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Principles for Research Priorities in Toxicology
Adopted by the Society of Toxicology in January 1998–Amended December 2008
Support and advancement of basic and applied research in toxicology and incorporation of sound science into risk assessment are the first two items addressed in our Long-Range Plan, adopted in June 1997.
Accordingly, the Council has approved the following principles for research priorities in toxicology to highlight the SOT's commitment to research in the context of our concern for human health, animal health and the environment. Classic toxicity testing, involving the use of animal models, has served us well and will continue to do so in the future. However, we must continue to strive for improvement in accordance with the following principles:
- A focus on basic research aimed at discerning the mechanism/mode of action of the chemical or physical agent of interest is of fundamental importance. Toxicology is a basic science because the study of mechanisms of toxicity will increase our understanding of essential aspects of biology.
- Knowledge of mechanisms underlying the toxicity of the agent of interest is required to help incorporate sound science into risk assessment, a critical aspect of our Strategic Plan. The overall goal is to enhance our ability to estimate whether or not people or the environment could be harmed under realistic conditions of exposure. This entails hypothesis-driven research and is consistent with the notion that "it is the dose which makes the poison."
- The scientific basis of risk assessment can be enhanced by the development of improved test systems (not simply adding to the number of existing "tests") and means for results interpretation. Key aspects of any risk assessment include an emphasis on: (1) dose selection; (2) dose-response relationships, including extrapolation from high to low doses; (3) species-to-species extrapolation issues; and (4) exposure assessment.
- Research should be judged on the basis of scientific merit, without regard for the funding source or where the studies are conducted (e.g., academia, government, or industry).
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