.
CIN will also provide an online repository for receipt of registration data from low- and
medium-resource countries, even if these data do not meet the quality standards
required by CI5, which can then be used for analytical purposes in order to produce
comparative reports and to support collaborative research activities.
CIN will also be making use, where available, of extensions to standard cancer
registration datasets to examine incidence trends in relation to stage of disease at
diagnosis and the introduction of population-based screening programmes. It is also
planned to conduct methodological research in order to improve estimates of incidence
and mortality of cancer when only sparse data are available, and to develop and employ
methods for estimating potential years of life lost (PYLL) and disability-adjusted life
years (DALYs) for cancer at the global level.
The collection of novel data on follow-up of childhood cancer by European cancer
registries will be piloted. The aim will be to establish routine procedures for the
population-based evaluation of prognostic factors in selected patient groups with good
prognosis, which cannot be done in clinical trials. The second main purpose will be to
facilitate the availability of long-term follow-up data for analyses that are comparable at
the population level.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
allocation
€ 2 399 400
staff supported
9.7
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Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 2
allocation
€ 279 260
staff supported
0.7
IARC Monographs
The first step in cancer prevention is to identify the causes of human cancer. National
and international health agencies can then take action to prevent avoidable exposures
to known or suspected carcinogens. Individuals can also use this information to make
better choices that reduce their exposure to cancer-causing agents. The IARC
Monographs are a series of scientific reviews that evaluate environmental factors and
the associated risk of human cancer. Since 1971, the programme has evaluated more
than 900 agents and identified more than 400 known, probable, or possible causes of
human cancer.
Objectives
¾
To evaluate in the IARC Monographs the scientific evidence concerning
environmental factors of public health importance.
¾
To consider the relevance of experimental models through comparison between
tumours in experimental animals and humans in relation to the same exposure.
¾
To review mechanisms of human carcinogenesis and the use of mechanistic data,
including biomarkers, in carcinogen evaluation.
Present plans
During the 2012–2013 biennium, the IARC Monographs programme will convene two or
three international, interdisciplinary Working Groups per year to develop new volumes of
IARC Monographs. In addition, the programme will convene two scientific workshops to
take advantage of a unique opportunity to synthesize the information developed in
Volume 100, which brought the IARC Monographs up-to-date on the more than
100 human carcinogens classified by IARC. The first, “Tumour Concordance between
Humans and Experimental Animals”, will explore the predictive value of animal tumours
and identify human cancers for which, currently, there are no good animal models. The
second, “Mechanisms Involved in Human Carcinogenesis”, will synthesize information on
the mechanistic events known to be involved in the development of human cancer.
The programme is also continuing its initiative to increase public access to IARC
Monographs information. All volumes and supplements are being made freely available
on our website, adding an “e-pub” format to provide additional capabilities to
IARC Monographs users, and compiling an electronic database of IARC Monographs
findings that will include cancer sites and mechanisms. We have also streamlined
internal data management operations, including electronic access to many scientific
journals, better tools to manage and standardize the written contributions by external
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scientists, and the purchase of desktop publishing software to speed up publication and
to enable development of “e-pubs”.
Future directions
The IARC Monographs programme is resuming normal operations after developing the
special six-part “Volume 100” review of human carcinogens. An international Advisory
Group will be convened in late 2013 or early 2014 to recommend new high-priority
topics for consideration by the IARC Monographs programme during the years
2015–2019.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 3
allocation
€ 1 814 020
staff supported
6.15
allocation
€ 1 431 919
staff supported
5.5
Cancer Etiology
The elucidation of the causes of cancer has represented a major field of research at
IARC since its origin. Cancer etiology is covered in this area under four sub-headings.
Three of them deal with the most important avoidable causes of cancer: infections
(sub-area 3.1); nutrition and metabolism (sub-area 3.2); and environment, radiation,
lifestyle, and occupation (sub-area 3.4). The projects include a combination of
epidemiological and laboratory-based studies aimed at elucidating further the risk
associated with the exposure to these categories of agents. Sub-area 3.4 includes
environment and radiation exposures (e.g. medical diagnostic radiation, pesticides, or
drinking water quality) as well as strong cancer risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol.
Genetics (sub-area 3.3) includes genome-wide studies of tobacco-related cancers,
kidney cancers, nasopharynx and childhood malignancies. Genomic studies also aim to
carry out integrative analyses of germ-line and somatic variation to investigate the
contribution of genetic variation in cancer susceptibility and outcome. Projects in the
cancer etiology area tend to share some important features: large international studies
with substantial or predominant inclusion of low- and medium-resource countries;
integration of questionnaire-based and biomarker-based information; use of sound study
design and statistical methods.
3.1
Infections
Objectives
Infections are the etiological cause of 15–20% of human cancers worldwide. Examples
of associations between infectious agents and human cancer are numerous and include,
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
inter alia: human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical and head and neck cancers; human
T-cell leukaemia virus (HTLV) with adult T-cell leukaemia; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with
nasopharyngeal cancer and lymphoma; human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) with Kaposi
sarcoma; hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) with liver cancer; Helicobacter pylori
(H pylori) with stomach cancer; Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) with Merkel cell
sarcoma.
In addition, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the probability of other
cancer-related infections and, therefore, cancer development, due to its ability to impair
the immune system.
Projects in this sub-area aim to gain insight into several aspects of infectious agents:
their potential role in human cancer, factors that influence the natural history of
infections, biological properties of strains, and the natural variants of the different
infectious agents. HPV, HBV, HCV, HIV, EBV, Helicobacter species other than H pylori,
and MCPyV are the main subjects of studies in the 2012–2013 biennium.
Present plans
Epidemiological studies will comprise the following: (i) determination of the geographical
distribution of specific infectious agents; (ii) case–control studies to assess the potential
role of chronic infections in carcinogenesis; (iii) identification of additional risk factors for
persistence of infections and cancer development, such as HIV or co-infection with other
carcinogenic viruses, viral strains and natural variants; (iv) sentinel studies of
populations where HPV vaccination programmes are established and HPV-based
screening has been started.
Laboratory work will include several projects that complement the epidemiological
approaches mentioned above: (i) establishment of new links between infectious agents
and cancer; (ii) development of novel diagnostic tools for cancer-associated infections;
(iii) characterization of the biological properties of human viruses to predict their in vivo
carcinogenesis. The Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory represents an important asset for the
Agency’s work in this area.
Future directions
The long-term goals of these studies are to provide key information for the
establishment of novel strategies to prevent and, possibly, cure infections and their
associated cancers.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 2 822 494
staff supported
12.05
allocation
€ 99 183
staff supported
0.17
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
3.2
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Nutrition and metabolism
Objectives
Diet, nutrition, metabolic/hormonal imbalances, excess energy consumption, obesity,
and physical inactivity are thought to be important contributors to increasing cancer
incidence rates worldwide. However, the mechanisms of action of these factors remain
poorly understood. In addition, the contributing influence of dietary transitions from
traditional to western-type diets which is taking place in low- and medium-resource
countries (e.g. in Latin America), or exposures in fetal life/early infancy are not well
studied.
Thus, the main objective of the Section of Nutrition and Metabolism (NME) is to address
these issues by evaluating the association between diet (including dietary patterns),
nutrition, physical activity, and energy imbalance with cancer risk in high-, low- and
medium-resource countries using cohort and case–control designs, or human
intervention studies. Emphasis will be placed on: (i) improving the accuracy and
interpretation of dietary exposures; (ii) developing, validating and disseminating
standardized dietary methodologies relevant to international study settings; (iii) the
application of biomarkers and metabolomics to study cellular, biochemical and
physiological changes and their relation to gene-diet/nutrient/environment interactions
(see also section 7.3).
Present plans
A centralized web-based platform will be implemented for standard dietary assessment
in international settings (e.g. eastern and Latin American countries), and in different age
groups. Metabolomic approaches and reference methods will be developed for the
measurement of specific nutrients, hormones and related biomarkers (see also section
7.3). These tools will be used within cohort and case–control studies in high-resource
countries (e.g. EPIC) and in low- and medium-resource countries (e.g. EsMaestras,
others), and within intervention studies to evaluate the role of diet, physical activity,
obesity, and metabolic disorders on cancer risk and survival. A consortium of birth
cohorts from low- and medium-resource countries in epidemiological transition will be
established.
Future directions
Large cohorts and multicentre case–control studies will be used to identify the role and
mechanisms by which diet, physical activity, obesity and metabolic disorders such as
diabetes affect cancer incidence and survival. Particular emphasis will be placed on: the
occurrence of cancer at younger ages (e.g. premenopausal breast cancer); comparison
of tumour characteristics and stage at diagnosis between different countries and
subjects of different ethnic origins; early markers of cancer risk; metabolomics and
nutrigenomics and gene/diet/environment interactions. Translation of the findings into
public health recommendations and the development of appropriate cancer prevention
strategies will be emphasized.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
3.3
allocation
€ 1 970 080
staff supported
8.65
allocation
€ 355 390
staff supported
0.15
Genetics
Objectives
The study of genetics has the potential to make important contributions to cancer
etiology and prevention including elucidation of causal pathways, identification of
lifestyle factors (via gene–environment and Mendelian randomization-type studies) and
identification of high-risk individuals. Genetic epidemiology studies carried out at IARC
are developed taking into consideration the global or regional burden of a particular
cancer and the extent to which it is understudied by other national or international
groups. This has led to a range of cancer types being investigated including common yet
relatively understudied cancers (e.g. lung cancer), less frequent cancer types (kidney
and aerodigestive tract cancers) and rare cancers (nasopharyngeal carcinoma and very
rare childhood cancers).
Present plans
Population-based studies within the Section of Genetics (GEN) typically involve extensive
amounts of fieldwork with the goal of recruiting large series of cases and controls
comprising extensive questionnaire information and biological samples. For young onset
cancers (such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and childhood cancers) a trio design
(parent–offspring) is also employed. The Genetic Epidemiology Group (GEP) also takes a
leading role in the development of international consortia. Genetic analyses usually
comprise a genome-wide approach with large-scale coordinated replication studies in
diverse populations. Studies involve an extensive evaluation of non-genetic factors
including questionnaire data as well as biomarkers (e.g. HPV for head and neck cancers,
dietary biomarkers and cotinine in lung cancer), usually in collaboration with other IARC
groups and also external collaborators. Confirmed susceptibility loci are investigated in
more detail in the Genetic Cancer Susceptibility Group (GCS) with a variety of
techniques including in silico tests of the functional consequence of genetic variants,
expression analysis and resequencing studies. The genetic services platform, nested
within GCS, also provides a suite of genotyping and genomics techniques to the GEN
Section and other IARC groups.
Future directions
Genetics is a rapidly developing field. It is essential for IARC to remain at the forefront
of ongoing developments (e.g. in detection of rare variants, next generation
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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sequencing) if it is to remain competitive both scientifically and with respect to
attracting fellows and external funding. An example of the commitment of the Agency to
go beyond the traditional confines of the field is its role in initiating a whole genome
sequencing project of renal tumours in collaboration with the Centre National de
Génotypage (the CAGEKID project), that has been supported by the European
Commission and is participating in the International Cancer Genome Consortium
(www.icgc.org).
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
3.4
allocation
€ 2 914 725
staff supported
13.2
allocation
€ 955 235
staff supported
1
Environment, radiation, lifestyle, and occupation
Objectives
The goal is to investigate a broad spectrum of cancer risks related to environmental,
occupational, radiation and lifestyle-related exposures. A primary objective is to
investigate environmental risk factors, particularly in low- or medium-resource countries
where there is limited research but where pollution levels are often higher, as well as for
under-researched cancers with limited understanding of their etiology.
Present plans
At present, several studies address exposure to pesticides, smokeless tobacco, low-dose
ionizing radiation (both medical, diagnostic and environmental), electromagnetic fields,
asbestos and other occupational exposures. Particular focus is placed on cancers related
to a variety of risk factors such as head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, brain
tumours, childhood cancers and lung cancer, particularly in relation to occupation. Use
of the established large-scale cohorts in Siberia and Iran allows further cancer
investigations in regions of the world where there is limited research.
Future directions
One aim is to develop a research network to investigate cancer risk related to poor
drinking water quality, heavy pollution of air and soil, poor working conditions, and its
interplay with poor living conditions in low- and medium-resource countries. In relation
to lifestyle and occupation, research on emerging technologies such as nanotechnology
and the continued exposure to radiofrequency fields from wireless devices are of
importance. Low-dose ionizing radiation remains a priority and important scientific
challenge.
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Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 4
allocation
€ 1 809 400
staff supported
7
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Two IARC Sections are primarily involved in work in this area: the Section of
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis (MCA) and the Section of Molecular Pathology (MPA).
The aim of the MCA Section is to contribute to cancer prevention and control through a
better understanding of mechanisms of carcinogenesis. MCA focuses on investigating
interactions between the environment, the genome and the epigenome through
mechanistic and translational studies, in collaboration with epidemiology groups. The
main cancers studied are hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the
aerodigestive tract and breast cancer. Another focus is to develop functional genomic
studies to explore the involvement of genetic loci identified by genome-wide association
studies, in collaboration with the GEN Section. MCA also develops and disseminates
databases on molecular alterations in cancer in areas where there is a strong associated
research activity at the Agency, e.g. the TP53 mutation database.
The MPA Section studies the molecular basis of human tumours, in particular brain
tumours, through combined epidemiological and genetic studies. MPA’s expertise in
molecular cancer pathology is essential to successfully leading the WHO Blue Books
project (See sub-area 7.3).
4.1
Molecular carcinogenesis
The acquisition of targeted molecular alterations in specific genes induces modifications
of cell proliferation, survival and senescence programmes that drive carcinogenesis.
Research focuses on understanding how mutagens affect cell responses and biological
properties to confer them selective advantages allowing tumour development. This
includes translational research to identify molecular markers for early detection and
prognosis of common cancers in low- and medium-resource countries.
Objectives
The overall objective is to understand the interplay between mutagenesis and biological
selection in shaping patterns of mutations in cancer-related genes, in particular TP53.
Specifically, studies focus on the molecular mechanisms that underpin the roles of TP53
mutations in cancers of the esophagus, liver, breast and lung, with a focus on these
cancers in low- and medium-resource countries.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Present plans
Present plans centre on DNA sequencing of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in
tumours and in the germline to elucidate their contribution to cancer burden. Current
studies involve a large Li-Fraumeni (germline TP53 mutations) cohort in Brazil and
case–control studies on esophageal cancer (Iran, Kenya), breast cancer (Mali, Latin
America) and liver cancer (Mali, Sudan, Thailand, and Colombia). Mechanistic studies
based on primary cell cultures including cancer stem cells are being developed to
analyse the roles of dysfunctional oncogenes/tumour suppressors. Current work
addresses the role of p53 and its isoforms in the regulation of cell stem/progenitor
status, proliferation and senescence. An open-access, web-based database of TP53
mutations is being developed as a tool for disseminating and integrating knowledge on
this complex tumour suppressor gene.
Future directions
The next step in these projects will be the use of next generation sequencing to
evaluate the overall burden of mutagenesis at the genomic level and to identify new
targets of mutations induced by environmental carcinogens. In functional studies, the
use of high-sensitivity metabolomics will allow the analysis of the biochemical impact at
the cellular level of changes in gene expression associated with cell proliferation,
survival and senescence. These studies will lead to further advances in the definition of
biomarkers applicable to molecular epidemiological studies, in particular on the effects
of nutrition and on the impact of environmental factors.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
4.2
allocation
€ 1 182 720
staff supported
4.9
allocation
€ 321 000
staff supported
1
Epigenetics
All critical changes in cancer cells, such as silencing of tumour suppressor genes,
activation of oncogenes and defects in DNA repair, can be caused not only by genetic
but also by epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, understanding epigenetic changes
associated with environmental exposures as well as with cancer development and
progression is fundamental to improving our abilities to successfully prevent, diagnose
and treat cancer.
Objectives
The long-term goal of the Epigenetics Group (EGE) is to advance the mechanistic
understanding of epigenetic changes in human cancer and assess the impact of nutrition
and early-life exposures on epigenetic states and cancer susceptibility.
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Present plans
Current studies are focused on: (i) analyses of epigenetic profiles (concentrating on DNA
methylation, long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs) in specific human cancers and
identification of risk factors in the environment, diet and lifestyle associated with these
changes; (ii) identification of epigenetic changes associated with cancer stem cells
(CSCs) of specific human cancers; (iii) the mechanisms by which epigenetic
modifications dictate cancer development and progression; and (iv) effects of early-life
exposures on the epigenome using population-based prospective cohorts.
Future directions
Future studies aim to identify epigenetic signatures in cancer and surrogate tissues and
to investigate the effects of early-life exposures to dietary, lifestyle and environmental
factors (including folate intake, aflatoxin, alcohol and infectious agents) on epigenetic
states (DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs), using samples from
cohort studies (including mother/child cohorts and intervention studies). Other major
objectives are the identification of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs specific to
cancer stem cells of specific human cancers, and the development of epigenetic
methods applicable to biobanks associated with epidemiological studies (including
mother/child cohorts).
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
allocation
€ 1 255 510
staff supported
5.85
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date: allocation
staff supported
4.3
-
Molecular pathology
As described above, carcinogenesis is a multistep, complex process that may involve
several genetic and epigenetic alterations of transformation-associated genes, as well as
changes in patterns of gene expression. The type and timing of these alterations appear
to be both tissue-specific and cell type-specific. Histologically recognized phenotypes
reflect such changes at genetic and expression levels.
Objectives
The aims are to elucidate the molecular basis and genetic pathways of human tumours,
to identify clues as to their etiology, to correlate histologically recognized phenotypes
with genotypes, and to identify reliable molecular markers for tumour classification and
tumour progression.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Present plans
Present plans include population-based studies on the incidence of astrocytic and
oligodendroglial brain tumours and the predictive value of genetic alterations on survival
rates; the identification of novel genetic pathways operative in the pathogenesis of
low-grade diffuse gliomas; and the identification of the molecular basis and etiology of
diffuse gliomas that are diagnosed at birth or that develop in very young children.
Future directions
The ultimate goal is to establish molecular classifications that are more reliable than
histological diagnoses alone in human neoplasms and to relate these both to the
etiology of cancer and its treatment/management.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
allocation
€ 719 810
staff supported
2.6
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date: allocation
staff supported
AREA 5
-
Cancer Prevention
Prevention is the most cost-effective approach to cancer control provided the causes are
known, the disease can be detected in the precancerous phase, effective treatment is
available and systematic delivery of effective and affordable interventions is well
managed. IARC is continuing to make significant contributions to cancer prevention
globally by catalysing the identification of human carcinogens and the evaluation of
simple and affordable screening methods, in particular for cervical, breast and oral
cancer. In addition, significant efforts are being made to introduce and strengthen
quality assurance in the context of national cancer screening programmes, particularly in
Europe.
5.1
Primary prevention
Evaluating primary prevention strategies is a key part of the Agency’s research portfolio.
Major long-term effort is invested in evaluating vaccination against human papilloma
virus and hepatitis B virus in relation to cervical and liver cancer respectively. In
addition, observational studies are conducted to evaluate the impact of public health
interventions including screening.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Objectives
¾
To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, safety and acceptability of a 2-dose HPV
vaccination regimen compared to the conventional 3-dose regimen in preventing
persistent HPV infection and cervical neoplasia.
¾
To determine the efficacy of childhood vaccination against HBV for prevention of
chronic liver disease and liver cancer in a region with high incidence of
hepatocellular carcinoma.
¾
To evaluate the impact of routine interventions in public health services on the
incidence of and mortality from major cancers such as uterine cervix, breast,
large bowel, liver, lung, head and neck and colorectal cancers.
Present plans
A cluster-randomized trial is currently ongoing in India, involving 20 000 unmarried girls
aged 10–18 years comparing two doses of quadrivalent HPV prophylactic vaccine to
three doses.
A randomized trial of the HBV vaccine was begun in The Gambia in 1986, involving
120 000 newborns. The study is entering the period where liver cancers are occurring
and based on current data the final outcome of this trial will be measurable between
2015 and 2020. Current priorities are: (i) to maintain, develop and expand the coverage
of the national cancer registry; (ii) to support clinical and laboratory activities aimed at
improving identification and diagnosis of chronic liver diseases and liver cancer; and (iii)
to optimize the linkage between cancer cases and the trial participants.
Future directions
The participants in the HPV vaccine trial will be followed up over a period of 15–20 years
to evaluate serum neutralizing antibody levels, incident and persistent vaccine-targeted
and non-targeted HPV infections, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cancer in
the study groups, as well as the safety, acceptability and long-term sequelae of the two
different regimens. The current vaccine study platforms will be used to evaluate newer
HPV vaccines such as L2 and polyvalent L1 vaccines in the future. The findings from this
study will provide critical information on the safety and efficacy of unconventional and
sub-optimal vaccination regimens and catalyse development of public health policies on
HPV vaccination in low- and medium-resource countries.
Through its contribution to improving the understanding of the risk factors for liver
cancer and the clinical presentation of the disease in West Africa, The Gambia Hepatitis
Intervention Study (GHIS) will provide a framework to develop recommendations and
guidelines for effective reduction of the burden of liver cancer in high-incidence areas of
Africa. These include the development of interventions aimed at improving early
diagnosis, controlling viral replication in chronically infected subjects, managing chronic
liver disease and, whenever feasible, proposing appropriate treatment to liver cancer
patients.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Efforts will be made to study trends in the incidence of cervical, breast, colorectal, liver
and oral cancers in the cohorts of participants in different screening group trials,
conducted by IARC in partnership with national collaborators, as well as in routine
national programmes focusing on screening and vaccination. Efforts will also be made to
correlate the findings with specific interventions such as HBV vaccination, tobacco
control procedures and screening interventions.
Important information on the prevention of cancers, cancer deaths and quality of life, as
well as strategies to improve the participation of target populations following different
prevention interventions both in specific study settings and routine health service
contexts, will be available in the next 5–10 years.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
allocation
€ 756 600
staff supported
2.05
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date: allocation
staff supported
5.2
€ 3 217 644
1
Screening
Objectives
¾
Cervical cancer: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and acceptability of different
cervical screening methods and cold coagulation in the treatment of cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia.
¾
Oral cancer: To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of oral visual
screening by trained health workers in reducing oral cancer mortality in low- and
medium-resource countries.
¾
Breast cancer: To evaluate the effectiveness of breast awareness and clinical
breast examination in reducing breast cancer mortality; to evaluate alternative
breast cancer screening techniques such as near infra-red illumination,
ultrasonography and blood-based tests.
Present plans
Cervical cancer: Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of visual and HPV testing
methods in cluster-randomized controlled screening trials (200 000 women) is ongoing
in Osmanabad and Dindigul districts, India, to assess the impact on cervical cancer
incidence and mortality. The outcome of a pilot cervix cytology screening programme in
Thailand is being evaluated. Field studies are ongoing to evaluate the feasibility, safety
and effectiveness of cold coagulation in the treatment of cervical cancer precursor
lesions.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Oral cancer: Oral cancer incidence and mortality in a cluster-randomized controlled
intervention trial in Trivandrum, India, are being established to document the long-term
impact of different frequencies of visual screening.
Breast cancer: A cluster-randomized trial (120 000 women) is ongoing in Trivandrum
district, India, to evaluate the impact of three rounds of clinical breast examination and
breast awareness at 3-year intervals, compared to a control group receiving the existing
usual care. The first round of screening has been completed and the second round of
screening is ongoing.
Future directions
Cervical cancer: The trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the intervention
and control cohorts of the randomized studies will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Routine national screening programmes in Bangladesh, Thailand and the Republic of
Korea will be evaluated.
Cross-sectional studies will be conducted to evaluate the accuracy of rapid and less
expensive HPV tests in detecting high-grade disease, and follow-up studies will be
conducted in general populations as well as in high-risk groups such as HIV-infected
women. Follow-up studies will be carried out to evaluate the use of biomarkers, such as
P16 and E6, E7 protein expressions, in predicting potentially malignant precancerous
lesions.
Cervical screening training centres in Asia, Africa and South America will be further
strengthened, educational materials will be provided and training programmes will be
conducted to augment trained human resources in cervical cancer prevention on an
ongoing basis.
Oral cancer: The natural history of oral precancerous lesions within the screening study
will be addressed. Technical assistance will be provided to scale up oral cancer
screening in routine health services to demonstrate the feasibility of routine early
detection through this approach.
Breast cancer: Three rounds of clinical breast examination screening will be completed
and long-term trends in breast cancer mortality will be established in the Trivandrum
breast cancer randomized controlled trial. Studies will be organized to address the role
of near infra-red imaging, ultrasonography imaging and a blood-based gene detection
test in the early detection of breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer: A demonstration project involving 150 000 subjects aged 50–65 years
will be organized in Thailand to address the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of
introducing faecal occult blood screening and colonoscopy triage in the control of
colorectal cancer through routine health services.
Studies will be organized to address the factors influencing the participation of target
populations in specific screening/diagnosis/treatment interventions.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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The above studies will provide valuable information that can facilitate the development
of rational public health policies in different settings across low- and medium-resource
countries.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
5.3
allocation
€ 621 605
staff supported
2
allocation
€ 58 080
staff supported
-
Quality assurance and guidelines
Objectives
¾
To update the European Code Against Cancer.
¾
To update quality assurance guidelines for cancer screening.
¾
To integrate HPV vaccination for primary prevention of cervical cancer into the
quality assurance guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
¾
To develop accreditation/certification schemes for breast cancer screening
services fulfilling the respective guidelines.
¾
To report on the performance and impact of cancer screening worldwide.
¾
To promote international cooperation in guideline development.
Present plans
European Code Against Cancer: A scientific advisory group will be established for the
continuous review and updating of the Code. This group will also provide authoritative
information for improving communication of the Code. The relevant literature will be
identified and analysed to update the recommendations on at least three of the Code’s
topics.
Piloting accreditation/certification: Based on the European guidelines for quality
assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis and the European Directive on
Accreditation, a protocol for voluntary accreditation of specialist breast units will be
developed in cooperation with WHO, the European Cancer Network, the European
Cooperation for Accreditation, and the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy
(PACT).
Development of quality assurance guidelines for cancer screening: Updated supplements
to the European guidelines for breast and cervical cancer screening will be published,
including recommendations on HPV testing and HPV vaccination for primary prevention
of cervical cancer. Publications based on the new European guidelines for quality
assurance of colorectal cancer screening will be prepared. The Quality Assurance
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Group (QAS) will collaborate with WHO/HQ and the Institut National du Cancer (INCa)
in France in the preparation of an update of the WHO Guidelines on Cervical Cancer
Prevention.
Promoting international cooperation in guideline development: The current collaboration
with non-EU countries in the European Cancer Network will gradually be extended to
include low- and medium-resource countries. The initial focus will be on colorectal
cancer screening in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute, the Centers for
Disease Control and the American Cancer Society. In addition, standards of reporting on
implementation of cancer screening in the EU will be piloted for the reporting of cancer
screening programmes in countries outside the EU.
Future directions
European Code Against Cancer: Revision of all recommendations in the Code will be
completed. The scientific advisory group will monitor developments in primary and
secondary prevention in order to support the evidence-based revision of the
recommendations.
Piloting accreditation/certification: Pilot studies will demonstrate how screening
programmes can attain the required level of competence to reliably meet internationally
recognized standards.
Development of quality assurance guidelines for cancer screening: New developments
will be taken into account and state-of-the-art quality assurance guidelines will gradually
be transferred to other regions of the world or adapted to the conditions in low- and
medium-resource countries.
Reporting on implementation of cancer screening: An internationally recognized
reference for cancer screening will be established (Cancer Screening in Five Continents)
and used to monitor programme implementation worldwide.
The above activities will generate improved recommendations for the implementation of
primary and secondary cancer prevention in high-resource countries, and contribute to
the development and testing of recommendations appropriate for low- and mediumresource countries. They will expand the available options for effective cancer control
worldwide by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and expertise in quality assurance of
cancer screening and primary prevention between countries at all resource levels.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 607 720
staff supported
1.9
allocation
€ 107 000
staff supported
-
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
AREA 6
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Education and Training
Research training is one of the statutory roles of IARC and a key element of its mission
since the inception of the Fellowship Programme in 1966. Education and training is vital
to the Agency, providing as it does the opportunity to form a new generation of cancer
researchers with the motivation and skills to tackle the global cancer burden. The
purpose is to foster knowledge on key developments in cancer research, and to develop
skills in epidemiological and laboratory research, with special emphasis on developing
training initiatives in countries where resources for the control of chronic diseases in
general, and cancer in particular, are limited. By helping to develop local expertise in
cancer research and by strengthening research institutions through international
collaborations, IARC aims to enhance cancer prevention through research.
The programme in this area is currently organized in two major components: fellowships
and training courses.
6.1
IARC Fellowship Programme
In total IARC has awarded more than 500 fellowships to junior scientists from almost
70 countries for research training in cancer. More than 80% of fellows return to their
home country on completion of their training and remain active in cancer research. As a
result, IARC Fellowships have made a substantial contribution to the development of
cancer research in many countries. The Agency also attracts top international cancer
researchers who visit and work at the Agency, contributing to its programmes and
making it an ideal environment for education, training and exchange.
Objectives
The main objective of the programme is to promote international collaboration in those
aspects of cancer research related to the Agency’s own programme, by providing
for the training of scientists particularly from or with projects related to low- and
medium-resource countries.
Present plans
The Agency’s Fellowship Programme consists of several components: Postdoctoral
Fellowships (2-year fellowships at IARC); Visiting Scientist Award (at IARC) and
Expertise Transfer Fellowship (to an institution in a low- or medium-resource country)
for senior scientists. Provision of in-house generic training for all post-doctoral fellows at
IARC is being developed to enhance the training experience of junior scientists passing
through the Agency.
Future directions
The current programme will be maintained and extra-budgetary funds will be sought for
its expansion including establishing bilateral agreements with organizations in
Participating States to increase scientific exchange and collaboration through training.
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Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
6.2
allocation
€ 1 122 875
staff supported
1.55
allocation
€ 764 860
staff supported
-
IARC Courses
Each year more than 400 students from over 60 countries attend IARC-led courses in
more than a dozen centres around the world. One success of IARC in the context of
training has been its role in actively building and maintaining relationships with diverse
and numerous key players in the field of cancer research, including past fellows, course
attendees and course faculty. In this way the activity has helped to create subsequent
opportunities for conducting high-quality research in a cost-effective way, as well as
providing an important mechanism for recruiting scientists to cancer research.
Objectives
The primary aim of the IARC Courses Programme is to stimulate research on cancer, by
improving scientific knowledge and developing practical skills of researchers worldwide,
particularly in regions where lack of expertise prevents the development of cancer
research. In addition the programme ensures the delivery of a coordinated set of
courses by the Agency and through strategic partnerships with other organizations.
Present plans
The IARC Courses Programme is one of the continuing activities of the Agency and
consists of the IARC Summer School and ad hoc courses. The IARC Summer School is a
series of training modules offered at IARC around the same period each year, with
programmes designed to provide integrated training to participants. Emphasis has been
put on training in epidemiology and biostatistics with modules on descriptive, analytical
and molecular epidemiology. Ad hoc courses are organized either inside or outside IARC
to respond to specific needs, e.g. courses held in languages other than English or to
support collaborations with specific IARC scientific activities. In particular, the Agency
provides extensive training in cancer registration and cancer screening.
Future directions
The current programme will be maintained, and extra-budgetary funds will be sought to
expand and to provide financial support to suitable candidates from low- and
medium-resource countries in the absence of local resources. In addition, more
advanced courses in, for example, cancer survival, biostatistics or molecular
epidemiology will be developed in collaboration with national centres of excellence.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 7
allocation
€ 472 940
staff supported
1.5
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Methodology and Research Tools
This section comprises research areas that support or integrate activities of research
groups across the Agency, and includes Biostatistics, Exposure Assessment, Biomarkers
and the WHO Classification of Tumours.
The approach to the development of each of these sub-areas is outlined below.
7.1
Biostatistics
Objectives
The Biostatistics Group (BST) has two distinct objectives:
¾
To assist with the scientific activities of the other groups within the Section of
Genetics (GEN) by developing methodologies for the analysis of their data.
¾
To create a professional environment for statisticians working across the Agency.
Present plans
Genetics Methodology: Current priorities in this area are:
¾
Improvement of the capacity of methods for in silico classification of genetic
variants so they can be applied in an automated fashion across the human
exome. This will be essential for the analysis of deep re-sequencing data, which
will include large numbers of rare variants that cannot be analysed without first
being grouped by likely degree of functional effect.
¾
Development of methods to integrate sequence data from tumour tissue with
germ-line genotypes, in order to identify potential pathways of carcinogenesis.
¾
Providing guidance on the selection of analysis methods and facilities required to
exploit data generated by next-generation sequencing technologies.
Cross-Agency statistics support: The goal is to create a critical mass of statistical
expertise, both to stimulate methodological research and ensure a high level of
statistical support for other projects.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Current activities include:
¾
Establishment of the Biostatistics Consultative Committee, consisting of
professional statisticians from across the Agency, to evaluate opportunities for
internal and external collaboration, training and professional development.
¾
Creation of a web-based discussion forum, to allow statisticians at all levels and
from all groups to easily discuss technical matters and share code or other
information.
Future directions
Genetics Methodology: We will continue to follow the evolution of new sequencing
technologies in order to ensure that IARC is positioned to benefit from them via optimal
analytical methods.
Cross-Agency statistics: A strategy will be developed to ensure that appropriate
statistical training is provided to all post-doctoral fellows who spend a period of training
at IARC.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
7.2
allocation
€ 367 300
staff supported
1
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Exposure assessment
Objectives
Accurate, valid and reliable exposure estimates are crucial in epidemiological studies,
particularly when investigating relationships of possibly modest strength, as is often the
case in epidemiology in relation to environmental and lifestyle risk factors. This sub-area
aims at improving methods of exposure assessment in large-scale epidemiological
studies, including the development of prediction models, biomarkers, validation of
self-reports, and the development of time-dependent multi-exposure vectors.
Present plans
Improvements of exposure modeling are ongoing or have been initiated in some areas,
particularly low-dose ionizing radiation from environmental as well as medical diagnostic
exposures, and also non-ionizing radiation (i.e. radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
associated with the use of mobile phones). Geographical information systems will be
used to develop predictors of pesticide exposure. Mechanism-based biomarkers of
exposure will be developed and these will include the application of metabolomics.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Future directions
A long-range goal is the stepwise improvement of currently used methods of exposure
assessment, including assessment of lifestyle exposures and pollutants of air, water and
soil in different regions of the world and in particular in low- and medium-resource
countries where there is a need for affordable exposure assessment methods.
Particularly promising fields are the development of prediction models or identification of
exposure-related biomarkers, further improving use of self-reported data through
validation studies, and simulations or respective corrections in the risk analysis.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
7.3
allocation
€ 359 700
staff supported
1.3
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Biomarkers
Objectives
The objective in this area is the identification and validation of molecular biomarkers of
cancer. Advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis have led to
the identification of biomarkers which provide useful tools in areas such as etiological
research in molecular epidemiology, evaluation of carcinogens, measurement of
exposures to environmental risk factors and assessment of cancer prevention
interventions. Molecular biomarkers have thus become an essential tool in cancer
research and a major focus of activity in a number of areas of research at the Agency.
Present plans and future directions
A new Biomarkers Group (BMA) has been created at the Agency within the Section of
Nutrition and Metabolism (NME). The activity of this group will focus on the
identification of biomarkers of dietary exposure and metabolism and the use of
metabolomic approaches to measure dietary exposures and assess metabolic profiles, to
provide new insights into diet–lifestyle–disease risk associations. More broadly, the work
of this and other groups across the Agency will increasingly develop and make use of
biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis, prediction of cancer risk, as indicators of
prognosis or to evaluate the biological plausibility of putative associations between
environmental exposures and cancer. Other types of studies on cancer may also employ
biomarkers to improve assessment of exposure to environmental risk factors, define
individual susceptibility, classify disease, or as endpoints in pilot intervention studies.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
7.4
allocation
€ 972 810
staff supported
4.9
allocation
-
staff supported
-
WHO Classification of Tumours
Objectives
Without clearly defined histopathological and genetic diagnostic criteria, epidemiological
and clinical studies are difficult to conduct. The objectives of this project are to establish
a pathological and genetic classification and grading of human tumours that are
accepted and used worldwide, and to publish the 4th edition of the WHO Classification of
Tumours (WHO Blue Books series).
Present plans
In 2012–2013, the plan is to prepare the following three volumes of the WHO Blue
Books series: “Tumours of the Breast”, “Tumours of Soft Tissues and Bones” and
“Tumours of the Female Genital Organs”.
Future directions
To complete the 4th edition (total 12 volumes) in a timely manner, there will be an
accelerated publication process. In order to distribute WHO Blue Books to a larger
number of pathologists worldwide, there will be improved book sales through
collaboration with WHO Press in Geneva. Translations into other languages and online
versions may be considered. In low- and medium-resource countries, advanced
diagnostic tools such as genetic analyses are limited or not available. Therefore the plan
is to produce adapted diagnostic pathways using algorithms that allow a reliable
diagnosis for major tumour types to be included in the WHO Blue Books series.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 248 610
staff supported
1.2
allocation
€ 654 400
staff supported
2
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
AREA 8
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Scientific Support
This area describes the activities of shared technical services that are developed and
managed as central facilities providing support to research groups as well as to the
administration. These include common resources such as Laboratory services, Biobank
and Communication.
8.1
Laboratory services
There are a number of specialized resources and services used by each of the laboratory
groups in the Agency. In order to ensure the integrated development of these areas, the
Laboratory Steering Committee (LSC) oversees the core support services and sets
priorities for investment, in line with the IARC Medium-Term Strategy, through advice to
the Director. The recent assignment of a professional scientist post to be Head of the
Laboratory Services and Biobank Group (LSB) provides further support to this area.
Objectives
¾
To provide a common platform for basic laboratory services including histology
services, glass-washing service, central store of laboratory consumables,
biological/hazardous waste collection and all operations related to the control and
implementation of laboratory safety.
¾
To provide an integrated approach to maintenance and replacement of major
items of laboratory equipment across the Agency.
¾
To coordinate cost recovery where possible of core service costs through
extra-budgetary means.
¾
To offer to all research groups at IARC the use of a Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory
for the manipulation of biohazardous materials.
Present plans and future directions
Several of the activities described above are already in place at IARC and are fully
operational.
Efforts will be made to promote cooperation between the Agency’s laboratories with the
aim of offering a broad spectrum of central facilities. In addition, it is planned to
improve some of the existing central facilities, such as the central store, which will
include a broader range of items routinely used by IARC groups.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 962 716
staff supported
6.15
allocation
-
staff supported
-
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8.2
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Biobank
The development of the IARC Biobank, containing collections of well-annotated human
biological specimens, is a strategic activity for IARC, providing an essential tool for the
exploration of the complex relationship between the environment, genetics and cancer.
The IARC Biobank provides an infrastructure for such collections from across the
Agency’s epidemiology groups and a laboratory platform for quality control, specimen
processing (including DNA extraction) and distribution. The Biobank also represents a
resource for the wider international cancer research community.
Objectives
¾
To develop and manage a biobank of all biological specimens stored at IARC,
including appropriate storage facilities.
¾
To provide a laboratory infrastructure for specimen processing, handling and
shipping/distribution of human specimens.
¾
To ensure that the IARC Biobank remains at the forefront of technical and ethical
standards of international biobanking.
Present plans and future directions
The Agency has responded to the importance of this area by further supporting the
Biobank management and governance structure through the creation of the Biobank
Steering Committee (BSC). The BSC will oversee the operation of the Biobank, and will
work closely with the new Head of the Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, who will
be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service supported by a technical
team. The new structure will permit further implementation of the Laboratory
Information Management System (LIMS) which has been developed to catalogue and
track bio-specimens during processing and distribution to partner laboratories.
The Agency has good relationships with partners in this area and will continue working
through established networks of biobanks to develop internationally accepted standards
and guidelines for biobanking.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 764 520
staff supported
3.55
allocation
€ 585 400
staff supported
4
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
8.3
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Communication
In addition to providing support to research groups and to the administration, activities
in this sub-area, which include communication, publications and the Agency's library, are
important extensions of IARC’s research programme and mission, and represent an
important aspect of the Agency’s external communication strategy.
Publications and Translation programme
Objectives
¾
To provide support to the governing bodies and staff of the Agency in the form of
high-quality scientific publications in the Agency’s areas of expertise, as part of
an integrated programme of publications.
¾
To provide support to the governing bodies and staff of the Agency in the form of
easily accessible, readable, high-quality information and documentation in the
Agency’s official languages, for policy-making and its application by outside
institutions.
Present plans and future directions
The Publications programme, in the framework of the Communications Group (COM),
will continue providing guidance and expertise to other groups for their publication
projects, using WHO Press as its exclusive dissemination channel for book production.
The programme will actively develop electronic publications, and make the best use of
its resources to develop Internet-based publications.
Documents will be provided in both official languages for meetings of the governing
bodies. These will be made available on IARC’s website and in hard copy upon request.
Selected scientific publications, documents and correspondence will be translated within
the resources available.
Public Relations and Website
Objectives
The role of the Communications Group is to disseminate information on the Agency’s
activities and raise its profile in the research and wider communities, by promoting
media presence, enhancing visibility and providing better access to Agency databases
and resources in general.
Present plans and future directions
The Communications Group has developed a number of means to attain the public
relations objective mentioned above: regular releases to the press on all major IARC
advances will continue to be sent to an ever-larger body of press correspondents
worldwide; press conferences for direct contact between the various branches of
research and the media, within the constraints of limited resources; participation in, and
organization/co-organization of, local community and host-country events; development
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
and regular updating of the Agency’s interim/Biennial Report(s) and brochure, in both
official languages.
The IARC website also responds to the need to present the Agency’s activities and its
ongoing programmes. The webmaster will continue to update and develop the website
making it more user-friendly. The IARC website, as a primary means of dissemination of
research results, will ensure greater visibility of research output by providing links to
internal sub-sites such as the IARC Monographs databases and IARC’s CANCERMondial
databases.
The webmaster will also help to analyse the web needs of the IARC research groups and
develop/upgrade various groups’ sub-sites to bring them in line with institutional identity
guidelines. As the Agency’s website is increasingly the entry point for Agency “visitors”,
it should therefore reflect its mission, values and strategy so that these are readily
identifiable.
In addition, the webmaster will continue to maintain and develop the IARC intranet, the
internal Agency-wide information portal, which serves as a single access point to various
resources and services for internal use.
Library and Information Services
Objectives
¾
To develop and maintain collections, resources and services to support Agency
research.
¾
To ensure seamless access to global information for Agency researchers.
¾
To offer educational and reference services that are user-centred and responsive.
¾
To archive, preserve and disseminate the Agency’s institutional memory.
Present plans and future directions
Within the Communications Group, the Library is the focal point for the acquisition,
dissemination and delivery of information services in support of the research carried out
by the Agency. User-centred collections, resources and services will be delivered in a
hybrid library environment: physical and virtual, local and remote, print and electronic.
Resource sharing will be fostered through knowledge management strategies and
participation in reciprocal local, regional and international information partnerships.
Individual and group training will be provided for all staff, visiting scientists and students
in the effective use of information resources.
Current staff publications will be identified and archived. Retrospective identification and
archiving of Agency publications will be carried out.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 9
allocation
€ 1 720 720
staff supported
7.2
allocation
€ 102 200
staff supported
1
Research Leadership and Management
The key challenge of research leadership within the Agency is to develop and implement
a clear strategy that provides the vision, direction and resources for its continuing
growth and success. This requires constant dialogue and engagement with persons at
all levels of the Organization, with the Staff Association Committee (SAC) as well as with
the management and governance structures and with external partners and
collaborators.
9.1
Direction and leadership
The Director is responsible for providing leadership and for directing the research
programme of the Agency, within the overall framework of the IARC Statute, the
Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme Budget. This activity is developed and
coordinated through regular consultation and collaboration with the staff, with external
and internal advisory groups and committees, with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
which advises the Director on scientific strategy and with the IARC Operational Team
(IOT) which coordinates implementation of the decisions made by the Director.
Objectives
¾
To direct, inspire and lead IARC in order to maximize the contributions of all staff
and external collaborators towards attainment of the mission of the Agency.
¾
To create a working environment in which all staff of the Agency can develop and
contribute a maximum to its aims and objectives.
¾
To continue to extend the Agency’s networks of scientific collaborations with
external groups and institutions.
¾
To strengthen IARC’s research collaboration with intergovernmental and
government bodies and other interested parties.
¾
To achieve further expansion of the Agency’s scientific programme by the
attraction of new Participating States and voluntary contributions.
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¾
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
To build up and maintain good relations with IARC’s main funding partners, e.g.
the European Commission, the United States National Institutes of Health, INCa
and other funding organizations in the host country, as well as other local,
national and international organizations or institutes.
Present plans and future directions
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) provides a forum for senior staff to discuss and
advise the Director in his decision-making with respect to implementation of the
Agency’s scientific strategy, priorities for resource utilization and management issues.
The SLT interacts with the IARC Operational Team (IOT), which coordinates the support
services of IARC to ensure that the Agency can deliver its scientific strategy. Key areas
that require an integrated vision are supported by committees made up of staff across
the Agency, for example, the Biobank Steering Committee, the Laboratory Steering
Committee and the Advisory Committee on Publications.
In the area of external relations, the Agency’s extensive network of collaborations is
widely recognized as one of its major strengths. International scientific leadership will be
demonstrated by creation and expansion of research partnerships and by coordination
of international collaborative projects. The existing mechanisms for the coordination of
input to and feedback from important international research forums will be
strengthened. Closer cooperation and coordination will continue to be sought with
partner organizations within the United Nations system. In particular the close working
relationship with WHO HQ and links to WHO Regional Offices will be further developed.
Relationships with current and potential new Participating States will continue to be
developed. The Agency will actively seek to coordinate work with all partners in relation
to opportunities to influence policy development.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
9.2
allocation
€ 1 119 345
staff supported
2.35
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Programme management and development
The objective is to implement and develop the scientific programme in accordance with
the Medium-Term Strategy, with a focus on collaborative research that is
interdisciplinary in nature.
Under the overall guidance of the Director, Section and Group Heads manage the
implementation of the scientific programme of the Agency.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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Objectives
¾
To provide scientific programme management at the operational level.
¾
To provide for the development and learning needs of staff in accordance with
the requirements of the Agency’s programme.
¾
To develop management processes that promote an organizational culture that
encourages collaboration, creative thinking and motivates staff.
¾
To introduce a comprehensive knowledge-based information system for project
and programme management.
Present plans and future directions
Section and Group Heads are responsible for leading their research teams or support
services including the management of resources (human, financial and estate). The time
allocated to management and administration activities is included in this section in order
to separate it from the budgeted costs of the scientific activities. A key element of this
role is career development of staff within the Sections and Groups through the
Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) and identified training
needs.
The Director’s Development Provision (DDP) provides the Director with the flexibility to
respond to and support emerging research opportunities. The DDP will be used to
facilitate new initiatives and to strengthen existing ones as these arise during the
biennium. In addition, incentives are now provided for Sections/Groups to develop
successful projects funded through extra-budgetary sources, although such projects
must be consistent with the Medium-Term Strategy.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
9.3
allocation
€ 1 592 135
staff supported
3.55
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Ethics
Objectives
The primary objective of the IARC Ethics Committee (IEC) is to protect the rights and
welfare of human subjects participating in studies carried out or sponsored by the
Agency. More generally, the objectives of the IEC are:
¾
To maintain the highest ethical standards for IARC-led research involving human
subjects.
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¾
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
To show leadership in ensuring that IARC’s activities conform to the highest
ethical principles.
Present plans and future directions
The membership of the IEC was renewed and enlarged at the beginning of 2010 and
comprises seven external members from diverse backgrounds, three IARC staff
members and one WHO staff member.
The IEC will meet 4–5 times per year in Lyon and provide ethical evaluation of all new
proposals for IARC research activities. It will ensure, to the extent possible, the
international consistency and completeness of its ethical review decisions. Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Rules and Procedures (RAPs) have been developed in
compliance with international guidelines. For better traceability, a database of all
proposals has been established and will be linked with the research project database
developed by the IARC Grants Office.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 149 930
staff supported
0.5
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
3.
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMME 2012–2013
AREA 1
Administrative Management
Objectives
The objective is to manage and develop the administrative policies, resources, and
infrastructure of the Agency in order to effectively support the implementation of its
scientific programme and enable the accomplishment of the objectives set out in the
IARC Statute.
Planned activities
The administrative programme is developed in collaboration with the Director and the
scientific groups, so as to reflect and respond to their needs and those of the Agency as
a whole.
The Division of Administration and Finance (DAF) will continue to coordinate the
implementation of the programme through the development of administrative policies
and services that promote a favourable working environment and ensure transparency
and accountability throughout the Agency.
Advice and support will continue to be provided on the administrative and financial
management of the groups’ and the Agency’s resources in compliance with applicable
rules and regulations.
One major task will be the development and implementation of information systems that
increase efficiency, by improving or replacing outdated processes, and provide timely
and accurate information to the Agency’s staff and its partners.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 2
allocation
€ 951 000
staff supported
4
allocation
€ 20 000
staff supported
-
Human Resources Services
Objectives
The objective is to provide a full range of effective human resources services so as to
enable the Agency to attract and retain the best candidates thus supporting the
achievement of the Agency’s objectives.
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Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Planned activities
IARC needs a specialized, skilled, productive and motivated workforce dedicated to its
mission. This involves the identification of highly qualified candidates with the skills and
competences required for IARC’s programmes, and the management of the recruitment
process. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that successful candidates fit the
very specific profiles of each post. Equally critical is the need to efficiently administer
contracts and conditions of employment.
The Human Resources Office (HRO) also takes an active part in providing advice on
WHO policy and practices to all staff, including senior management.
The Agency will promote an organizational culture which enables staff to achieve high
levels of performance, through sound management and professional development. This
requires constant dialogue with the staff and Staff Association, as well as clear and
objective performance evaluation processes, such as the Performance Management and
Development System, and support for professional development through the Staff
Development and Training Programme.
The Human Resources Office is also responsible for the provision of the services of the
staff physician, the Agency’s social advisor and resources from the Central Secretarial
Services (CSS).
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 3
allocation
€ 931 700
staff supported
5
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Conference, Office and Building Services
Objectives
The objective is to provide effective infrastructure, procurement, and logistical services,
to create a quality working environment and support the implementation of the Agency’s
programme.
3.1
Accommodation, Office and related Services
Planned activities
The provision of quality infrastructure services, including accommodation, office supplies
and cafeteria services, is an essential function in support of the activities of the Agency’s
staff. The cost-effectiveness of these services will continue to be improved, through the
increasing use of pre-negotiated agreements and contracts.
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
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The management of purchasing services and inventory will continue to be improved via
the Agency’s new administration and finance system.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
3.2
allocation
€ 1 564 400
staff supported
6
allocation
€ 200 000
staff supported
-
Building Management Services
Planned activities
The ageing of the IARC buildings coupled with a lack of adequate investment over the
years has resulted in a serious backlog of maintenance and refurbishment work. The
Agency has undertaken essential maintenance works to ensure the safety of the
buildings and staff. However, unless a comprehensive programme of building repairs
and modernization of the infrastructure is implemented, the high costs of on-going
maintenance will continue to be borne by IARC. Failure of one of the obsolescent
infrastructure systems, such as the air-conditioning system, could result in an extremely
costly temporary relocation of the Agency, and have a serious impact on IARC’s
scientific productivity. Business continuity plans are under preparation to deal with such
an eventuality. An effective long-term plan, with designated funding, in conjunction with
the City of Lyon is vital to the maintenance of the Agency buildings.
With increasingly stringent building regulations, additional funds will in any case be
needed, for example to replace the security equipment in the Biological Resource Centre
(BRC) where the fire fighting system based on an ionizing product will become illegal in
2014. Similarly, changes in other legal requirements, such as for air quality control, may
impact on IARC.
A capital master plan is currently being prepared based on consultation with the
buildings’ owner (the “Ville de Lyon”) and representatives of the host country (France).
This plan will be presented to the Governing Council in May 2011.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 3 296 200
staff supported
5
allocation
€ 700 000
staff supported
-
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3.3
Scientific Council
Proposed programme (2012–2015) and budget (2012–2013)
Conference Services
Planned activities
Meetings and conferences will be serviced in the most professional and cost-effective
way. These include the sessions of the Governing and Scientific Councils, technical
meetings of working groups such as those held by the IARC Monographs or the WHO
Blue Books programmes, IARC Courses and Summer School, and a number of
international scientific meetings organized or hosted by the Agency. In addition,
meetings organized by neighbouring institutions are regularly held at the Agency,
providing a valuable link with the local research community.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
3.4
allocation
€ 423 550
staff supported
3.5
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Records Management Services
Planned activities
The core documentation of the Agency is kept in a central Registry. The modernization
of the Registry was started in 2010–2011 and will increasingly rely on electronic
handling and storage of documents. The development of simplified procedures for the
routing, filing and archiving, and for the effective search and retrieval of Registry
documents will continue to be priorities.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 4
allocation
€ 228 100
staff supported
2
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Budget and Finance Services
Objectives
The objective is to follow best practice in financial management with integrity and
transparency, providing efficient support for budget and financial administration for all
sources of funds, including relevant financial reporting both internally and externally.
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Planned activities
IARC introduced its own administration and finance information system (SAP) on
1 January 2008. By the end of the 2010–2011 biennium, this new system will be fully
functional, allowing budget, finance, accounting, payroll, inventory, HR management
and procurement functions to be better managed. Work to further improve the system
will continue in the 2012–2013 biennium, including SAP’s integration with other
information systems to provide accurate and timely financial and budget data to the
scientific groups.
By the end of the 2010–2011 biennium, the International Public Sector Accounting
Standards (IPSAS) must be fully implemented. In the biennium 2012–2013, all of the
Agency’s assets and liabilities will be continuously recorded and disclosed in general
purpose financial reports. The Agency’s audited financial reports will be prepared on an
annual basis and in accordance with the relevant standards of IPSAS.
The financial implementation of the approved Programme Budget for 2012–2013 will be
periodically monitored and reported upon. Reports will be submitted to Participating
States in accordance with the applicable Financial Regulations and Financial Rules. The
Agency’s resources will be managed within acceptable risk parameters in order to
maximize their potential. The Agency will seek recovery of all costs related to the
implementation of extra-budgetary funded projects. Advice from the auditors will be
carefully taken into account. Given that IARC frequently takes the coordinating role in
externally funded multi-centre studies, risk analyses will be performed to allow decisions
to be taken on whether contracts should be accepted.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 5
allocation
€ 1 732 400
staff supported
9
allocation
€ 240 000
staff supported
2
IARC Grants Office
Objectives
The main objectives of the IARC Grants Office (IGO) are to manage relations with and
secure funding from external organizations, while seeking further opportunities to
complement the Agency’s resource base within the priorities of the Medium-Term
Strategy.
Planned activities
The Agency’s strategy for resource mobilization is aligned to the Medium-Term Strategy
and thereby respects the programme and priorities adopted by the Governing Council.
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In the context of this strategy, relationships with current funding partners will continue
to be developed and potential new sources of financing actively explored. Online tools
that allow the efficient management of grant submissions, administration and reporting,
together with the monitoring of funded projects will continue to be developed and
implemented through IGO. These tools will be exploited to ensure timely delivery of
project reports and high transparency of IARC’s extra-budgetary activities to the
Governing Council, the Scientific Council and funding agencies.
IGO will participate actively in the development of policies and project management
tools to ensure compliance with the requirements of IARC and funding agencies and to
ensure high transparency of ongoing activities. IGO will also set in place Standard
Operating Procedures to maximize the recovery of regular budget costs from
extra-budgetary resources in co-operation with scientific groups.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
AREA 6
allocation
€ 383 400
staff supported
2
allocation
-
staff supported
-
Information Technology Services
Objectives
The main objective of the Information Technology Services (ITS) is to support, maintain
and develop computing and networking resources for the scientific and administrative
programmes of the Agency.
Planned activities
Centrally managed IT resources (databases, software, data storage, communications)
are made available to the users and continually maintained (backups, updates, systems
administration). After the migration of older servers to the VMware environment in
2010–2011, incremental upgrades (storage and computing power) will be needed, and
the Local Area Network (LAN), key to the availability of these resources, will also
continue to be upgraded to guarantee efficient and secure access.
IT security will continue to be closely monitored, with a particular emphasis on
exchange of information and good collaboration with WHO/HQ, in order to ensure that
relevant guidelines and policies are being adhered to.
General assistance to users, as well as assistance to the users of some specific systems
(administration and finance, LIMS, etc.), will be provided through the Helpdesk and the
continuous improvement of the ITS website.
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While maintaining the present plans of activities, special attention will be paid to the
evolution of the servers’ architecture and operations, to ensure that foreseeable needs
in the scientific programme (e.g. next generation sequencing platform) are adequately
met.
In the administration area, we will seek to improve access to administrative information
through the development of interfaces to the SAP system, and also to help update a
number of administrative procedures using appropriate, modern software.
Resources 2012–2013
Regular budget:
Extra-budgetary funds confirmed to date:
allocation
€ 1 360 000
staff supported
6
allocation
€ 250 000
staff supported
-
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4.
PROPOSED BUDGET 2012–2013
4.1
Presentation
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The budget is presented in three appropriation sections:
1 - Meetings of the Governing and Scientific Councils
2 - Budget for the Scientific Programme
3 - Provision for administrative support services.
These three sections are further divided into areas and, where appropriate, sub-areas.
The sub-area is the smallest unit of the budget and may comprise one or several
projects. For the current biennium, the areas and sub-areas have been updated to
match the Medium-Term Strategy and Implementation Plan (2010–2014). The tables
that follow summarize the human and financial resources estimated to be required to
support the proposed Scientific Programme for the biennium 2012–2013.
Budget information for human resources is provided in person-months per annum,
based on ten months per year to allow for annual leave and public holidays, and thus
reflect more accurately the true cost of performing an activity. The biennial cost is
shown under the headings staff costs and non-staff costs for each activity (area and
sub-area).
An overview of the proposed budget 2012–2013 is given in eight summary tables. For
comparison purposes, Summary Tables A, C, D, E, G and H give figures for 2010–2011
and 2012–2013.
¾
Table A illustrates how the global programme budget level has evolved from that
of 2010–2011.
¾
Table B shows the total amount by appropriation section for the biennium.
¾
Table C compares the proposed budget with that approved for the 2010–2011
biennium, by appropriation section and by year.
¾
Table D shows the assessments on Participating States required to fund the
proposed budget, compared with the assessments for 2010–2011.
¾
Table E shows the proposed regular budget allocations and projected extrabudgetary resources by programme area alongside the figures for 2010–2011.
¾
Table F presents the proposed regular budget allocations by year, broken down
by staff and non-staff costs.
¾
Table G presents the proposed budget by component of expenditure showing
how any increase or decrease arises between 2010–2011 and 2012–2013.
¾
Table H shows staff time in person-years allotted to each area of work and the
total number of posts budgeted compared with the figures for 2010–2011.
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In addition, Appendix A to Section 4 contains Information Table A, “Total staffing and
non-staffing costs by Section and Group, by year and biennium”.
4.2
Development of the programme budget
In accordance with resolution GC/48/R6, the euro has become the budget, assessment
and accounting currency for the Agency since 1 January 2010. Thus, the Programme
Budget for the biennium 2012–2013 is in euros.
Section and Group Heads were requested to prepare budget proposals, referred to as
Project Abstract Sheets (PAS), within the framework of the IARC Medium-Term Strategy
and Implementation Plan for 2010–2014. Indicative Planning Figures for each
Section/Group were provided to Section/Group Heads. The estimates for staff costs are
calculated by applying standard staff costs by staff category and grade to the number of
posts contained in the proposed budget for each category and grade.
The Director subsequently met with all Section/Group Heads individually to challenge
and discuss their respective proposals. The proposals were then incorporated into a first
draft proposed budget for consideration by the IARC Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Following the discussions by the SLT, the budget was finalized by the Director for
transmission to the Scientific Council, which will consider it at its annual meeting in
January 2011 and make recommendations on it to the Governing Council.
The IARC Programme Budget is an integrated budget; this means that research
proposals are developed based on expected financing coming from both regular and
extra-budgetary sources. Whilst it is difficult at such an early stage to be certain about
the level of voluntary contributions, and indeed, the regular budget allocations are only
proposals, the figures included under “Other Sources” are those which are either already
signed or highly likely to be secured.
From the 2010–2011 budget onwards, IARC/WHO is implementing the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Under these Standards, estimated
expenditure from all sources of funds must be included in budgets.
In the approved Programme Budget 2010–2011, predicted expenditure from the
Voluntary Contributions Account (“designated”) and from the Special Account for
Programme Support Costs (the fund containing overheads earned on voluntary
designated contributions) were already shown under “Other Sources”. In the proposed
Programme Budget 2012–2013, the following approved funds have also been included
under “Other Sources”: € 222 400 from the Voluntary Contributions Account
(“undesignated”) to finance a P2 position for behavioural and sociological research
(Governing Council Resolution GC/51/R9 refers); € 1 093 700 from the Governing
Council Special Fund for (i) the publications programme, using anticipated proceeds
from the sales of publications (Governing Council Resolution GC/51/R10 refers), and (ii)
to finance a P3 position in Quality Assurance, using remaining funds from unbudgeted
assessments (Governing Council Resolutions GC/49/R3 and GC/50/R18 refer). These
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funds have been included in the proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013 to comply
with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) that require a
comparison of financial expenditure against budgets in general purpose financial
statements. IARC’s financial reports, both interim and biennial, will show in the future
expenditure against all of these funds.
4.3
Computation of the budget
When deciding upon the overall budget level to propose to the Governing Council for
2012–2013, there were several factors to consider:
¾
a significant increase in staff costs during 2010–2011 beyond the control of the
Agency (4.3.1) and a required decrease in programme activities (non-staff) to be
able to finance the increased staff costs (4.3.2);
¾
an increase in the assessed contributions of Austria (4.3.3);
¾
an increase in the assessed contributions of India (4.3.4); and
¾
the significant fluctuations in €/US$ exchange rates during the preparation of the
Programme Budget (4.3.5).
4.3.1
Staff Costs
The Agency is faced with an increase in its staff costs due to statutory cost inflation
of € 4 337 585. The increase in staff costs is composed of the following amounts:
Increase in staff costs of Professional staff:
€ 3 899 135
Increase in staff costs of General Service staff:
€
Total increase in staff costs
438 450
€ 4 337 585
In the proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013 this increase would be financed as
follows:
Decrease programme activities – non-staff:
€ 2 458 500
Decrease programme activities – staff:
€
Increase over 2010–2011 Programme Budget:
€ 1 847 435
Total available to finance staff cost increase
31 650
€ 4 337 585
The details can be seen in Summary Table G. The staff costs do not only include salaries
but also all related staff entitlements, including pension fund contributions, staff health
insurance premiums, home leave, education grant, as well as installation, end of service
and repatriation grants. IARC has no control over its staff costs other than by reducing
or increasing its staff positions. As IARC is part of WHO and therefore of the United
Nations system, salaries and related entitlements of its Professional staff are decided
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upon by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Civil Service
Commission (ICSC) and the World Health Assembly. The ICSC is an independent expert
body established by the United Nations General Assembly to regulate and coordinate the
conditions of service of staff in the United Nations common system.
Since the current Programme Budget 2010–2011 was prepared in 2008, the Professional
staff costs have increased considerably. Factors that have contributed to the increase
include ICSC decisions to adjust salaries due to increases in cost of living expenses (5%
increase in 2010), statutory step increases granted to staff with satisfactory
performance (2% increase every year), as well as adjustments in pension
remunerations, staff health insurance schemes and other staff entitlements. WHO also
introduced a 10% charge levied on all Professional staff salaries to finance and smooth
out staff non salary entitlements. This decision was taken in the context of the
introduction of the new International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) that
require UN agencies to disclose their full liabilities for accrued staff entitlements. In
addition, the US dollar appreciated against the euro from 0.66€/US$ (budgeted
exchange rate for 2010–2011) to 0.735€/US$ (UN exchange rate of October 2010)
which further increased the Professional staff costs, as explained further in section 4.3.5
below.
As a consequence, the actual Professional staff costs incurred as at October 2010
exceeded the average standard staff costs used for calculating the approved current
Programme Budget 2010–2011 by between 10.5% (P.4) and 20% and more (P.3),
depending on the grade of staff. The proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013 had to
cope with this increase in costs since 2008, as well as anticipate future increases in
Professional staff costs of 2% per year for statutory step increases; a further increase of
2–2.5% per year for various other costs is also foreseen.
The salaries of locally-recruited staff are determined locally by applying United Nations
common system policies. Under the Flemming principle, the pay and benefits of General
Service staff are based on the best prevailing conditions of employment in the local
labour market. No comprehensive salary survey was conducted by the Agency recently
and the local staff salaries were therefore adjusted for inflation as per WHO and UN
staff policies. The ICSC is considering introducing a single salary scale for France but the
methodology and decision have not yet been agreed. The local staff costs used in the
proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013 include a 2% increase in costs per year due to
statutory step increases.
4.3.2
Decrease in programme activities
It is proposed to finance the increase in staff costs in part through a decrease in
programme activities (non-staff), as pointed out under paragraph 4.3.1.
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The proposed decreases compared to the current Programme Budget 2010–2011 are as
follows:
Governing bodies (Appropriation Section 1)
Scientific groups (Appropriation Section 2)
Scientific management (Appropriation Section 2)
Administration (Appropriation Section 3)
Total
Euros
-5 000
-1 120 500
-645 200
-687 800
-2 458 500
Percentage
-3.03%
-17.18%
-40.70%
-15.68%
To a large extent, these decreases have already been implemented in the 2010
allocations by using the Director’s authority under IARC’s Financial Regulations to move
funds within appropriation sections. These reductions were required to be able to
finance the increased staff costs during the current biennium 2010–2011. A decision was
made by the Director to protect the “non-pay” budgets of the scientific groups as far as
possible and to absorb a greater percentage reduction in the funds assigned to scientific
management. The Director believes that with a new emphasis on additional funding
from extra-budgetary donors and cost recovery through external grants, and hopefully
the acquisition of new Participating States, the Agency will accomplish the objectives
contained in its Medium-Term Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2010–2014 with
the resources included in the proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013. However, any
further reduction in funding would jeopardize the Agency’s ability to accomplish these
objectives.
4.3.3
Increase in assessed contributions from Austria
Austria joined IARC in 2008. According to Governing Council resolution GC/37/R9,
Austria paid 25% and 50% of its full assessment in 2008 and 2009, respectively. For the
current Programme Budget 2010–2011, Austria pays 75% of its full contributions for
2010 and a full assessment for 2011.
For the proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013, Austria will pay its full assessed
contributions in accordance with the Agency’s financial regulations. As a result, the
proposed assessed contributions of Austria will increase by 18.79 %, compared to its
assessed contributions for the current biennium 2010–2011.
4.3.4
Increase in assessed contributions from India
In May 2010, the World Health Assembly changed the WHO scale of assessment of
India from 0.45% to 0.534% (WHA63.5) for 2011.
Governing Council resolution GC/15/R9 foresees that Participating States which
contribute 0.5% or more but less than 2% in the WHO scale of assessment should pay
1 unit of the budget. As a consequence, India’s proposed assessed contributions will
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increase by 21.95% compared to its assessed contributions for the current biennium
2010–2011.
4.3.5
Exchange Rate
With the introduction of the euro as IARC’s functional currency for budgeting,
accounting and financial reporting in 2010, the Agency’s risk exposure to currency
fluctuations has decreased significantly.
For the budget as a whole, the euro-content of all items of expenditure is evaluated at
80% of the total budget, 10% is US dollar-related and the remaining 10% in various
other currencies (see GC/48/3). However, each expenditure item has a different
exposure to the effects of currency fluctuations. General Service staff costs and building
and security services are incurred entirely in euro and are therefore unaffected by
fluctuations in the value of the euro versus the US dollar. On the other hand, 20% of
Professional staff costs, consisting of such items as the Agency’s contribution to the
Pension Fund, are US dollar-related and are affected by fluctuations in the value of the
euro versus the US dollar.
Due to the limited exposure of the Agency’s proposed Programme Budget 2012–2013 to
the euro/US dollar exchange rate, it is not planned to re-value it before submission to
the Governing Council in May 2011, as was the practice in the past when the Agency’s
programme budgets were still prepared in US dollar.
However, as the euro fluctuated widely against the US dollar in the course of 2010, the
Agency decided to base its budgeted staff costs on the October 2010 payroll and to
apply the UN exchange rate of October 2010, i.e. 0.735 €/US$, as the budgeted
exchange rate for 2012–2013.
4.4
Financing of the regular budget
It is proposed that the 2012–2013 budget be financed from assessments upon
Participating States.
Whilst the proposed overall increase in the budget level is 4.87%, assessments on
Participating States would increase by between 3.32% and 4.25% — or € 54 047 and
€ 100 506 — for the biennium, with the exception of India and Austria, whose assessed
contributions would increase by 21.95% (€ 279 096) and 18.79% (€ 245 262)
respectively, for the reasons explained under 4.3.3 and 4.3.4 above.
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5.
BUDGET TABLES
5.1 SUMMARY TABLES
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5.2 BUDGET TABLES BY AREA
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ANNEXES
(SC/47/6 Pages 81–82)
0.801
0.820
0.844
0.816
0.821
0.831
0.831
0.812
0.786
0.754
0.810
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Annual
average
0.806
2004/2005
0.840
0.832
0.820
0.827
0.829
0.814
0.773
0.771
0.757
0.733
0.678
0.694
0.705
0.734
0.731
0.740
0.744
0.732
0.750
0.755
0.771
0.760
2007
0.720
0.664
0.676
0.688
0.695
0.712
0.711
0.717
0.744
0.759
0.782
0.762
0.730
2009
0.702
2008/2009
0.683
0.758
0.773
0.729
0.698
0.658
0.636
0.643
0.642
0.634
0.661
0.676
0.686
2008
0.755
0.764
0.720
0.735
0.787
0.763
0.811
0.819
0.774
0.743
0.741
0.714
0.693
2010
Budget 2008/2009 approved at 0.815 €/US$
Budget 2010/2011 approved at 0.660 €/US$
0.767
2006/2007
0.800
0.759
0.786
0.788
0.780
0.784
0.796
0.778
0.791
0.827
0.844
0.827
0.845
2006
Budget 2004/2005 approved at 0.911 €/US$
Budget 2006/2007 approved at 0.815 €/US$
Biennial
average
0.850
0.804
Mar
0.765
0.804
Feb
0.737
0.801
2005
Jan
2004
January 2004 to December 2010
UNITED NATIONS ACCOUNTING RATES OF EXCHANGE: EURO TO US DOLLAR
Annex 1
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Annex 2
ANNUAL RATES 1 OF INFLATION IN FRANCE
2002 to 2009
1
Year ending 31 December
Annual percentage rate of inflation
2002
2.11
2003
1.60
2004
1.94
2005
1.63
2006
1.51
2007
2.53
2008
1.00
2009
0.82
Rates based on “Indices mensuels des prix à la consommation” (“Série hors tabac/Ensemble des
ménages” for 2002 to 2009) as published by the Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes
Economiques (INSEE).