Special Interest Groups
One of the strategic goals of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is to increase the diversity and inclusiveness of the organization, and SOT promotes and facilitates the formation of subgroups of members with a common ethnicity, country of origin, and gender. Thus far, six Special Interest Groups (SIG) have been established to promote the recruitment of toxicologists who share a common interest in toxicological research issues germane to their community. The overarching goals of these groups are to: develop, propose, and conduct programs and educational activities that promote career development opportunities for toxicologists; acting as a resource to SOT in the area of toxicology as it relates to the specific interest of each group; and to promote and recognize the accomplishments of toxicologists from within each group. Members in good standing of SOT can become members of SIGs upon payment of dues, but will be dropped from membership if dues are not paid on an annual basis or if he or she is not a member in good standing of SOT. Students and postdoctoral fellows receive the first SIG at no cost.
Global Initiatives
For more information about the SOT SIGs, contact Kelly Martin.
Overview of SIGs
American Association of Chinese in Toxicology
Founded 2004
The American Association of Chinese in Toxicology (AACT) objectives are to foster interactions among professionals of Chinese background and/or ethnicity in toxicological or related sciences through the exchange of information in education, technology, employment, or business opportunities; to facilitate collaborative activities in toxicology-related research or projects between Chinese scientists or organizations in the U.S. and abroad; and to promote the participation of scientists of any ethnical background who share the same common interests in toxicology and related fields. AACT members share the vision of creating an organization that connects scientists with Chinese ethnic background in the toxicology and related fields, and bridges the toxicological sciences between the Eastern and the Western world.
Association of Scientists of Indian Origin
Founded 2006
The Association of Scientists of Indian Origin (ASIO) promotes fellowship among scientists of Indian origin living in North America. It acts as a scientific and educational society and establishes open channels of communication among all scientists. It honors and recognizes senior scientists who have made an impact in science as well as provides awards to outstanding postdoctoral fellows and graduate students of Indian origin for their research. The group provides leadership and mentoring for career development opportunities for toxicologists of Indian origin. ASIO’s mission is to enhance collegiality, fellowship, networking and professional development of all associated with and engaged in the active learning and practice of toxicology. The members meet every year at the SOT Annual Meeting and/or otherwise keep in contact with each other through networking and newsletters in order to facilitate and augment professional development individually and collectively.
Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists
Founded 2004
The Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists (HOT) was integrated by Hispanic professionals with expertise in scientific areas associated with Toxicology. HOT serves as a focal point for interaction among Hispanic toxicologists in the U.S. and the international Spanish and Portuguese-speaking scientific communities with emphasis in outreach to the Hispanic population. Its main goal is to provide a forum for the awareness and dissemination of toxicological information and issues as they relate to the Hispanic community. HOT also provides specific and special support to the SOT on its outreach in global toxicology. One of their key objectives is to stimulate new growth in toxicological issues related to the Hispanic community inside and outside the U.S. as it relates to the science of toxicology
Korean Toxicologists Association in America
Founded 2006
The Korean Toxicologists Association in America (KTAA) had been in the existence since 1980’s and joined SOT in 2006. The mission of the KTAA is 1) to promote collaboration in toxicological research and relevant issues among Korean community; 2) to provide networking opportunities among professionals with Korean heritage who are engaged in toxicological science and related fields; and 3) to recognize the accomplishment of and promote career development opportunities for toxicologists with Korean heritage.
Toxicologists of African Origin
Founded 2008
The Toxicologists of African Origin (TAO) key objectives are to 1) serve as a forum for information exchange, collegiality, and networking among toxicologists and related professionals of African origin; 2) champion and enhance focus within SOT on environmental and public health issues relevant to populations of African origin; 3) propose, develop, and sponsor scientific and educational programs including symposia, workshops, poster and platform sessions, continuing education classes, and informational sessions on current scientific and policy issues that are relevant to populations of African origin in the U.S. and in Africa; 4) promote career development opportunities for its members and increase the recruitment and retention of Africans and African Americans entering the profession of toxicological sciences; and 5) Provide guidance or act as SOT’s liaison to other organizations on toxicological issues that are relevant to populations of African origin.
Women in Toxicology
Founded 2001
The Women in Toxicology (WIT) is invested in promoting the recruitment and retention of women to a profession in the toxicological sciences. The group provides leadership and mentoring for career development opportunities for women toxicologists. In addition, WIT also promotes and recognizes the accomplishments of women toxicologists. This SIG is also responsible for sponsoring scientific and educational programs including symposia, poster and platform sessions, workshops, and Continuing Education courses on current scientific information and scientific policy issues that advance the science of toxicology. |
