American College of Epidemiology

The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) was incorporated in 1979 with the purpose of addressing the professional concerns of epidemiologists and developing criteria for their professional recognition. [Page 25]Goals of the ACE include advocating for policies and actions that enhance the science and practice of epidemiology, promoting the professional development of epidemiologists, recognizing excellence in epidemiology, issuing timely policy statements for the profession, and developing and maintaining an active membership base representing all aspects of epidemiology. The first president of the ACE was Abraham M. Lilienfeld, who was also one of the signatories of the ACE Articles of Incorporation, along with Cedric F. Garagliano and Curtis L. Meinert.

The ACE is a professional membership organization for people working in epidemiology or closely related fields: Individuals must apply for membership andhavetheirapplicationreviewedbytheACE Board of Directors. A recommendation for admission is based on credentials, including training, education, experience, and contributions to the profession. There are three main categories of membership: associate member, member, and fellow. Associate members are individuals who are enrolled in training, which, when completed, would qualify them for admission into the ACE. Members are individuals who have a doctoral degree in epidemiology, a doctoral degree in a related field and a master's degree in epidemiology, or a doctoral or master's degree plus related experience in epidemiology. Fellows are individuals who meet the requirements to be a member and have also demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to epidemiology through research or leadership in the field.

The ACE holds an annual scientific meeting and every 5 years holds the American Congress of Epidemiology in conjunction with the Epidemiology Section of the American Public Health Association, the Canadian Society for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and the Society for Epidemiological Research. The First Congress of Epidemiology was held in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, and the second in 2006 in Seattle, Washington.

Annals of Epidemiology is the official journal of the ACE. It is a peer-reviewed, international journal published 12 times per year by Elsevier. Annals of Epidemiology focuses on epidemiologic research and methodological development and encourages the use of epidemiology in a multidisciplinary approach to studying disease etiology. The ACE has issued official statements on several major topics within epidemiology, including minority representation in epidemiology and within the ACE; ethics; health data control, access, and confidentiality; data sharing from epidemiologic studies; and a statement of opposition to Proposition 54 in California, which would have restricted the collection and use of racial, ethnic, and national origin data within California.