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President's Message
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President
Kenneth S. Ramos |
Defining the Frontiers of 21st Century Science
In my previous columns I discussed three of the major areas underpinning key strategic elements of our shared vision to "create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science of toxicology." This fourth column focuses on the need for SOT and its members to take ownership of the scientific achievements of the field, to carry the science beyond the limits posed by current knowledge and professional practice and, in so doing, to help define the frontiers of toxicological sciences in the 21st century. This is clearly an ambitious goal that is intimately intertwined with our understanding of core values, our ability to procure a competitive position, and our commitment to the creation and nurturing of strong partnerships.
As the world’s foremost scientific society interested in advancing the science of toxicology, SOT must continue to work deliberately to promote major advances in the field and to find solutions to the emerging scientific issues that are impacting our society today. We must also work to disseminate toxicological information broadly and to empower those involved in health promotion, delivery of services, and regulation of public policy. Of particular significance in this context is the reliance of the Society on the development of an outstanding scientific and professional program as part of the Annual Meeting. The superb sessions that make up the program at these meetings are designed to highlight major advances in the field, as well as to provide opportunities for a robust exchange of ideas among meeting participants. Indeed, many of the scientific sessions featured this year in the areas of biomarkers, epigenetics, inflammation, nanotechnology, and neurodegenerative disease exemplify the strategic investments made by the Society to define the frontiers of our science and its impact on the scientific enterprise as a whole. To gain further insights on the exciting scientific challenges ahead and to engage in dialogue, members are encouraged to attend a session on Thursday, March 19, chaired by Toxicological Sciences Editor Lois Lehman-McKeeman and SOT Vice President-elect Michael P. Holsapple focusing on "The Vision for Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: Promises and Conundrums." This session will continue the dialogue initiated at last year’s Annual Meeting Session on the National Research Council where the National Academy reports that addressed key issues impacting the Society and the profession of toxicology were discussed with the membership.
Our ability to define the frontiers of toxicological sciences and to make this science accessible calls for strong collaborative partnerships. I am pleased to announce that SOT and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have recently formalized their partnership to advance human and environmental health initiatives. In a January 2009 letter to SOT, Administrator Stephen L. Johnson stated: "We recognize SOT’s important role in advancing the science and the profession of toxicology, and we applaud SOT’s commitment to enhancing human, animal, and environmental health. Given our shared mission, EPA and SOT stand to benefit from an enhanced partnership." More details about the EPA-SOT partnership are presented in this issue of the Communiqué. Coordinated efforts to expand our collaborative partnerships with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) continue to be promoted as part of our strategic vision. For example, a special session at the upcoming Annual Meeting chaired by SOT 2006–2007 President James A. Popp and Margaret A. Miller of the U.S. FDA National Center for Toxicology Research in Rockville, Maryland, will focus on expanding the participation of toxicologists on FDA Advisory Panels. This session will be held on Wednesday, March 18th and will feature SOT members involved in FDA Advisory Committees who will discuss their experience and provide insights on how best to engage in the nomination process. In addition, scientific sessions on the NIH Genes, Environment and Health Initiative, the National Children’s Study, and Updates on the NIH Center for Scientific Review will be presented at this year’s meeting.
Indeed, sustained developments in the field require that we pause to recognize major scientific achievements impacting the field. To this end, SOT has established two new science awards to recognize those who have significantly advanced scientific knowledge in the toxicological sciences. The first recipient of the Leading Edge in Basic Science Award is John Katzenellenbogen who will be speaking about structural correlates of estrogen activity and its implications to human and animal biology and medicine. The SOT Awards Committee noted that he "provides a shining example of how the innovative investigations of a creative scientist can lead to a series of fundamental discoveries that drive many fields forward and that have a profound effect on toxicology." The Translational Impact Award recipient is Thomas W. Kensler who is being recognized as "a major contributor to the translational research efforts leading to new prevention strategies for high-risk populations in the world." His presentation will focus on Keap1 as a molecular target in cancer prevention. SOT is also pleased to host two Nobel Laureates who add strength to the scientific program. Paul Greengard and Aaron Ciechanover will deliver the Plenary and Medical Research Council (MRC) Lectures, respectively. Greengard’s presentation will focus on cancer signal transduction pathways, while Ciechanover will focus on the ubiquitin proteolytic cascade and its impact in the regulation of cellular functions. The depth and breadth of the scientific program emphasizes not only some of the major scientific advances in the toxicological sciences, but also helps to put into perspective the scientific challenges of the future.
As I reflect on this past year, I am pleased with the significant progress we have made in advancing the strategic priorities. Our collective efforts have not only mobilized the implementation of our vision, but perhaps more importantly, have laid a strong foundation for those who will follow. I will always cherish the many personal and professional interactions afforded to me by SOT and look forward to our future with the firm conviction that the best is yet to come. My special thanks to the AIM staff, to my colleagues at Louisville, to my SOT friends, to my mentors, and to my beloved family.
No boundaries can limit the energy and vibrancy of our organization and the creative contributions of our members! I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore.
Kenneth S. Ramos,
2008–2009 SOT President
Past President's Messages
Past Presidents of the Society
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