News and Reviews

Outlook 2002–2010: Strategic Review of EUROTOX

EUROTOX was formed by the merger of the European Society of Toxicology (EST) and the Federation of European Societies of Toxicology (FEST), in 1989. EST was a society of individual members whilst FEST was a federation of national societies. The creation of EUROTOX was a recognition of the need for a single, coherent voice to represent toxicology in Europe. At its start EUROTOX counted 17 member societies and almost 1000 individual members. At present 30 societies of toxicology join EUROTOX, while the individual membership has reduced to slightly less than 500.

In the 13 years since EUROTOX was formed, much has changed, both within Europe and elsewhere, and both within toxicology and outside toxicology. Few would argue that as an identifiable academic discipline in Europe, toxicology has contracted, with a decline in academic appointments and in specific degree courses. Consolidation and mergers in our key industrial sectors (e.g. pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals) have also meant a reduction of toxicologists in the private sector. At the same time, fuelled by recent major advances in the biosciences (e.g. the genome projects, array technology), the nature of much of toxicology is undergoing a paradigm shift. Hence, the emphasis has switched to a large extent from whole organism to molecular studies.

Paradoxically, the need for toxicologists in Europe has never been greater, for example to address concerns about HPV chemicals and food safety. Thus the EUROTOX Executive Committee thought it timely to consider the future of EUROTOX and the structure that might best serve its purpose. For this reason a strategic review of EUROTOX was undertaken. A major outcome of this review was the decision that EUROTOX should “serve as the scientific voice of toxicology in Europe,” a mission that emphasises the key objectives of the Society. Currently this mission is implemented through the annual congresses and the work of the Education Subcommittee. Additional modes of operation are required to enhance the scientific voice of EUROTOX. The need to cooperate with IUTOX to achieve some of the respective objectives of the two societies, which are often complimentary, is emphasised.

The Committee reviewed the nature and purpose of the congresses, and concluded that whilst it would be desirable to increase attendances, it was unrealistic (and impractical) to contemplate any dramatic increase in numbers over the next few years. Hence, the key objectives identified with respect to the congresses were to improve attendance and participation of young scientists, ensure participation by as wide a range of the membership as possible, particularly those from central and eastern Europe, continue to improve the quality of the scientific programme, to streamline the organisation to the extent possible, and to increase modestly overall attendance.

In organising future congresses, some consideration needs to be given to their geographical balance, with respect to location. In addition, the possibility of joint meetings with other relevant organisations should be addressed.

The Committee was particularly concerned about attendance of young scientists at the congresses and about their involvement otherwise in the activities of the Society. Hence, mechanisms are required to increase both. The contribution of national societies in supporting young scientists to attend EUROTOX congresses, for example by providing a bursary to their prize-winning students needs to be promoted further. When congresses are held in a central or eastern European country, registration, rather than travel or accommodation, is often the major expense for young scientists in attending the meeting. Hence, by providing a substantially reduced fee to young scientists from the local and neighbouring countries, it should be possible to attract significant numbers to the congress who would not otherwise be able to attend.

Whilst the focus of the education and training initiatives of EUROTOX has been young(er) scientists from central and eastern European countries, and this should continue to be the case, consideration also needs to be given to the toxicological education of scientists in western European countries, and to training of older scientists in relevant areas. The Education Subcommittee is responsible for coordination of the Society’s education and training activities, including Continuing Education Course sessions at the annual congresses, organising training courses for scientists in central and eastern Europe, with some EUROTOX support, scientific sessions at the congresses and separate one-day meetings, with EUROTOX support.

EUROTOX should further develop a model curriculum for education in toxicology. This should be based on adoption and/or merging of existing curriculae with modification as required. A theoretical and practical curriculum defining the expectations of a EUROTOX Registered Toxicologist already exists. However, this is rather brief and could perhaps be organised more logically. A list of organisers of existing courses will be compiled, together with other relevant contacts, including representatives in central and eastern European governments to consult re the nature and content of the curriculum.

The Committee recognised the considerable, and increasing, importance played by electronic communication, particularly the worldwide web, in the dissemination of information in science today and in the future. As a consequence, it concluded that the Society should re-focus it efforts in these areas on the development of the website. A new Subcommittee Communications will be responsible for the dissemination of relevant information, to members and others, primarily by electronic means, and mainly via the website. The current website will be completely redesigned. Wherever possible, communication with members will be via electronic means. In addition, electronic copy of relevant information will be sent to national societies for publication in their newsletters or otherwise as appropriate. This will include requests for proposals for meetings, awards, bursaries, etc.

The EUROTOX Register of Toxicologists is now well established and continues to develop. As the number of national registers participating increases, there is a need for the management of the Register to be streamlined and a procedure for succession formalised. The EUROTOX Registration Task Group has therefore been requested to develop terms of reference and byelaws for its management and for succession of those responsible for its management.

EUROTOX is a signatory member of IART, which has now been formally established. However, the nature of the signatory members of IART differs quite considerably, particularly between US members and EUROTOX. Hence, EUROTOX has an important role to play in shaping the evolution of IART and will advise its representative accordingly.

The range of disciplines relevant to toxicology has never been greater, and whilst many scientists engaged in some of these disciplines are unlikely to become regular participants in EUROTOX activities, it is critical to the future viability of the Society that close links are established with relevant groups.

EUROTOX will seek collaboration with relevant organisations in planning sessions at the annual congresses. Such organisations will include SETAC, the European Society of Environmental Epidemiology, ILSI Europe and ESTIV. Where there are clear gaps in expertise relevant to the scientific objectives of EUROTOX, suitable organisations should be identified and approached to collaborate on organising a session at an annual Congress. For example, simulation and modelling has been identified as one such area.

EUROTOX has identified mechanisms to advance the science, education and training in toxicology, in addition to the annual congresses. Some of these initiatives will benefit from cooperation with and input from other societies and organisations. These might include the Joint Research Centre at Ispra (which includes IHCP (ECB and ECVAM) and IES), ILSI HESI, ILSI Europe, IUTOX, IPCS, SETAC, OECD, European Commission and European pathology groups.