American College of Epidemiology             History and Mission

Over the past three decades, epidemiology, originally regarded as a subspecialty of medicine, has matured into a field of its own, as both an academic discipline and a field of practice in a large variety of health agencies, hospitals, and research insitututions. The past twenty years have been marked by a significant increase in the number of individuals who have chosen epidemiology as a career or who have entered epidemiology from such disciplines as statistics, sociology, genetics, and biology.

The American College of Epidemiology was formally organized in 1979 to develop criteria for professional recognition of epidemiologists and to address their professional concerns. The College has benefitted from the leadership of the leading epidemiologists in the world.

  Founding Members             Past Presidents

ACE serves the interests of its members through sponsorship of scientific meetings, publications and educational activities, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field and advocating for issues pertinent to epidemiology. The goals of the college, as outlined in a strategic planning document, developed in 1996 and updated in 2001, include:

1. Advocating for policies and actions that enhance the science and practice of epidemiology;
2. Promoting the professional development of epidemiologists through educational initiatives;
3. Recognizing excellence in epidemiology;
4. Developing and maintaining an active membership base of both Fellows and Members representing all aspects of epidemiology.

Updated: 09/01/02vs