Society of Toxicology

The Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program funds two mid-career to senior Scholar toxicologists from Developing Countries to attend the SOT Annual Meeting and spend about four weeks with one or more SOT Member Hosts from established toxicology programs in academic, government, or industry organization(s) worldwide. The Host will visit the Scholar’s institution in turn.. The primary goal is to increase toxicology capacity in developing countries by providing professional opportunities for scientists through relationships supported by SOT. The Scholars who are selected are expected to build on this opportunity by strengthening toxicology within their universities and countries. After selection of Scholars, applications will be received from potential Hosts with interests matching those of the selected Scholars. The program provides up to $15,000 for each pair, with up to $10,000 travel support for the Senior Scholar and $5,000 for the Host. Support is not provided for equipment, laboratory supplies, or renovations to current facilities.

GSSEP video produced by the Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists.

2019 Global Senior Scholars

Scholar: Olufunsho Awodele

MPH, PhD, DSc (Herbal Medicine), FPCPharm, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Dr. Awodele is an associate professor of toxicology and the head of the toxicology unit in the Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology Department at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. His particular areas of interest are neurotoxicology, occupational health and safety, and forensic toxicology. The latter topic is especially timely for collaboration as the department is implementing a forensic toxicology curriculum in collaboration with the teaching hospital. Also, there is geometric increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders in our environment. His research group is exploring environmental stress, including occupational exposures, and genetic factors, specifically in relation to oxidative stress and antioxidant expression which may have a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.

With a large department, including 50 master’s, 28 doctoral students, and strong faculty working in interdisciplinary networks, and plans to begin an undergraduate toxicology degree, investigating international education trends and discussing ways to enhance these programs has the potential to make a major impact as well as strengthen toxicology in the region. The involvement of Dr. Awodele in alliances such as the Western African SOT and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control in Nigeria will further extend the outcomes of this exchange.

SOT member Host candidates may learn more about Dr. Awodele from his application .

Scholar: Nitin Verma

MPharm, PhD, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technology, Baddi, India

Dr. Verma is a professor and dean of research and development at the Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology in Baddi, India. His research group is evaluating the toxicity, health risk, and assessment of environmental hazards due to untreated or partially treated effluents released by the numerous pharma industries in the region. Other research studies are related to the effects of low-dose ingestion of metals on children and the elderly, as well as effects of herbal remedies used by pregnant women with scarce information about safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some of these remedies may increase the risk of miscarriage and others are associated with embryotoxic or fetotoxic effects.

Their program includes 45 master’s and five PhD students, with 30 in toxicology-related programs. To assist with the training of safety assessors for pharmaceutical industries and the Indian government, the department would like to further develop a program in risk assessment and courses in environmental toxicology and regulatory toxicology.

Dr. Verma has collaborated with various professional societies, research organizations, pharmaceutical industries, and universities, including organizing a conference, “Regulatory Pharmacology and Toxicology,” in collaboration with Indian Pharmacological Society. The knowledge from this exchange will enrich offerings on his campus as well as the various networks through which he has impact.

SOT member Host candidates may learn more about Dr. Verma from his application .

Host applications will be accepted until September 15, 2018. SOT encourages members with similar research and training emphases to apply to be the GSSEP Host for one of these Scholars. Applicants from established toxicology programs (including academic, government, and industry organizations) worldwide are eligible. After the Scholar is in residence with the Host, SOT will provide up to $5,000 travel support for the Host to visit the Scholar’s institution and engage there with the Scholar, other faculty, and students.

Visit the SOT Award Archive to view a list of previous Hosts and Scholars.

How to Apply for the Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program

Scholar Application Overview

Scholar applicants should be employed in a faculty position in a qualified university in a developing country and affiliated with an existing toxicology and affiliated with an existing toxicology graduate program. Applicants should be positioned professionally to influence toxicology training and research at the institution and in the region. The application deadline is June 15.

Host Application Overview

Host applicants should have research interests of potential mutual benefit to one of the selected Scholars and be in an established toxicology program. The Host will be able to provide the Scholar an experience of about four weeks that deepens research and training capabilities and will visit the Scholar's institution. SOT covers the associated costs. Scholars are announced in July and Host applications are due September 15.