Special Issue 2009

SOT News

President's Message

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

---

By-Laws Ballot Vote Due by March 28, 2009—Deadline

SOT voting members are asked to cast their ballots regarding proposed changes in the By-Laws of the Nominating, Audit, Regulatory Affairs and Legislative Assistance, and Animals in Research Committees. SOT Council approved the proposed amendments, which were presented to the membership via e-mail in the Winter 2009 issue of the Communiqué. A majority vote of ballots received at SOT Headquarters is required for adoption of the proposed amendments. Contact SOT Headquarters at (703) 438-3115, if you need assistance with the balloting.

---

SOT to Launch Redesignd Web Site in March

Plans to launch a redesigned Web site just before the SOT 2009 Annual Meeting are on track for March 2009. The site is designed to meet the needs of SOT Members, as well as targeted audiences including the scientific community, general public, press, policymakers, teachers, and children.

The idea behind the development of this site, according to Peyton Myers, Chairperson of the Communications Committee Web Subcommittee, is to organize the site around timely issues, providing appropriate and relevant content and resources for each type of audience.

Last Summer, members of the SOT were asked to write concise articles about timely topics and submit them to SOT Headquarters. SOT Members are welcomed and encouraged to submit information for posting on the SOT Web site. Fresh content will demonstrate the vitality of the SOT Web site as a key resource and will entice visitors to return frequently. The redesigned site also includes resources for these audiences, information about SOT, biographical sketches of the SOT leaders, Annual Meeting announcements, press releases, congressional testimony, and other information.

According to Joan Tarloff, Chairperson of the SOT Communications Committee, "The site is dynamic, and we will be changing the content on a regular basis to ensure that it is fresh and filled with useful information for the public. Our goal is to increase the visibility of SOT and its members as scientific leaders and resources. We also think the Web site enhances SOT's communications to the general public on the benefits of toxicology."

The development of the redesigned Web site was one of the key products that the SOT Communications Committee produced in its first year.

---

2009–2010 Council and Committee Members Elected

Vice President-Elect:
Jon C. Cook

Secretary-Elect:
Peter L. Goering

Councilors:
Matthew S. Bogdanffy
Susan J. Borghoff

Awards Committee:
Lori A. Dostal
Jay I. Goodman
Douglas A. Keller
Hal Zenick

Education Committee:
Lorrene A. Buckley
Robin C. Guy

Membership Committee:
Terry Gordon
Robert Tanguay

Nominating Committee:
(Past Presidents)
Kendall B. Wallace

(From Regional Chapters)
Tammy R. Dugas

(From Specialty Sections)
Julie E. Goodman

SOT Congratulates the New Council and Elected Committee Members!

---

2009 SOT Award Winners

For more information about the distinguished scientists who are the recipients of these awards and special recognition, please visit the Awards and Fellowships section of the SOT Web site.

---

Student Awardees and Finalists Named

The SOT Awards Committee has selected finalists for fellowships, and these candidates will be interviewed in March. The Novartis Graduate Fellowship finalists are Gaythari Chadalapaka of Texas A&M University, Tsz Yan Clement Chan of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yue Cui of University of Kansas, and Mike Kimzey of University of Arizona. Ankur Dnyanmote of the University of California San Diego, and Jun Gao of Los Alamos National Laboratory, will be interviewed for the Colgate-Palmolive Postdoctoral Fellowship in In Vitro Toxicology. The recipients will be announced at the SOT Awards Ceremony on Sunday.

Three students will be recognized for receiving Colgate-Palmolive Student Research Training in Alternative Methods funding. Jennifer Cole of Texas Tech will learn precision cut slicing and organotypic protocol for soft tissue in the lab of James Olson at University of Buffalo-SUNY. Studies of tissues from bottle nose dolphin necropsies will lead to identification of biomarkers for identifying environmental pollution. Katie Beth Paul, who is at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will spend time on the same campus in the lab of Kimberly Brouwer learning hepatocyte culture and transport activity assays to apply these methods in investigating triclosan effects on hepatic catabolism and transport of thyroxine in rats. Samuel Peterson is investigating how early developmental exposure to lead may induce latent effects after the exposure is halted that do not manifest until later in life, and examine certain genes that play key roles in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. His funding will enable him to attend the "Zebrafish Development and Genetics" course at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory. This program has three deadlines per year and the next deadline is June 15.

Many graduate students will attend the 2009 Annual Meeting with the aid of Graduate Travel Support from SOT, Burroughs Wellcome, and the Battelle Foundation. The list of these 62 students is available in the Historical Awards listing.

---

EPA-SOT Strengthen Collaboration

In a letter of understanding between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and SOT, then EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson stated that "EPA would like to work with SOT as a leading stakeholder and resource on toxicology." One of the first results of this letter is that a senior level EPA official will participate in the 2010 Annual Meeting to provide information about ongoing and new EPA regulatory activities. Former Administrator Johnson further noted that:

"Although we will engage multiple stakeholders when seeking advice, we value SOT's unique perspective. EPA and SOT can also continue to exchange information about opportunities to:

• participate in EPA peer-review panels;
• provide public comment on EPA assessments and proposals;
• apply for EPA fellowships, research grants, and educational grants;
• apply for EPA employment in toxicology and related scientific fields; and
• collaborate through various national and regional programs."

Mr. Johnson designated Hal Zenick to serve as the point of contact for EPA-SOT communications. Dr. Zenick is the Director of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory in EPA's Office of Research and Development, which employs a large number of SOT members.

---

Three New Endowment Funds Are Now Available

Roger O. McClellan, Chair, SOT Endowment Fund Board

The SOT Endowment Fund continues to grow in number of gifting options and contributions.

As of June 30, 2008, the SOT Endowment Fund included 4 General Purpose Funds and 19 Specific Purpose Funds. In the current fiscal year, 3 new Specific Purpose Funds have been proposed by donors and related Resolutions approved by the SOT Endowment Fund Board and ratified by the SOT Council. These include the Renal Toxicology Fellowship Award Fund, Laxman S. Desai Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award Fund, and the Diversity Initiatives Fund.

If you have not yet made a 2008–2009 contribution to the SOT Endowment Fund, you are encouraged to make a gift at an early date. Contributions of more than $80,000 have been received since July 1, 2008. The SOT Council has approved a "SOT 50th Anniversary Match" of $500,000. To date, $391,000 has been used to match gifts leaving a balance of $109,000 still available to match gifts. This is a great opportunity to obtain $2 in benefit for every dollar you give. If your employer matches your personal contribution, the employer match will also be matched with dollars from the "SOT 50th Anniversary Match."

A group of SOT members with an interest in renal toxicity have created a new Fund entitled the Renal Toxicology Fellowship Award Fund. Proceeds from the Fund will be used for Awards to be given to graduate students working in this specialized area with a view of encouraging their continued interest in this specialty area. Thirteen individuals made contributions totaling $12,500, which were matched with an equal amount from the "SOT 50th Anniversary Match." Thus, the Fund has initial assets of $25,000 qualifying it as a "Permanently Restricted Net Asset Fund" to be continued in perpetuity.

A new Fund, the Laxman S. Desai Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award Fund, has been created with an initial gift from Laxman S. Desai. Laxman S. Desai has had an outstanding career as a scientist and businessman. He founded Toxikon, an international firm providing analytical and toxicology contract services to the life science industry. Laxman S. Desai was born in India and received his graduate education in toxicology and pharmacology in Belgium. He is interested in encouraging students of Indian origin to enter the field of toxicology. His initial gift and the associated "SOT 50th Anniversary Match" result in the Fund having assets of $25,000. Thus, it qualifies as a "Permanently Restricted Net Asset Fund" and will be continued in perpetuity. The Desai Fund is the third Fund to be created that is aligned with the Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Special Interest Group (ASIO SIG). The other Funds created earlier were initiated with generous gifts from Dharm V. Singh and Harihara and Rekha Mehendale. The generosity of these donors and other contributors in the ASIO SIG aligned Funds is applauded. Their actions serve as a model for other Special Interest Groups and Specialty Sections to emulate.

The third new Fund, Diversity Initiatives Fund, is being developed under the leadership of the SOT Committee on Diversity Initiatives. It is hoped that this new Fund will soon attract additional contributions which, when matched with the "SOT 50th Anniversary Match," will allow the Fund to reach the $25,000 level so it will become a "Permanently Restricted Net Asset Fund." This new Diversity Fund will complement the Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award Fund that was initiated with initial generous contributions from Barbara Gehring and her and Perry's children, and Joe and Teri LeBeau. The first Gehring Diversity Student Award will be given on March 15, 2009, at a Committee on Diversity Initiatives function preceding the SOT Annual Meeting.

Individuals who are personally interested in starting a new Fund or providing leadership for Special Interest Groups, Specialty Sections, or other groups interested in initiating new Funds are urged to contact Roger McClellan via e-mail or call (505) 296–7083.

Awards funded with proceeds from a dozen Specific Purpose Endowment Funds will be presented at the 48th SOT Annual Meeting being held in Baltimore, Maryland in March 2009. In many cases, several students will receive Awards funded from a single Fund. It is clear that the SOT Endowment Fund is having an impact on the future of toxicology with the vast majority of the Awards being given to students.

The generosity of members and friends of the SOT has been remarkable. On behalf of the SOT Endowment Fund Board, I extend a hearty thank you to all past donors. The Board encourages all SOT members to consider the array of gifting options available and make a gift according to their individual means. Your gift will help to build a sound financial future for the SOT and especially programs that benefit students.

---

Plans Are Unfolding for a Spectacular SOT 50th Anniversary Celebration—2011

Submitted by Ernest Hodgson, Chair and Member, 50th Year Anniversary Task Force (FAST)

Beginning in 2006, nine SOT members, including five SOT Past Presidents, began planning the SOT 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held in conjunction with the SOT 2011 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. The enthusiastic participants who joined me and SOT Deputy Director Clarissa Russell Wilson in this first phase of planning included SOT Past Presidents Meryl H. Karol (1994–1995), Linda S. Birnbaum (2004–2005), John Doull (1986–1987), David L. Eaton (2001–2002), and Robert A. Scala (1976–1977) as well as Gary P. Carlson and Martin J. Philbert. In 2007 the task force was joined by SOT Past Presidents Jack H. Dean (1995–1996) and Gabriel L. Plaa (1983–1984) as well as Dennis J. Devlin, William C. Hayes, Lisa A Opanashuk, Dennis James Pastenbach, and Ronald B. Tjalkens. In 2008, SOT Past President Jim Bus (1996–1997) became an ad hoc member and SOT's Communications/Media Manager Martha Lindauer joined to provide her expertise to FAST.

The members of FAST are involved in the development of a variety of events, commemorative materials, and electronic resources to showcase the 50th Anniversary of SOT. You will be hearing more about these efforts, for which planning is already underway, including:

• A Celebration Event with tickets priced so that SOT members at any stage in their career will be able to attend
• A 50th Anniversary Brochure and a unique Web site for hosting historical materials, such as pictures and articles of relevance to the celebration
• "History of SOT" Posters that will highlight the individuals and events that accelerated the forward progress of the Society's vision of "creating a safer and healthier world by advancing the science of toxicology."

The first of these posters, featuring the SOT Founders, will be on display in the new Toxicology History Room at the 2009 SOT Annual Meeting.

As with today's SOT members, the SOT Founders in this 1961 photo represent sciences from government, industry, and academia. Those SOT Founders pictured are Harry W. Hayes, Director of the Advisory Center on Toxicology, National Academy of Sciences–National Research Council; Fred Coulston, Sterling Winthrop; Victor A. Drill, G.D.Searle & Co.; William B. Deichmann, University of Miami School of Medicine; Harold C. Hodge, University of Rochester School of Medicine; Arnold J. Lehman, Food and Drug Administration, and C. Boyd Shaffer, American Cyanamid. Founders Kenneth DuBois, University of Chicago, and Paul Larson, Medical College of Virginia, are not pictured. This poster is a great preview of what is to come. You should include in your 2009 Annual Meeting Itinerary Planner a stop at the Toxicology History Room, located in the Baltimore Convention Center, Charles Street, VIP Suite.

Other SOT groups have begun brainstorming activities that will align with the SOT 50th Anniversary. In the months ahead, you will receive updates on these efforts as well. The members of FAST are committed to providing SOT members with a celebration worthy of the stature and success realized by our Society.

---

SOT Complies with Sarbanes-Oxley Whistleblower Provisions

The American Competitiveness and Corporate Accountability Act of 2002, popularly known as Sarbanes-Oxley, introduced significant new governance standards that apply to publicly traded companies and nonprofits. One of the Sarbanes-Oxley provisions that applies to nonprofits such as SOT is for whistleblower protection. You may have noticed the following at the bottom of the home page of the SOT Web site:

To anonymously report suspected criminal activity or illegal or unethical conduct by SOT staff or leadership, call the National Hotline Services, Inc. toll-free fraud hotline at (800) 826-6762.

The Society of Toxicology requires that its leadership and members conduct their duties and responsibilities in accordance with high ethical standards and in compliance with the Society's Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policies.

The Society, through AIM, is fully committed to providing a workplace that is open to and fosters communications concerning all aspects of its organizations and operations, including compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances related to corporate or financial misconduct and fraud.

If you suspect any criminal activity or illegal or unethical behavior by SOT leadership, members, or staff, please call the National Hotline Service. Calls regarding personnel issues will be reported to AIM Human Resources, financial and management questions will go to the SOT Treasurer, and quality of service and misuse of property issues will be referred to the SOT President.

---

Member Spotlight

New Pin to Recognize 35-Year Members

The Society appreciates the commitment of members to our Society. Since 1986, SOT has honored those members who reached the 25-year milestone with a lapel pin. Special recognition of the 35-year and more members began in 2008 with the publication of the list in the 2008–2009 Membership Directory. Those designees will receive newly designed 35-year pins at the Annual Meeting or via mail. These lapel pins are presented in appreciation for steadfastness in helping the Society reach its objectives.

SOT 25-Year and 35-Year Members—35-year or more Members joined in 1973 or before. 25-year or more Members joined in 1983 or before.

New Members in 2008

For 2008, the Society of Toxicology welcomed 682 new members, including 256 Full, 73 Associate, 81 Postdoctoral, and 272 Student Members. New members are part of a network of over 6,200 members from nearly 50 different countries. Members from academic institutions, industry, government, and other scientific organizations are committed to SOT's vision of "creating a safer and healthier world by advancing the science of toxicology."

List of New Members in 2008

SOT Members Receive ATS Designation

Eight SOT Members were certified as Fellows of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences recently. The new Fellows include Daniel Acosta, Matt Bogdanffy, Scott Burchiel, Ramesh Gupta, John Lipscomb, Terrence J. Monks, Raymond York, and Helmut Zarbl.

---

In Memoriam

In Memoriam Roger Clark Inman B.V. Rama Sastry George M. Szczech Thomas W. Tusing Jon C. Wetzel

Colonel Roger Clark Inman, 70, passed away on January 6, 2009, in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Inman joined SOT in 1983. He participated in the Comparative and Veterinary and Risk Assessment Specialty Sections and was a member of the Southeastern Regional Chapter. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University and a doctorate in Toxicology from Ohio State University. He served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1984. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Protection. He is survived by his wife, Karen, four daughters and their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

George M. Szczech passed away on September 22, 2008. Dr. Szezech joined SOT in 1977 and also was a member of the North Carolina Regional Chapter. He participated in the Carcinogenesis, Comparative and Veterinary, Regulatory and Safety Evaluation, and Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Specialty Sections. He received a DVM degree from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in veterinary pathology from Purdue University. The focus of his career was on preclinical trial prescription drug safety evaluation. He worked at the Upjohn Company, Burroughs Wellcome & Company, Triangle Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Gilead Sciences, Inc. Following his retirement in 2004, he was a consultant. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanette, three children, a grandson, and three sisters.

Annual Meeting

Nobel Laureate Greengard to Deliver 2009 SOT Annual Meeting Plenary Lecture

Paul Greengard, Vincent Astor Professor, The Rockefeller University, New York, will deliver the Plenary Opening Lecture, "Signal Transduction Pathways Used by Therapeutic Agents and Drugs of Abuse," on Monday, March 16 from 8:00 AM–9:00 AM in the Baltimore Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A. He is the head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and since 1995 he has directed the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research at Rockefeller. The major aim of Dr. Greengard's laboratory is to understand more fully the molecular basis of communication between neurons in the adult mammalian brain and to elucidate the molecular defects responsible for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In 2000, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning signal transduction in the nervous system. He received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins in 1953. Before joining Rockefeller in 1983, he was director of biochemical research at Geigy (now Novartis) Research Laboratories, and from 1968 to 1983 served as Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at Yale University.

---

Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover to Deliver Keynote Medical Research Lecture

On Wednesday, March 18, 8:00 AM–8:50 AM in the Baltimore Convention Center Ballroom I, Dr. Aaron Ciechanover will deliver the Keynote Medical Research Council (MRC) Lecture, "The Ubiquitin Proteolytic System—From Basic Mechanisms through Human Diseases and on to Drug Targeting." He is on the faculty of Medicine at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Bat Galim, Haifa, Israel. He received his M.Sc. (1970) and M.D. (1975) from Hadassah and the Hebrew University School of Medicine in Jerusalem and his D.Sc. in biochemistry form Technion (1981). Following his graduate studies, Dr. Ciechanover obtained his postdoctoral training (1981–1984) with Dr. Harvey Lodish at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There he studied receptormediated endocytosis and deciphered the mechanism of iron uptake by the transferring receptor. Dr. Ciechanover, along with Drs. Avram Hershko and Irwin Rose, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004.

Prior to this achievement, he shared the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research with Dr. Hershko and Dr. Varshavsky and in 2003 was awarded the Israel Prize for Biological Research, the highest recognition bestowed by the State of Israel. In addition, he is a member of the Israeli National Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Vatican, and the American Philosophical Society. He is a Foreign Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA and its Institute of Medicine.

---

Getting Organized is Even Easier with the SOT Annual Meeting Itinerary Planner

Can't wait to get your hands on the comprehensive Annual Meeting planning tool known as the final Program? Well, wait no more! SOT has organized the on-line Itinerary Planner to include the featured lectures, special programs, and social events, such as luncheons and receptions, as well as the Exhibitor Hosted Sessions.

As always, the session abstracts for symposia, workshops, and poster and platform presentations are also available to download to your personalized calendar. So what are you waiting for? Register for the meeting, plan your schedule in advance, and join your colleagues and friends at the largest expo of its kind devoted to showcasing the latest scientific achievements in research and education.

Need to change your schedule? No worries because you can access the Itinerary Planner using your laptop in one of the Hot Zones located in the Exhibit Hall. Visit the SOT 2009 Annual Meeting Web site to get started.

---

Grace Period Abstracts Included in Itinerary Planner—March 2 Submission Deadline

In early February, SOT Council and the Scientific Program Committee addressed the challenges presented by the economic downturn and took action to minimize the impact on SOT member scientists. The decision was made to open a grace period for submission of 2009 Annual Meeting abstracts between February 10 and March 2. It was also announced that all accepted abstracts would be included in the Itinerary Planner and presented in a special Thursday, March 19 morning session at the Annual Meeting. These abstracts will be grouped by subject area within the special poster session. In addition, copies of the late submission abstract titles will be available for pick up in the registration area and in the Thursday morning poster session.

The grace period was particularly geared to those scientists who had to wait until after the abstract deadline to determine if funding was available for SOT Annual Meeting attendance and for those who have new travel restrictions stating that they can only attend a meeting if they are presenting an abstract. Within the 2009 sessions, SOT will present over 2,200 abstracts. For more information about these sessions and other Annual Meeting information, please visit the Itinerary Planner after March 5th to review the accepted abstracts.

---

2009 SOT Annual Meeting Award Lectures and Honorary Members

Distinguished Toxicology Scholar

Lance R. Pohl
Tuesday, March 17
12:30 PM–1:20 PM, Room 324

Leading Edge in Basic Science

John Katzenellenbogen
Monday, March 16
12:30 PM–1:20 PM, Room 324

Merit Award

Gary M. Williams
Wednesday, March 18
12:30 PM–1:20 PM, Ballroom I

Translational Impact

Thomas W. Kensler
Tuesday, March 17
8:00 AM–8:50 AM, Room 324

SOT Honorary Members

Nobel Laureate Sir John E. Walker
Presentation at Awards Ceremony
(video acceptance)
Sunday, March 15
5:15 PM–6:30 PM, Room 321

Gilbert Omenn
Presentation at SOT Annual Business Meeting
Tuesday, March 17
4:30 PM–6:00 PM, Room 321

---

Lance R. Pohl to Deliver Distinguished Toxicology Scholar Award Lecture

Lance R. Pohl is the recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Toxicology Scholar Award. He is Chief of the Section on Molecular and Cellular Toxicology in the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health. He will deliver the Distinguished Toxicology Scholar Award Lecture: "Role of Reactive Metabolites, Protein Adducts, Immune System, and Other Susceptibility Factors in Drug-Induced Liver Injury" on Tuesday, March 17, 12:30 PM–1:20 PM, Room 324. For more than 30 years he has been a leader in the field of drug toxicity and his passion for discovery is reflected in those who have trained in his laboratory, many of whom have gone on to distinguished scientific careers of their own.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including the 1968–1969 Mead-Johnson Undergraduate Research Award; the NIH Director's Award for Studies of the Mechanism of Inhalation Anesthetic-Hepatotoxicity & the Development of Methods of Detecting Sensitized Patients in 1992; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Sustained Superior Performance Award in 1997; the Roland T. Lakey Award from the Alpha Chi Chapter of Rho Chi, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Wayne State University in 1999; and, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Fellows Award for Research Mentoring in 2003.

---

John Katzenellenbogen to Present Leading Edge in Basic Science Award Lecture

Internationally recognized chemist and award recipient, John Katzenellenbogen will present a lecture on "The Structural Pervasiveness of Estrogen Activity—Benefits and Risks from the Eclectic Nature of Ligand Binding by the Estrogen Receptor," on Monday, March 16, 12:30 PM–1:20 PM in Room 324. He has been at the forefront of research on the structure and function of the estrogen receptor since the earliest days of his career at the University of Illinois, at which he developed one of the first high affinity labels for the receptor.

During his distinguished career he has published over 440 articles and trained over 80 doctoral and postdoctoral students, many of whom are now in leadership positions in academia or industry. In conferring the award, it was noted that his career "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 profound impact on disciplines like toxicology." He is a superb example of a researcher making important contributions to the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of toxicity and thus is the first recipient of the Leading Edge in Basic Science Award."

---

Gary M. Williams Delivers Merit Award Lecture

Gary M. Williams, Professor of Pathology at New York Medical College, will deliver the Merit Award Lecture: "Chemical Hepatocarcionogenesis—Mechanisms, Pathogenesis, and Thresholds" on Wednesday, March 18, 12:30 PM–1:20 PM in Ballroom I. Dr. Williams has made a number of contributions to chemical carcinogenesis, particularly hepatocarcinogenesis. He conducted pioneering work in developing methods for the culture of hepatocytes and introduced the use of cultured hepatocytes to measure chemical-induced DNA repair synthesis as a means of identifying potential chemical carcinogens.

Dr. Williams has been involved in teaching toxicology through the organization of symposia and, for the past fifteen years, a course on safety assessment of medicines. He has advanced the discipline by serving on numerous advisory and editorial boards. He received the Arnold J. Lehman Award in 1982 and the Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award in 2002 from SOT and the Ambassador in Toxicology Award from the Mid-Atlantic SOT Regional Chapter in 2001.

---

Thomas W. Kensler to Present Translational Impact Award Lecture

The first recipient of the SOT Translational Impact Award, Thomas W. Kensler, will deliver a lecture entitled "Keap1 One Eye on the Target-Translating Molecular Toxicology into Cancer Prevention" on Tuesday, March 17, 8:00 AM–8:50 AM in Room 324. Dr. Kensler received this award in recognition for his major contributions to research efforts that are bringing new prevention opportunities to high-risk populations around the world. He is currently Professor of Toxicology in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where he holds a joint appointment in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as in the Departments of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Oncology in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Dr. Kensler has devoted much of his professional career to the development of molecular approaches to cancer prevention, seeking to develop the tools to test the hypothesis that enzyme induction is a useful strategy for chemoprevention in humans. During the past ten years, through several clinical trials, he has driven this science towards practical strategies to affect a reduction of the impact of liver cancer in the economically developing world. In an international setting, he has provided outstanding leadership in bringing together multidisciplinary teams of toxicologists, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and clinicians to the field of chemoprevention. According to the SOT Awards Committee announcement about his award, "His work is truly translational in that it uses a foundation of rigorous, cutting-edge basic science to bring mechanism-based hypotheses into clinical trials."

---

2009 SOT Honorary Membership Presented to
Drs. Walker and Omenn

The Society of Toxicology recognizes non-members who embody outstanding and sustained achievements in the field of toxicology with Honorary Membership. From 1962–2008, only 27 scientists have received this acknowledgement by the Society. In 2009, two scientists join this distinguished group: Sir John E. Walker and Gilbert Omenn.

Professor John E. Walker FRS has been Director of the Medical Research Council Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in Cambridge, UK, since 1998. He came to Cambridge in 1974 to join the Laboratory of Molecular Biology where he established the details of the modified genetic code of mitochondrial DNA, and he helped to discover overlapping genes in bacteriophages. In 1978, he began studying the ATP synthase from mitochondria and bacteria, and established their subunit compositions. From these data he discovered two protein sequence motifs involved in binding nucleotides to which his name has become attached. We know now that they are the most widely dispersed motifs in the entire biological kingdom. These contributions were the overture to his work leading, in 1994, to the determination of the 3D structure of the catalytic domain of this remarkable energy transducer by X-ray crystallography, which at once pointed towards a mechanical rotary mechanism of coupling of transmembrane protonmotive force to ATP synthesis mediated by the asymmetry of the rotating central "stalk". Since this work, John has continued to unravel the secrets of this enzyme which is important for virtually all forms of life. They include the structure of its membrane rotor, (from yeast mitochondria), which demonstrated an unforeseen subunit stoichiometry that has led to new theories of the molecular mechanics of this intriguing nanomachine, the structure of the peripheral stalk or stator; and the structure of the regulatory protein IF1 bound to the catalytic domain.

In 1995 he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1997, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with Dr. Paul Boyer for their elucidation of the enzymatic mechanism underlying the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In 1999 he received his knighthood for his services to medical research. He is a Foreign Member of L'Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Rome, Italy, and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences, and a Foreign Associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Omenn is Professor of Internal Medicine Human Genetics and Public Health at the University of Michigan (UM). He is the director of the UM Center for Computational Medicine & Biology and the Proteomics Alliance for Cancer Research. He served as Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and as Chief Executive Officer of the University of Michigan Health System from 1997 to 2002. He was formerly Dean of the School of Public Health and Professor of Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Washington.

He served as Associate Director, Office of Science and Technology, and Associate Director, Office of Management and Budget, in the Executive Office of the President in the Carter Administration. In addition, he is a member of the Council and leader of the Plasma Proteome Project for the International Proteome Organization and was Chairman of the Board (2006–2007) of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

---

2009 SOT Annual Business Meeting—Update on New and Emerging Initiatives

SOT President Kenneth S. Ramos, SOT Councilors, and committee chairs will provide an overview of the current, new, and emerging issues of importance to all SOT members at the 2009 Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, March 18 from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM in Room 321 of the Baltimore Convention Center. All SOT Members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

A special feature of this year's meeting is the presentation of an SOT Honorary Membership to Gilbert Omenn, Professor of Internal Medicine, Human Genetics and Public Health, Director, University of Michigan Center for Computational Medicine and Biology and the Proteomics Alliance for Cancer Research. Dr. Omenn is being recognized for his tremendous contributions to public health, toxicology, and medicine.

In addition to Endowment Fund Board, membership, and financial updates, the following presentations should be of particular interest to Society members.

• The State of the Society of Toxicology, SOT President Kenneth S. Ramos
• Incoming President's Agenda and Initiatives, Cheryl Lyn Walker, Vice President
• Update on SOT Globalization Efforts, Denise Robinson Gravatt, Councilor

A questions-and-answer period is planned. Mark your calendar for this session and make your voice heard!

---

Annual Meeting Attendance—It's Important to Your Organization's Bottomline

There are many reasons why SOT Annual Meeting attendees return year after year. These include the comprehensive and robust scientific program, opportunity to network with renowned scientists from around the globe, and a chance to catch-up with old friends and mentor the next generation of toxicologists. However, why is attendance equally important for your boss and the organization at which you are employed? Below are just a few factors that illustrate the efficient and economical benefits of SOT Annual Meeting attendance.

• Preview the cutting–edge science that has not yet made it to the literature, helping to maintain your competitive advantage
• Have an opportunity to personally ask presenters specific questions about their research
• Review your colleagues' and competitors' latest advances
• Receive a continuing scientific education at a rock-bottom price
• Be able to set up low-cost meetings with other attendees, be they collaborators, co-authors, or clients
• Present your research, showcasing your organization as a thought leader
• Network with renowned scientists from around the globe regarding new and emerging innovations

This insider information cannot be obtained in such a condensed fashion any other way. And the outlay by your organization is repaid many times by the knowledge you gain and bring back as a valuable resource for sustaining and growing your organization's competitive edge.

---

Pre-Registered Attendees to Receive Badges Soon—Ribbons Should Have Arrived

Name badges and ribbons will be mailed to all attendees who pre-registered by January 30. In appreciation for serving on SOT Committees and Task Forces and as officers in the Regional Chapters, Specialty Sections, Special Interest Groups, and other SOT bodies, volunteers receive appropriate ribbon(s) to affix to their 2009 SOT Annual Meeting badges. Please check with the Registration Desk at the meeting if you do not receive the appropriate ribbon by mail.

---

Popular Soapbox Session is Back: Request for Applications

In its third year, the SOT Soapbox Session presents Annual Meeting attendees with an opportunity to engage colleagues in an area of concern to them or address an issue that has arisen during the meeting. The Soapbox Session will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 12:00 NOON–1:20 PM in the Pratt Street Lobby of the Baltimore Convention Center. Topics submitted to the review committee are expected to be novel, controversial, contrary, and/or unpopular. They should represent ideas, views, and concerns of interest to the general toxicology community.

The Soapbox Session is not intended to serve as a personal forum or a "back door" for rejected abstracts. Candidates should e-mail their proposed topics to the review committee no later than 12:00 NOON on Tuesday, March 17. The submission should include the title, presenter, affiliation (if any), and a short (less than 250 word) abstract. Presenters will be contacted by a representative from the review committee regarding their proposal by 6:00 PM on Tuesday. The decisions of the review committee are final. Applications should be sent either to Chair, Hollie Swanson or Co-Chair, Myrtle Davis.

---

SOT Members Join in Capitol Hill Visits

SOT Council and a delegation of members will be going to Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, in conjunction with the SOT 2009 Annual Meeting in Baltimore. The purpose of these meetings will be to:

• Introduce the Congressional representatives and staff to SOT and make them aware of the Society and its resources;
• Let them know that they can call upon SOT members for technical/policy assistance on relevant scientific issues that Congress may consider during the 111th Congress; and
• Invite them to attend a Congressional briefing on biomonitoring later this year.

The SOT Communications Committee believes these meetings are important to:

• Advocate for the value of toxicology;
• Increase reliance of decision makers on the science of toxicology; and
• Play a proactive role in defining issues for policymakers.

These meetings and increased communication with staff members and Members of Congress are a key part of the SOT Strategic Plan.

---

SOT Resource Pavilion Showcases Member Benefits at Annual Meeting

You are encouraged to visit and/or volunteer at the SOT Resource Pavilion during the Annual Meeting. SOT members and staff will be on hand to provide information on the SOT programs and activities and to show you how you can access these resources. Distinct areas are devoted to the SOT Endowment, membership benefits, and information on strategic initiatives. Also, materials to support the discipline of toxicology and educational tools for K–12 and public outreach will be available. The SOT Resource Pavilion is centrally located in the Charles Street Lobby of the Baltimore Convention Center and open the following hours:

Sunday, March 15	11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Monday, March 16	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 17	8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday, March 18	8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday, March 19	8:30 AM–12:00 NOON

---

Tox History Room Exhibits to Feature Live Presentations

The Toxicology History Room (THR) Task Force has assembled a fun, informative, and intriguing array of displays on noteworthy historical toxicological themes for this, its debut exhibition, at the SOT 2009 Annual Meeting. The Task Force is hoping that interest in the THR will spur SOT to establish it as a reoccurring Annual Meeting event.

The 2009 THR Lecture Series will feature prominent speakers addressing issues related to THR poster displays.

Monday, March 16

• 9:45 AM—Welcome and Opening Remarks (Phil Wexler and Steven Gilbert)
• 10:00 AM—Bisphenol A (Sarah Vogel)
• 3:00 PM—Highlights from the National Library of Medicine (Stephen Greenberg)

Tuesday, March 17

• 1:00 PM—Milestones of Toxicology (Steven Gilbert and Toni Hayes)
• 2:00 PM—Modern History of Illegal Drugs in America (Cathleen R. Drew)
• 3:00 PM—Toxic Curiosities from the National Museum of Health and Medicine (James Curley)

Wednesday, March 18

• 2:00 PM—Lead Poisoning (David Rosner and Gerald Markowitz)
• 3:00 PM—Love Canal (Stephen Lester)

Additional exhibits will cover the history of absinthe, Bhopal, opium, the Christian Dior fragrance, Poison, biological and chemical warfare in antiquity, NTP, IUTOX, and SOT itself.

A small collection of paraphernalia and artifacts, including antique "poison bottles," will also be on display.

The THR is located in the VIP Room in the Charles Street Lobby of the Baltimore Convention Center. Tox History Room hours are:

Monday	9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Members of SOT for 25 or more years are invited to attend a special sneak preview of the THR, which is hosting their annual reception at 7:00 PM, on Sunday, March 15.

---

NIH Resource Room and Other Opportunities for Grant Seekers

Two new events at the Annual Meeting will provide opportunities for toxicologists to speak with program officers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Brown Bag Lunch is Tuesday, March 17 from 12:00 NOON to 1:15 PM in Room 301. Bring your lunch and join staff from the NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR) and National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) for lunch, questions, and informal discussions about review and grant opportunities at NIEHS. Bag lunches will be available at a nearby concession for purchase.

During the Brown Bag Lunch you can make arrangements to meet these representatives later in the NIH Resource Room, which is Room 304 in the Convention Center. This room will be open from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from 9:00 AM–12:00 NOON. Drop by or make an appointment to meet program officers in this informal setting. Grants literature will be available. The SOT Research Funding Committee is coordinating these two events.

Antonio Scarpa of CSR will be providing the "Update from the NIH Center for Scientific Review" on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:30 PM. Apart from news about current initiatives, he will also discuss the Systemic Injury by Environmental Exposure (SIEE) Special Emphasis Panel (SEP) in the Digestive Health Integrative Review Group (IRG), which enables review of toxicology proposals by scientists familiar with the subject matter.

Other pertinent sessions for grant seekers include the "Meet the Director of NIEHS Linda Birnbaum" on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00 NOON–1:20 PM and two Education-Career Development sessions, the "Grantsmanship Forum: Tools and Skills Needed to Navigate Toxicology Research Funding" at 4:35 PM, Monday, March 16 in Room 307, and "The Future of Environmental Health Science: Featuring NIEHS-Funded Early Career Investigators" on Tuesday at 12:00 NOON in Room 309.

---

Undergraduate Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary

"The Beginning of the Future" is the title of the keynote talk for the 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Undergraduate Education Program for Minority Students. Faye Calhoun Broadwater and Marion Ehrich, two people instrumental in establishing the program, will be discussing the challenge of recruiting students from groups that are underrepresented in the sciences, review highlights in the history of the program, and encourage continued efforts to nurture the intellectual talents of future scientists. Special guests at this event are students who were selected through the years to participate in the program who have continued in the biomedical sciences. The first Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award, funded from the SOT Endowment, will be conferred to Vanessa Y. De La Rosa of the University of Texas at El Paso. Anyone who has ever been involved in the program is encouraged to attend this special event on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 PM in Room 343 of the Baltimore Convention Center. More information about this exciting event is on the Education and Public Outreach section of the SOT Web site.

---

Paracelsus Visits Port Discovery Children's Museum

What does it take to make bubblegum, and what is the role of toxicologists in keeping the products we use safe? These are some of the things that participants will find out through the learning activities at the Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore on Sunday, March 15. SOT members will be staffing special hands-on activities and demonstrations all day at the museum. Groups of children will rotate through the activities, assisted by high school students, or explore independently. The high school students will use high tech biotechnology methods to investigate properties of plant products in a special half-day workshop at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. Registration for this exciting event is through the Education and Public Outreach section of the SOT Web site.

---

SOT On-Line Mentors and Mentees Can Schedule Face-to-Face Meetings in Baltimore

SOT has developed a career mentoring site for toxicologists at any stage in their professional development. Some members may serve as mentors but might also be a mentee as they consider moving into a different specialty or area of employment. Thus, the objective of this program is to provide a service that matches mentees with potential mentors from the SOT membership to provide advice on career path selection and success and life/work balance issues. The SOT Annual Meeting provides a great opportunity for the mentor and mentee to meet in person. We strongly encourage members of the Society to visit Mentor Match and register on-line as a mentor or mentee.

For those mentors and mentees who have both active and inactive registrations in the SOT On-line Job Bank system, your questionnaire will pre-populate with the information from your user account for your convenience. You will be able to easily update and refine this information, which will be saved in both the on-line Mentoring and Job Bank systems. For further information, please contact Kristy Rand and visit the Mentor Match section of the SOT Web site.

---

Visit the On-Line and On-Site Job Bank—A Service Free to SOT Members

• Principal Scientist in Toxicology at a Major Pharmaceutical Company in Canada
• Senior Scientist Position in Gaithersburg, Maryland
• University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is Looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate
• Assistant Professors in Toxicology & Microbiology Opportunities in Beaumont, Texas

Did any of these positions catch your attention? These are just a small selection showing the range of positions available through the SOT Job Bank, a free member benefit to job seekers. Employers can attract potential candidates in a targeted and cost-effective manner through this SOT service.

Simply visit the Job Bank section of the SOT Web site and use your full e-mail address and SOT password to access the Job Bank. The Society's Job Bank makes it easy for candidates and employers alike to access this year-round service any time, any place through the SOT Web site. There is fresh information regarding candidates and employment positions on an ongoing basis. Your registration is effective for six months.

On-Site Job Bank Center

You will want to keep your registration current, so you can take advantage of the SOT Job Bank Center services available at the 2009 SOT Annual Meeting.

Located in the Baltimore Convention Center, the On-site Job Bank Center provides Annual Meeting attendees with access to the SOT Job Bank system as well as assistance in facilitating interviews at the SOT Annual Meeting. All users with current registrations at the time of the Annual Meeting will be permitted to use the service.

Although you are encouraged to pre-register before entering the Job Bank Center, you can register on-site in Room 347.

The Center is available during the following hours of operation:

Sunday, March 15	10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Monday, March 16	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 17	8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday, March 18	8:30 AM–4:30 PM

For additional information, contact Kristy Rand at SOT Headquarters.

---

SOT's Career Development Program Track

To help you develop your near-term and long-term career pathway, plan on attending the Education-Career Development Sessions that will be of special interest to you. Sessions include the following:

• Grantsmanship Forum: Tools and Skills Needed to Navigate Toxicology Research Funding—Monday, March 16, 4:35 PM–5:55 PM, Room 307
• The Future of Environmental Health Science: Featuring NIEHS—Funded Early Career Investigators—Tuesday, March 17, 12:00 NOON–1:20 PM, Room 309
• Toxicologists: The Next Generation—Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 AM– 8:50 AM, Room 308
• Career Opportunities and Transitions in Toxicology—Wednesday, March 18, 4:30 PM– 5:50 PM, Room 327

---

2010 Annual Meeting Session Proposal Deadline—
April 30

The Annual Meeting in Baltimore is a good time to work out the details for your session proposals for the 2010 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 7–11. Proposals will be submitted on-line beginning March 9 with a deadline of April 30.

All proposal submissions will be reviewed for their relevance under the following themes for the 2010 Annual Meeting—Cell Signaling, Gene-Environment Interactions, Metabolic Disease, Mitochondrial Basis of Disease, Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century, and Translational Toxicology. Please note that while we are actively soliciting proposals for the themes listed above, all proposal submissions will be reviewed under the current criteria for their timeliness and relevance to the field of toxicology.

The SOT Scientific Program and Continuing Education Committees place great value on the contributions of Specialty Sections and Special Interest Groups (SS/SIGs) in the preparation of high quality proposals for sessions at the SOT Annual Meetings. For this reason, it should be noted that sponsorship and endorsements sought for proposals will continue to be made directly to the SS/SIG(s) by the session organizer prior to submission.

Session types are described below and more information is posted on-line at the SOT Annual Meeting Web site.

Continuing Education

These proposals should emphasize quality presentations of generally accepted, state-of-the-art knowledge in toxicology. Courses are scheduled into a one-hour sunrise slot or a four-hour slot, either morning or afternoon. The four-hour courses have a chairperson and 3–4 speakers. Course levels are either basic, for a broad overview, or advanced, for individuals with previous knowledge of the subject.

Scientific Sessions

Symposia—Proposals for symposia should feature "cutting-edge" science: new areas, concepts, or data in the forefront of toxicology. The session is three hours or less, with two chairpersons and 4–5 speakers.

Workshops—Proposals for workshops will be informal, interactive presentations that highlight state-of-the-art knowledge in toxicology with an emphasis on discussion. These sessions will last three hours or less, be chaired by at least two chairpersons, and have between 4–5 speakers.

Innovations in Applied Toxicology and Toxicological Sciences—A limited number of symposia and/or workshops are designated Innovations in Toxicological Sciences (ITS) or Innovations in Applied Toxicology (IAT). ITS will introduce new technologies or scientific disciplines to the membership, and IAT will introduce innovative approaches in applied research.

Roundtables—Controversial topics are the basis of roundtable proposals. Each roundtable lasts about 80-minutes. These are moderated discussions, with 2–4 speakers providing a 3–5 minute statement and the balance of the time for questions and discussion.

Historical Highlights—Proposals for a historical highlight should be a review of a historical body of science that has impacted the field of toxicology, including the work of multiple laboratories and the resulting advancement of the science. The session should be about 80-minutes and can include a single or multiple speakers as appropriate.

Informational Sessions—Sessions are not based on the outcome of scientific research, should present the latest science in toxicology, or other learning opportunities that address the professional interests and needs of toxicologists, and can include the areas of general information or planned scientific activities.

Education-Career Development Sessions—Sessions that provide the tools and resources to toxicologists that will enhance their professional and scientific development.

Informational and Education-Career Development sessions are programmed for 80-minutes. For sessions of these types that wish to compete for 165-minute time slots, the proposal submitter should provide a clear justification explaining why the extended time is warranted. All requests should be sent to Nichelle Sankey at SOT Headquarters via e-mail. Please include the system generated control ID# assigned to your proposal in your communication.

Platform and poster abstracts for the 2010 Annual Meeting are due October 3, 2009.

---

Visit the 2009 Annual Meeting ToxExpo™ Exhibitors

ToxExpo™ is the profession's largest trade show offering one-stop shopping from more than 350 suppliers. It is the place attendees can see the latest in cutting-edge technology and services available on the market today.

The exhibit hours are as follows:

Monday, March 16	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 17	8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday, March 18	8:30 AM–4:30 PM

More than 40 Exhibitor Hosted Sessions will be held during the Annual Meeting.

---

2009 Annual Meeting Sponsors Demonstrate Commitment to the Science of Toxicology

SOT appreciates the support of the 2009 Annual Meeting Sponsors. These sponsors helps SOT keep registration fees low, thereby enabling scientists at every level in their career to participate in this meeting. Annual Meeting sponsorship also helps offset the cost of functions such as: Minority Student Program, Undergraduate Program, Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Events, Continuing Education Program, Refreshments, Public Outreach, and the Welcome Reception. Moreover, Annual Meeting sponsorship provides an opportunity to increase overall awareness of an organization or company to SOT members and Annual Meeting attendees. Consider becoming a sponsor for the 2010 Annual Meeting and beyond. If you are interested in SOT Sponsorship visit the Sponsorship Opportunities section of the SOT Web site and contact SOT Headquarters at (703) 438-3115.

Thank You 2009 Annual Meeting Sponsors!

Science News

Science Alert Highlights—January 2009

• SOT Councilors and NICHD Leadership Met To Discuss Opportunities to Work on Areas of Mutual Interest
• NTP to Unveil New Non-Cancer Evaluation Criteria at SOT
• NRC Releases Report on Risk Analysis Approaches Used by EPA—Calls for Improvements
• SOT Members Eaton and Philbert Lead NRC Committee Reviewing Federal Nanomaterials Research Strategy—Report Available
• Opportunity to Take Action: Petition Urges Congress to Recognize Importance of Journal Revenue to Advancing Science

Look for the February Issue!

---

SOT CCT Presentations On-Line: Registrants for Hemangiosarcoma in Rodents Workshop Have Access on SOT Web site

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) Current Concepts in Toxicology (CCT) presentations delivered at the December 4–5, 2008, international workshop on "Hemangiosarcoma in Rodents: Mode-of-Action Evaluation and Human Relevance," can now be accessed by SOT CCT registrants from the SOT Web site.

Registrants will find presentations from the government officials and researchers from around the world who met to explore knowledge gaps and uncertainties related to the mode of action for the induction of hemangiosarcomas in rodents and to evaluate the potential relevance for human risk. The two-day workshop was organized as a follow-up to a project conducted by the ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) that focused more narrowly on several knowledge gaps and uncertainties that were identified from a mode-of-action framework developed for peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, many of which are known to induce hemangiosarcomas in mice. For information on developing a SOT CCT, please visit the Web site.

---

PubMed Central Deposit and Oxford Open Available to Toxicological Sciences Authors

PubMed Central
Over the past few years, many funding agencies have started to actively encourage, and in some cases, to mandate the deposit of any articles originating from research they have funded into appropriate digital repositories (e.g., PubMed Central). To help authors comply with these mandates and to ease their workload, Oxford Journals now automatically deposits into PMC all NIH-funded articles and Oxford Open (described below) articles published in its journals.

For Toxicological Sciences authors, this means that Oxford Journals deposits any articles into PubMed Central on behalf of authors if either they pay to make their article open access via our Oxford Open initiative, or they acknowledge in their article that they have been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

For NIH-funded authors, Oxford Journals sends the final published version of any NIH-funded manuscript to PubMed Central directly upon publication. To enable this development, authors are now asked to indicate their source of funding in their manuscript. NIH-funded articles that are published as Oxford Open are made available immediately, and those that are not will be made available by PubMed Central within 12 months.

Automatically depositing NIH-funded articles into PubMed Central is part of our commitment to providing excellent service to our authors in order to encourage them to submit high quality papers to Toxicological Sciences.

Oxford Open
Oxford Open is an initiative launched in 2005 by Oxford Journals, comprising a number of different models by which authors of accepted papers can choose to pay a fee to make their article freely available online. At present Oxford Journals publishes over 80 optional open access titles. All open access articles are automatically deposited into PubMed Central.

Toxicological Sciences is one of the journals included in the Oxford Open initiative, and any authors who are interested in making their article open access should visit the Oxford Journals Web site for more information about publication charges, rights and licensing, and compliance with funders' policies. For more information and to submit articles, please visit the Web site.

---

AAALAC Update

Submitted by Loren Koller, SOT Representative to AAALAC Board

The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International) currently has a North American and European Council on Accreditation, whose members conduct site visits, and is in the process of establishing a Pacific Rim Council. The proposed Pacific Rim Council will initially consist of six members representing China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. The Council Section will be chaired by an ex-President and Council member of the North American Council on Accreditation. A half-time Regional Director of Southeast Asia, Montip Gettayacamin, DVM, will begin her duties in February of this year. Dr. Gettayacamin is currently Assistant Chief of Research and Laboratory Animal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Army Medical Component, Armed Forces of Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand. She will retain a half-time position with this organization. At the present, there are 44 accredited laboratory animal units in the Pacific Rim Region.

AAALAC is sponsoring a "Conference on Quality Animal Care" March 29, 2009, in San Diego, California prior to the PRIM&R meeting, while AAALAC International in Europe is offering a "Conference focusing on accreditation and animal care issues in Europe" May 4, 2009, in Rome, Italy. AAALAC is also offering Webinars to provide timely information on accreditation issues relevant to the research animal care and use community. The first Webinar "Writing an Effective Post Site Visit Communication" was offered February 11, 2009. For more information on Webinars, contact Dr. Jim Swearengen.

---

Defenses Against Animal Activist Threats

SOT has been advised that in December 2008, the Animal Liberation Brigade, a California Animal Rights organization, posted information on various Web sites alleging they mailed letter bombs to two Johns Hopkins researchers because of their work with non-human primates. No letters or packages were received by the researchers and the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Baltimore City Police were notified by Hopkins Security.

Although this incident appears to have been a hoax, it is natural and reasonable that this should raise concern. To help defend against such activity, all available resources should be used. We are providing this document from the U.S. Postal Service concerning suspicious mail or packages.

If you do receive a suspicious item, please don't handle it. If you are at work notify your campus or company security. They will make the necessary notifications to outside agencies. If at home, notify your local police. Let the police know the type of research you do and it may clarify the reason the item was sent. The FBI should also be notified as they consider this activity an act of domestic terrorism.

---

IUTOX Newsletter Available On-Line and Call for Articles

Dr. Wally Hayes, Secretary General, has announced that the most recent issue of the IUTOX Newsletter is now available on-line. Topics include a message from Dr. Kai Savolainen, IUTOX President, as well as information about upcoming IUTOX activities, an article about the EUROTOX 2008 meeting held in Rhodes, Greece, and information in the "Upcoming Meetings" section. Please note the dates of the next two IUTOX meetings listed below and plan to attend.

Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries CTDC7
September 6–9, 2009
Sun City, South Africa
Host: Toxicology Society of South Africa (TOXSA)
http://www.7ctdc.co.za/

International Congress of Toxicology XII (ICTXII)
July 11–15, 2010
Barcelona, Spain
Host: Spanish Association of Toxicology (AETOX)
http://gestion.pacifico-meetings.com/www/iutox2010/

IUTOX hopes you find their newsletter informative and that you'll provide comments, send us your upcoming meeting announcements, and most importantly, submit an article or share other news about your society for the next issue in the Spring (send to Donna Breskin by April 1). IUTOX also encourages you to pass the newsletter on to your colleagues and anyone else that would benefit by learning more about IUTOX and its mission.

Finally, if you plan to attend the 48th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology (Baltimore, Maryland, March 15–19, 2009), please plan to stop by the IUTOX Booth (#1335) to say hello.

Position Advertisement(s)

ChemRisk®

ChemRisk, Inc., a scientific consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco, CA, provides state-of-the-art toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, and risk assessment services to organizations that confront public health, occupational health, and environmental challenges. Professionals on the ChemRisk team have a long-standing reputation for thorough scientific analysis and for sharing results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Many of the over 250 papers published by scientists in the firm are frequently referenced in both litigation and regulatory decision-making. Our mission is to provide creative and scientifically rigorous approaches to answering questions about the human health hazards posed by chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, and radiological agents.

ChemRisk is seeking applicants with graduate degrees and training in toxicology, epidemiology, pharmacology, the environmental sciences, risk assessment, biomedical engineering, industrial hygiene, medicine, or health physics. Positions are available in the San Francisco, CA, Boulder, CO, Tallahassee, FL, and Pittsburgh, PA offices.

For more information on ChemRisk's practice areas and team, please visit www.chemrisk.com.

DTEM/ATSDR

Director
Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine (DTEM)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Atlanta, Georgia

Duties: This position provides scientific leadership and overall management for the Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine (DTEM), one of four divisions of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The leader will build upon the success of the existing programs within the division. These programs produce and distribute the ATSDR Toxicologic Profiles and a series of related publications, create case-studies in environmental medicine, and respond to emergencies involving chemical releases. In addition, funding from this division supports minority health education, and a network of pediatric environmental health specialty units. The division includes more than 60 full-time staff and has an operating budget in excess of $12 million. Significant opportunities exist for collaboration with other ATSDR divisions and the divisions within the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies involved in environmental sciences and human health. The position reports to the Director, NCEH/ATSDR.

For additional information: Please visit the ATSDR Web site. Vacancy announcements for this position will be posted to the USAJOBS Web site early April. USAJOBS is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. "How to Apply" questions for the Supervisory Environmental Health Scientist, GS-601-15, and the open-continuous announcement for Medical Officers, GS-602-15 may be directed to Atlanta Human Resource Specialist Deborah Cook at (770) 488-1892. "How to Apply" questions for the Title 42 announcement for Director, Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, may be directed to Atlanta Human Resource Specialist, Sharon O’Brien at (770) 488-1781. Questions about the position may be directed to Thomas Sinks, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry through Ms. Patricia Lewis at (770) 488-0635.