• Women in
    Toxicology
    Special Interest Group

President’s Message

The early founders of the Women in Toxicology (WIT) Special Interest Group of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) recognized the need for mentoring and career support for women toxicologists as well as the importance of increasing the visibility and leadership roles for women within the SOT. WIT has a history of developing initiatives that have staying power, such as the mentoring breakfast and supporting and increasing successful nominations of women for SOT-wide awards. WIT has developed and/or sponsored sessions on a wide range of toxicology-relevant topics as well as topics that are particularly relevant to current social and environmental issues such as mental health, environmental justice, and science communication. WIT also actively enhances situational awareness of issues relevant to women in the larger scientific community.

As in our logo, WIT activities center around four main goals that address these topics:

  1. Mentoring: Promoting the recruitment and retention of women in toxicology through trainee and mentoring awards and career development sessions.
  2. Visibility: Promoting and recognizing the accomplishments of women toxicologists both through WIT awards and by actively facilitating the nomination of women for SOT-wide awards.
  3. Leadership: Promoting leadership opportunities for women toxicologists through service on WIT Committees and election to the WIT Executive Committee. This provides an opportunity to build a leadership and service portfolio to enhance career development and also has been an entry into becoming more engaged in SOT.
  4. Education: Developing and sponsoring scientific and educational programs that advance the science of toxicology, including (but not limited to) gender-specific toxicological issues.

The WIT mission is as relevant in 2022 as it was when it was founded in 2001. WIT provides a needed platform for women of all walks to connect and support each other through common career challenges.

We welcome all individuals to join WIT and volunteer within our group.

Courtney Sulentic, PhD
WIT President