Dear RSESS Members,
As I write this message, the RSESS Program Committee recently reviewed proposals for sessions at the 2026 SOT Annual Meeting. This is one of my favorite times of the year, as RSESS has the opportunity to help shape the scientific content of the meeting and gain an early look at some of the most exciting and innovative research emerging from across our discipline. I highly encourage anyone interested in expanding their perspective beyond their immediate sector to consider volunteering with this committee—it is a rewarding experience that offers both insight and inspiration.
Our Specialty Section hosted a special webinar in May that featured presentations from our recent Award recipients—first recognized at our Annual Meeting reception in March. These events showcase the breadth of talent and innovation within our community. We have multiple Award categories, for both trainees and experienced toxicologists alike, so please do check out our Award listings and consider nominating yourself or a deserving colleague for an Award in 2026. Applications generally open in July.
Your RSESS Officers have also been working diligently to expand our impact through new initiatives. One of the most exciting developments is a new collaboration with the European Regulatory and Safety Sciences Specialty Section (ERASS) of EUROTOX. Starting this fall, we will launch a transatlantic seminar series focused on current toxicology topics, highlighting similarities and differences in regulatory approaches between our regions. This initiative is particularly timely given the FDA’s recent announcement of its plan to phase out animal testing requirements for monoclonal antibodies and other pharmaceuticals.
Looking ahead, we’re also thrilled to offer a September webinar titled “An Overview of the Safety Evaluation of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals”, presented by Samuel Fletcher, Head of the Human and Environmental Safety Team at the UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Supporting the next generation of toxicologists remains a top priority. We are committed to providing more opportunities for students and early-career professionals to explore career paths and build essential skills, and we are currently evaluating collaborations with other Specialty Sections in order to increase our reach. If you have ideas or suggestions for how we can better serve our membership, especially in this area, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your continued engagement with RSESS. Your involvement is what drives our success.
Warm regards,
Claire Neilan, PhD, DABT
2025–2026 RSESS President
The mission of the Regulatory and Safety Evaluation Specialty Section of the SOT is to promote the development of sound governmental policies and regulations based on contemporary scientific knowledge arising from the disciplines encompassed by toxicology.