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News and Reviews
President's
Message
A
Message from the President of IUTOX, Ali Esat Karakaya (March 2005)
Dear IUTOX Member,
The IUTOX Executive Committee (IUTOX-EC) generally meets twice a year
during major international toxicology meetings to discuss the subjects
on the agenda. The first meeting of 2005 was held in New Orleans on the
6th and the 7th of March during the SOT congress and the second meeting
is scheduled during the EUROTOX meeting in Cracow in September 2005.
The effectiveness and the productivity of the work of the Executive Committee
mostly depends on the coordination of the work carried out by the various
commissions, committees and task forces in order to fulfill the objectives
and the goals that had been defined by the IUTOX Strategic Plan. So, the
greater part of the agenda of the Executive Committee meetings consists
of discussion and debate on the reports prepared and submitted by these
commissions, committees and task forces (see this IUTOX Newsletter for
information from the various commissions, committees, and task forces).
At the New Orleans meeting we have observed with satisfaction that the
work of the present commissions, committees and the task forces was extremely
effective and thorough.
Thanks to such work, I believe that, by the end of this term, we will
be able to actualize all the objectives set by the IUTOX
strategic plan.
Let me note that the major part of the work of the IUTOX-EC is being carried
out by means of the electronic media: The e-mail traffic between EC members,
IUTOX headquarters and member societies throughout the world is quite
dense indeed. I sometimes try to imagine how our predecessors managed
to function without the speed and ease provided by the world-wide net
and appreciate their accomplishments all the more. In this context I feel
that I should take the opportunity to note my grateful recognition of
their contributions to the world of toxicology.
I am pleased to report to you that preparations on two important IUTOX
organizations are successfully continuing –namely EUROTOX 2006/6CTDC
in Croatia between September 20-24, 2006 and ICT
XI in Canada between July 15-19, 2007. I believe that both of these
congresses will be very successful in their scientific dimensions. Both
meetings are being held in beautiful spots and I also believe that they
will turn out to be memorable and even indelible social events.
I should also mention two other future IUTOX activities. Our Spanish colleagues
have already started preparations for the organization of the ICT XII
Barcelona meeting scheduled to be held in 2010. Meanwhile we have called
on the member societies to submit bids for hosting The 7th Congress of
Toxicology in Developing Countries in 2009. The deadline for bids to host
this congress is December 31, 2005. The host for the 7th CTDC will be
elected from among the bidders by the member societies in a mail-ballot
that will be held in the first quarter of 2006.
You will find information regarding these events and other current IUTOX
activities in this newsletter.
I cordially extend my best wishes to all IUTOX members and encourage those
national societies of toxicology not now members of IUTOX to consider
seriously membership in IUTOX.
Best regards,
Ali Esat Karakaya
IUTOX President
Executive
Committee Minutes
IUTOX
EC Meeting
Minutes
New Orleans, LA
March 6-7, 2005
Participants:
Ali Esat Karakaya (presiding), Robert Kroes, A. Wallace Hayes,
Tohru Inoue, Alexander Buerkle, Silvia Barros (March 7 only), Kevin Chipman,
Corrado Gali, Barbara Hales, Konrad Rydzynski, and Shawn Lamb
Partial Attendance: Torbjorn Malmfors, Kai Savolainen, and Malle Jurima-Romet,
during the time of his/her presentation.
1. Welcome and Opening of the Meeting.
Dr. Karakaya called the meeting to order at 13.00 on March 6, 2005 in
New Orleans, LA.
2. Minutes.
The Minutes of the July 15, 2004 EC Meeting were approved.
3. Commission Reports.
3. 1. Finance Commission. Dr. Alexander Buerkle reported
on the financial outcome for the four-year period that ended December
31, 2004. He provided a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and a
general ledger for the period. IUTOX has assets of approximately $350,000
as of fiscal year-end 2004. Since the primary IUTOX income and expense
are the results of the ICT meeting that occurs every three years, there
was considerable discussion about the need for a three-year budget in
addition to the one-year budget. Dr. Buerkle will meet with the Finance
Committee and will work with Ms. Lamb, along with input from the various
commissions, committees and task forces, to draft these documents (one-and
three-year budgets) for review by the EC.
A balance for 2005 of $23,600 will be placed in an account restricted
for Continuing Education (CE) activities. The Finance Committee will solicit
additional funds for IUTOX CE. One potential donor could be the World
Bank; another potential donor for CTDC funding was the Fogarty International
Center.
An institutional membership campaign had been initiated. The $1500 institutional
member fee was discussed, but since according to the bylaws the fee is
set at the General Assembly, any changes in fee structure will need to
wait until 2007. All members of the EC are requested to submit to Dr.
Buerkle the names of companies and individuals within the company that
should be contacted about institutional membership. A draft letter for
institutional memberships is available from IUTOX headquarters.
Dr. Buerkle reported that a financial policy had been drafted and would
be discussed by the Finance Committee; he will forward the policy to the
EC for approval shortly. The IUTOX reserves policy was discussed. It was
the consensus of the EC to set the IUTOX reserve policy at 100% of the
annualized operating budget.
There was a general discussion of a need for Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) for the EC. Dr. Hayes will draft IUTOX SOPs and circulate these
to the EC.
3. 2. Scientific
Commission. Dr. Kroes reported on the recent Scientific Commission
activities. Dr. Mumtaz Iscan’s name (Turkish Society of Toxicology)
had been submitted by IUTOX as an invitee to the International Forum on
Bio-security, which is being organized by the US National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Kroes provided a report on ICSU activities. He solicited and received
comments from the EC on the draft strategic plan for ICSU, of which IUTOX
is a member. Dr. Kroes will provide the IUTOX ICSU Strategic Plan comments
to ICSU. It was the consensus of the EC to nominate Dr. Kroes to the ICSU
leadership as an “Ordinary” member.
Dr. Kroes reported that he and Dr. Barros were both serving on the scientific
program committee of the CTDC 6. The preliminary program was discussed.
3.3. Communication
Commission. Dr. Hayes reported on the Communication Commission
activities. He noted that the newsletter had been integrated into the
web site. Dr. Hayes reported that an edition of the newsletter, now web-based,
had been posted to the IUTOX website in the Fall 2004 and an announcement
and link had been sent to member societies. An additional issue is planned
for Spring 2005, which will highlight several member societies and feature
clinical toxicology information. In addition, IUTOX commission reports
will be published.
Dr. Hayes stated that the IUTOX website continued to see increased usage,
with a doubling of hits to the front web page since ICTX in July 2004.
Paul Wright, website moderator, is emailing IUTOX member societies that
do not have their own websites to inform them of their ability to have
a web page within the IUTOX website (using a sample template).
IUTOX will continue to have a booth at the SOT Annual Meeting and a poster
at the CTDC and ICT meetings. Displays at other meetings are under discussion.
Comments on booth updates should be sent to Dr. Hayes.
Dr. Hayes reported on a proposal received from Dr. Phil Wexler at the
U.S. National Library of Medicine on a World Library of Toxicology. The
Library will be web-based, country specific, and will be a central location
to get toxicology ideas and share information with language translations.
There was a consensus that having this Library under the IUTOX umbrella,
at no cost to IUTOX, would be good for IUTOX.
3.4 Education
and Career Development Commission. Dr. Chipman reported on the
activities of the Education and Career Development Commission for 2001-2004.
He noted that the educational activities included Continuing Education
(CE) courses in developing countries, the Risk Assessment Summer School
(RASS), the donation of books and materials, a web-based graduate training
program, and SOT/AstraZeneca Travel Awards.
IUTOX continues to fund Guest Expert lectures for CE programs associated
with national toxicology scientific meetings. In 2004, IUTOX funded a
GLP CE course at the SOT India meeting, with Nigel Dent as speaker. In
addition, IUTOX provided funds to the WHO/TDR South Africa Training course.
Drs. Chipman and Hayes will draft a letter to member societies notifying
them of the CE program and providing them with two application deadline
dates per year. Funding for these lectures has previously come from corporate
sponsors. Two requests for lectures have been received; one from the Chinese
SOT and one from the Argentinean Toxicology Society. Three additional
requests are expected from: Nigeria, Estonia and 6 CTDC. EC members should
provide suggestions for speakers to Dr. Chipman.
Dr. Chipman reported that nine applicants had been selected to receive
IUTOX SOT/AstraZeneca travel fellowships. Two applicants had trouble obtaining
VISAs, and one was ultimately unable to attend. Based on EC consensus,
HQ will work with SOT to move the award deadline, review, and notifications
earlier in the year (perhaps October 9 to coincide with SOT award deadlines)
to allow the recipients greater time to secure travel VISAs.
Leftover SOT CE syllabi were donated to IUTOX in 2004 and will again be
donated in 2005. IUTOX distributes these to developing countries.
Dr. Chipman commented on the International Lab Exchange Visit Program,
which will provide opportunities for students to visit other countries.
Dr. Chipman is compiling the information and it will be placed on the
IUTOX website. Dr. Chipman reported that the Education Commission is also
developing a list of funding agencies for all countries. When completed,
Dr. Chipman will post this on the IUTOX web site and disseminate it to
member societies.
The EC reviewed a progress report for the Online Master Program in Toxicology,
which is an online postgraduate education program available for students
in developing countries.
Dr. Torbjorn Malmfors presented a review of the RASS activities in 2004.
He stated that the 2004 RASS program in Germany had trained 25 students
from 17 countries, 9 with fellowships. Student evaluations indicated strong
support for the program. Dr. Malmfors will conduct the RASS program again
in 2006. Dr. Malmfors has developed a RASS manual in English with a Spanish
translation (available from IUTOX HQ).
Dr. Malmfors stated that a typical RASS course costs $60K USD, with $35K
in registrant revenue, necessitating fundraising of $25K.
4. Reports
of the Committees.
4.1. Membership Committee. Dr. Inoue reported that IUTOX
had received a request for membership from the Hong Kong SOT, China. Dr.
Chipman asked about a request from the Austrian SOT, which had not been
received at IUTOX HQ. Dr. Chipman will follow-up with the Austrian SOT
to confirm the status of the application. Dr. Hayes will contact the Chinese
SOT.
Dr. Inoue reported that the Membership Committee would be working closely
with the CTDC meetings to encourage membership of developing countries
and/or help developing countries form toxicology societies.
4.2 Developing
Countries Committee. Dr. Barros reported that the Developing
Countries Committee was developing a questionnaire to be used to identify
the needs and main topics of interest to member societies, as well as
to ask for information from these societies for the IUTOX newsletter.
As a member of the 6CTDC Program Committee, Dr. Barros is working to ensure
that many topics of interest to developing countries are presented at
the 6CTDC. In addition, the Committee will continue discussions with potential
host countries for 7CTDC.
The Developing Countries Committee is working on a list of developing
countries without a toxicology society and names of toxicologists within
those countries. She met with the newly forming SOT special interest group
of African toxicologists at the SOT meeting.
5. Reports
of Congresses.
5.1. ICT X. Dr. Savolainen (Finish Society of Toxicology)
reported on the ICT X meeting held in Tempre, Finland. He stated that
the overall organization had been smooth and that 1327 people had attended.
He stated that there were 215 CE program attendees, 45 exhibitors, and
3585 combined social program registrations. He reviewed the budget for
the meeting and noted that IUTOX had received $66,455 as its share of
the profits. The scientific proceedings will be published in Toxicology
and Applied Pharmacology in 2005.
5.2. ICT XI.
Drs. Hayes and Karakaya reported that they had met with the ICT XI organizers
to discuss details of the Memorandum of Agreement between National Research
Council of Canada, Society of Toxicology, Canada, and IUTOX. Several issues
remain to be settled, including whether a scientific proceedings will
be published. There was EC consensus that no proceedings was necessary
and that the funds could be better spent on travel awards. It was suggested
that in the future, all members of the IUTOX EC should be members of the
ICT Organizing Committee and that all IUTOX Scientific Commission members
should be members of the ICT Scientific Program Committee.
Dr. Jurima-Romet (Society of Toxicology, Canada) informed the EC of the
progress on the ICT XI meeting to be held in Montreal, Canada in 2007.
She detailed the information on the Scientific Program Committee, to which
Drs. Chipman and Inoue had been added. She also provided information on
the facilities, timeline, invited session overview, and budget.
5.3. ICT XII
Update. Dr. Vilanova (Spanish Society of Toxicology) was not
able to attend the meeting, but provided a report on the ICT XII meeting
plans (Baracelonia, Spain, 2010). The EC expressed concern about the proposed
change of venue and the ability of the new location to accomodate participants
and exhibitors. Dr. Karakaya will follow up with Dr. Villanova on ICT
XII facilities.
5.4. EUROTOX
2006/6 CTDC. Drs Kroes and Galli reported on the scientific program
for the 6CTDC to be held in Croatia in 2006. The proram will now include
a greater number of sessions of interest to individuals from developing
countries. Dr. Karakaya stated that a Memorandum of Understanding for
the 6CTDC meeting had been signed.
5.5. 7CTDC.
Dr. Karakaya reported on the history of the CTDC meetings. He indicated
that India and South Africa had shown interest in hosting the 7CTDC, but
no firm proposals had yet been received.. Any society interested in hosting
the 7th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countires can find the process
for applying on the IUTOX website (www.IUTOX.org)
5.6. IUTOX-WC6
(6th World Congress of Alternatives and Animal Use in Life Sciences) relation.
Dr. Inoue reported on the request to have IUTOX as a co-sponsor of the
6th World Congress of Alternatives and Animal Use. IUTOX has sent a letter
in support of the Congress to the organizors of the 6th World Congress
of Alternatives and Animal Use to be held in Japan.
7. Reports
of Task Forces.
7.1. Image of Toxicology Task Force. Dr. Chipman reported that
the Image of Toxicology Task Force had recently met. Representatives of
SOT and EUROTOX are Task Force participants and discussions on collaboration
occurred. The Task Force is working to develop a publication aimed at
the general public (with scientific knowledge) on the value of toxicology
to society. This could be published in a journal such as The New Scientist
and linked to the IUTOX website, perhaps with a simplified version for
students. The Toxicology Education Foundation (TEF) “Is It Safe?”
video was reviewed and Dr. Chipman was to follow up TEF to see if IUTOX
could play a role in the video.
7.2. Certification and Registration Task Force. Dr. Galli
proposed a system of four levels of registration for toxicologists. The
first level is for students with the fourth level being for internationally
recognized developers of scientific opinion. The IART website is to be
placed under the umbrella of the IUTOX website.
8. Other Business.
The IUPAC prize for student travel was discussed and several possible
means of developing a similar prize for IUTOX were discussed. No decision
was reached.
Dr. Galli will provide the EUROTOX Best Paper Award information to Dr.
Hayes so award guidelines can be publicized in the IUTOX newsletter.
9. Next Meetings.
The EC determined that the next EC meetings would be held:
September 11-14, 2005 at the EUROTOX meeting in Poland
March 3-5, 2006 at the SOT US meeting
September 20-24, 2006 at the 6CTDC/EUROTOX meeting in Croatia
10. ADJORN.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned
at 17.00 on March 7, 2004.
IUTOX
Finance Commission Report (March 2005)
Members: A Buerkle, R Kroes, A
W Hayes
General comment:
Current assets are $311,493 as of December 2005. Although IUTOX finances
are still acceptable IUTOX must stabilize the Union’s finances by
increasing income and reducing costs.
Over the last years,
there was a trend toward lower revenue from member dues based on reduced
head count in member societies.
An institutional membership
campaign has been initiated, with six members to date. Institutional membership
is $1500 per year. While this is an encouraging development, many more
institutional members must be recruited.
Specific tasks
- Update the three-year budget plan to cover years 2006-2008
- Continue and reinforce efforts to recruit new institutional members
(i.e. companies). Here we need the help of our members!
- To counter the losses in revenue from member dues resulting from reduced
member society head count, we are preparing a recommendation for the
September 2006 EC meeting a recommendation for a change in the dues
structure.
- At the same time we are exploring options to reduce overall administrative
and web service costs.
Communications
Commission Report
The members of the communication commission are A. Wallace
Hayes (chair), Corrado L. Galli, and Konrad Rydzynski. The commission
met March to review it mission. Activities of the commission include:
IUTOX Newsletter, IUTOX website, IUTOX booth activities and the World
Library of Toxicology. The IUTOX newsletter is published twice yearly
in the Fall and Spring on the IUTOX website. One of the main features
of the newsletter is the biannual report of the president of IUTOX and
the reports of the various commissions, committees and task forces. All
member societies or individual toxicologists are encouraged to submit
items of interest to the editor of the newsletter at www.iutox.org. Go
to the IUTOX website (www.iutox.org) and click on Feedback. We encourage
your comments.
The IUTOX website is for all 20,000 toxicologists around the globe. Please
use it! Paul Wright (Australian Society of Toxicology) is our website
moderator. Much excellent information is available on the website with
a number of excellent links. Is your society linked to the IUTOX website
and is the information regarding your society up to date. If not, please
contact IUTOX headquarters at (Shawn, please add contact and email). If
a member society needs assistance with their website or would like to
develop a website, please contact (Shawn, please add). A special feature
of the website deals with individual member societies: if your society
has not submitted a short history and activity report, please do so by
sending a 1 page write up of your society to (Shawn, please add)
IUTOX has been active at several recent meetings. The IUTOX boot was displayed
at the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology in San Diego, California,
March, 2006 and will be displayed at the upcoming 6th Congress of Toxicology
in Developing Countries and EUROTOC later in 2006.
The Executive Committee discussed the possibility of an on line scientific
journal but made the decision not to undertake such a project.
The newest activity of the Communication Commission has be with the World
Library of Toxicology. The library will be web-based, country specific,
and will be a central location to get toxicology ideas and shore information.
Developing
Countries Committee Report (March 2005)
March 8, 2005
New Orleans, USA
Participants: Silvia Barros (Chair), Wallace Hayes, Thoru Inoue
(membership committee chair), Erik Dybing (Past President, IUTOX), George
Corcoran (SOT), and Angelika Tritscher (WHO)
Regrets: Mary Gullumian (South African Society of Toxicology), Jyrki
Liesivuorui (Finish Society of Toxicology), Junshi Chen (Chinese Society
of Toxicology ), and Edmond Creppy (French Society of Toxicology)
Dr. Barros called the meeting to order at 1300, March 8, 2005 in New
Orleans, LA, USA. Dr. Barros welcomed the members of the committee to
the meeting. Dr. Dybing introduced Dr. Tritscher of the World Health
Organization (WHO) who was then invited to join the committee representing
the WHO.
The plans, objectives and goals of the committee were reviewed by Dr.
Barros. Following discussion by the committee, it was concluded that
the first action of the committee should be to increase contacts with
toxicologist from developing countries. A number of contacts for Africa
had been submitted by Drs. Gulumian, Corcoran and Creppy. It was reported
that Dr. Leisivuori would supply the names of contacts in Pakistan and
Central Asia; Dr. Tnoue was requested to supply contact names for other
areas in Asia. There are a number of existing Societies of Toxicology
in South America. Dr. Barros will follow up by contacting these societies
about becoming members of IUTOX. In addition, Dr. Barros will contact
each of the individuals from the various countries to see if IUTOX can
help with the organization of a toxicology society in their country.
Dr. Barros briefed the committee on the activities of the scientific
committee for the next Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries
to be held in Croatia in 2006. The scientific program is progressing
nicely with a good selection of symposia, workshops and continuing education
courses.
A questionnaire to help determine the interest and needs of toxicologists
and toxicology societies in developing countries that is in the early
stages of development was reviewed by Dr. Barros Suggested additions
and changes will be incorporated into the questionnaire prior to sending
it to selected toxicologists in developing countries that do not yet
have toxicology societies and to all 17 toxicology societies in developing
countries.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 14:00.
Respectively submitted,
Silvia Barros
Chair, Developing Countries Committee
Enhancement
of the Appreciation and Image of Toxicology Report (March 2005)
Membership:
J.Kevin Chipman–IUTOX
Exec. LEAD
Tetsuo Satoh–ASIATOX
Linda Birnbaum–SOT
Robert Kroes–EUROTOX
Konrad Rydzynski–IUTOX
Exec.
Maritza Rojas Martini–Venezuela
Task plans:
The purpose of this task group is to enhance visibility of the importance
and extensive benefits associated with “Toxicology” in its
broad sense and to address issues that may come from an inappropriate
perception of the science within the (a) scientific community, (b) funding
agencies and (c) the general public including school children.
Particular aspects to focus on will be the following with an emphasis
on the great value of toxicology in human and environmental health:
- Economic values
of toxicology e.g. in agriculture and in avoidance of adverse drug
reactions
- The needs and
benefits of animal use in safety assessment and human and environmental
health
- The advances
in in vitro alternative strategies
- The needs of
Governments for relevant expert toxicology advice (the value and potential
decline of this expertise)
- The changing
structure of toxicology within academia (links to the basic sciences
versus applied research).
- The expansion
and maintenance of training and career opportunities
- The expansion
and maintenance of research support (addressing concerns about reduction
of academic toxicology research).
- The importance
of risk communication and remedy of false “risk perceptions”
The task group will
aim to produce publicity information in various formats emphasising
the importance of the subject and the needs for the future. The group
wishes to emphasise that Toxicology is about health and protection,
not about poisons. Productions from the work of the task group will
be tailored to address the different issues and to separately address
the three target groups as listed above internationally. It will also
highlight actions that the toxicology community need to take in order
to enhance image.
Specific plans may include:
- Seek interaction
with other global and regional groups that are attempting to achieve
the same (e.g. CEFIC-LRI have an initiative) and possibly EUROTOX/SOT/ASIATOX.
We need to identify all of these groups, determine what they are doing
and whether we can collaborate.
- To produce a
publication along the lines of "THE VALUE OF TOXICOLOGY TO SOCIETY".
This publication might be aimed at a general reader with scientific
knowledge ( e.g. for publication in New Scientist/Science or similar
publication). The article would include the cost to society of e.g.
adverse drug reactions, environmental pollution etc. and highlighting
the crucial importance, and proven value/success, of toxicology in
limiting these problems. We should also include examples of where
Toxicology has driven advances in understanding of fundamental biology
(e.g. apoptosis, aging, mitochondrial function).
- We might consider
a similar production to be linked to the IUTOX website and other publications.
- We might consider
an additional, colourful and simplistic production for targeting schools.
- Other items
for which we might focus are Chemical and biological threat, the environment
and occupational toxicology, food safety and animal welfare.
- We need to focus
on the training gaps between developed and developing countries
- It is planned
that the Task Force should work closely with the Communication Commission.
- Round-Table
discussion sessions at International meetings, possibly starting with
EUROTOX are planned. The purpose of this is to highlight the actions
needed to be taken by the Toxicology Community to enhance Image.
- At Birmingham
in the UK, a Masters Student is gathering evidence of the value and
importance of Toxicology. For dissemination, a link with the Toxicology
Education Foundation is being established.
A budget of approx. $2,000/year is anticipated.
Finance
Commission Report (March 2005)
Members:
A. Buerkle, R. Kroes, A. W. Hayes
General comment: The assets of IUTOX current to shrink. Current assets
are $350,815 as of December 2004. To stabilize the Union’s finances,
we must increase our income by recruiting new institutional members
(see below).
Specific
tasks:
- Recruit new
institutional members (i.e. companies).
- Finalize the
IUTOX financial policy, including guidelines for the Treasurer. Comment:
Drafted by FC at New Orleans meeting. Final version to be circulated
for approval by EC members.
- Prepare budgets:
Comment: Three-Year Budget Plan to be set up as soon as possible,
as specified in Financial Policy. This should include a detailed plan
for fundraising.
- Explore the
possibility of appointing additional FC members who are not on the
EC but have expertise in fundraising. Comment: Formation of a “Fundraising
subcomittee” recommended.
- Explore the
possibility of using a money manager. Comment: FC suggested we should
not proceed with formal appointment of a money manager, but find alternative
solution to optimize allocation of assets.
- Contribute to
the activity of the International Sponsor Committee of the EUROTOX
2006/6CTDC Congress.
Scientific
Commission Report (March 2005)
The Scientific Commission’s
general objectives are to follow up on scientific developments and to
incorporate these developments where relevant, feasible and/or necessary
in the overall scientific strategy of IUTOX and of the global strategy
on science (ICSU – International Council of Sciences).
IUTOX will, in particular, focus on scientific activities in developing
countries and will stimulate these countries to participate in forthcoming
scientific meetings.
In addition, the Scientific Commission will actively participate in
the scientific programming of meetings organized under the umbrella
of IUTOX (CTDC and ICT). IUTOX representatives (Prof.dr. Erik Dybing,
Prof.dr. Sylvia Barros and Prof.dr. R. Kroes) participated in the Scientific
Program Committee of the CTDC6/Eurotox 2006 Congress to be held in Dubrovnik,
Croatia, September 20-24, 2006. The Scientific Commission attended the
first Scientific Program Committee meeting of the IUTOX Congress ICT
XI to be held in Montreal, June 15-19 2007.
The chair of the Scientific Commission was appointed as representative
of IUTOX in ICSU. In this context a member of IUTOX was nominated for
participation in the International Forum on Bio-security held in Como,
Italy, March 20-22, 2005. The Executive Committee of IUTOX commented
on a draft of the Strategic Plan of ICSU and the revised plan will be
discussed at the 28th General Assembly of ICSU, which will be held in
Shanghai and Suzhou, China, October 17-20, 2005.
Robert Kroes
Chair, Scientific Commission
IUTOX
Meetings
Member
News
American
Academy of Clinical Toxicology
The American Academy
of Clinical Toxicology (AACT), founded in 1968, is a not-for-profit
multi-disciplinary organization uniting scientists and clinicians in
the advancement of research, education, prevention and treatment of
diseases caused by chemicals, drugs and toxins. The AACT provides an
academic home for members of all healthcare disciplines whose research,
clinical and academic experience focuses on clinical toxicology and
encourages the development of safe, effective therapies and technologies
for the treatment of human and animal poisoning.
Today, the AACT is an international organization whose membership is
comprised of clinical and research toxicologists, physicians, veterinarians,
nurses, pharmacists, analytical chemists, industrial hygienists, poison
information center specialists, and allied professionals.
One of the major activities of the AACT is the organization and co-sponsorship
(with the American Association of Poison Control Centers) of the annual
North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology. This scientific activity
is the premier clinical toxicology meeting in North America and includes
the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists
(EAPCCT), the American College of Medical Toxicology and the Canadian
Association of Poison Control Centres.
The AACT actively supports the efforts of other toxicology organizations
worldwide and is a co-sponsor of the International Scientific Congress
of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists
(EAPCCT). In addition, the AACT is an invited participant in the scientific
meetings of the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists
and Toxicologists.
Other AACT activities include providing research awards for young researchers
and supporting a training course in Advanced Hazardous Life Support.
The journal Clinical Toxicology is the official scientific journal of
the AACT and the EAPCCT.
Further information about the AACT membership and activities, and the
annual scientific meeting can be found at the AACT
website.
American
College of Toxicology
The American College
of Toxicology, founded in 1979, has a membership of more than 800 scientists
devoted to the discipline of toxicology. Areas of emphasis include the
exchange of ideas between regulatory bodies and the industries they
regulate, such as environmental pollution, toxicological implications
for public health, chemical exposures in developing countries, and new
advances in biology which enhance our ability to more fully develop
our understanding of the mechanisms by which chemicals can impact our
health and the environment.
The American College of Toxicology (ACT) holds its annual meeting in
the United States which facilitates maximum interaction among the attendees.
Furthermore, the small size (450-500) of the meetings allows us to concentrate
on specific areas of interest to our members. Experts invited to participate
in various symposia can interact with many of the attendees on a much
closer basis.
ACT was among the earliest societies to offer continuing education courses
(CEC) at its annual meeting. CEC subjects range from the latest in experimental
approaches to the study of toxicological processes such as genomics,
proteomics and metabonomics, to practical courses in how to be a study
director or how to be a consultant. A course in Pathology for Toxicologists,
in cooperation with the Society of Toxicological Pathologists, was recently
inaugurated. The course is given at a time and site different from the
annual meeting. (see ACT website for information). (www.actox.org).
The College recognizes the distinctive efforts of both senior toxicologists
and students in toxicology. ACT gives two awards: the Distinguished
Service Award and the Life Time Achievement Award. The Distinguished
Service Award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions
to toxicology and public health. It is not restricted to members of
ACT.
The Life Time Achievement Award recognizes members of ACT who have made
important contributions to the development of the Society. In addition,
student presentations at the annual meeting are ranked for scientific
quality, and the student authors of the best papers are honored at the
annual luncheon banquet.
The official journal of the American College of Toxicology, The
International Journal of Toxicology, had its origin as the Journal
of Environmental Pathology and Toxicology. The first issue of the
Society’s official journal was published in January 1982. Drs.
Myron A. Mehlman, Mildred S. Christian and Robert M. Diener have served
as past editors-in-chief of the journal. Dr. Harihara Mehendale is the
current editor-in-chief. Each year, the best papers published in the
journal are selected for recognition at the annual meeting.
The American College of Toxicology offices are located in Bethesda,
Maryland and the Executive Director of ACT is Carol C. Lemire, B.S.
(clemire@actox.org).
The American College of Toxicology pledges to support the work of IUTOX
aimed at research and education that will help to expand and improve
toxicology worldwide and the application of our discipline to the solution
of problems related to exposure to chemicals in the various environments
in which we live and work, particularly in developing countries.
Estonian
Society of Toxicology
Optimistic ideas
that came up at the Finnish-Estonian Congress of Toxicology in the spring
of 1997 in Tartu, Estonia led to establishment of the Estonian Society
of Toxicology on October 17, 1997. The Estonian Society of Toxicology
(ETS) currently has 50 members. Dr. Anne Kahru is the chairperson of
the board of the Estonian Society of Toxicology. ETS has been a member
of EUROTOX since 1998 and IUTOX since 2004.
The aims of ETS
- to join specialists
of various fields of toxicological research,
- to encourage
participation of its active members, especially post-graduate, PhD
students and young researches in scientific events abroad and to conduct
their research,
- to organize
conferences,
- to promote scientific
contacts between Estonian toxicologists and their foreign colleagues,
- to consult and
provide professional advice to legal entities and private persons,
- to provide toxicological
expertise on sustainable management of Estonian natural resources
and on environmental protection problems.
The main
events of ETS
The very first effort
of our Society was to organize a Joint Conference of the Scandinavian
Society of Cell Toxicology and the Estonian Society of Toxicology in
1998. The meeting was held in Tallinn, Estonia and attended by 86 participants
from 17 countries.
In April 2003, a course on Good Laboratory Practice was organized with
the help of IUTOX (lecturer Dr. Andrew Waddell).
ETS is involved in the Btox program, started by University of Uppsala
a few years ago, to initiate toxicology education in the Baltic countries.
With the exception of a few courses in pharmacology departments, toxicology
as a discipline is not taught in Estonian universities.
The ETS (www.estsoctox.ee), together
with the Scandinavian Society of Cell Toxicology (www.ssct.net),
is organizing an international toxicological conference, “Chemicals,
Human & Environment” that will take place in Toila, Estonia
on October 20-23, 2005 (http://ptah.kbfi.ee/toila2005).
The role of ETS in Estonia
Since joining the European Union, Estonia is facing new legislatory
needs. As a result of changing legistation, there is a need for toxicological
knowledge in environmental risk assessment, evaluation of food and cosmetic
products etc. Toxicological research will play a significant part in
developing Estonian sustainable development strategy. ETS is contributing
to these activities by promoting networking and exchange of know-how
among its members and their colleagues, thereby helping them to interact
more effectively and achieve better results.
Dr.
Anne Kahru
Chairperson, Estonian Society of Toxicology
EUROTOX
2006
42nd Congress of
The European Societies of Toxicology
11–14 September 2005
Cracow, Poland
by prof. Konrad Rydzynski, ChairmanLocal Organizing Committee
The Polish Society of Toxicology and The Nofer Institute of Occupational
Medicine in Lodz have an honor and pleasure to invite you to take a
part in the 42nd Congress of The European Societies of Toxicology that
will be held in Cracow, Poland, 11-14 September, 2005.
Cracow is perhaps the best possible location in Poland for an international
congress of the highest rank. It is a large academic center with centuries-old
of scholarship tradition. The Jagiellonian University (founded in 1364),
the oldest university in Poland and one of the first few in Europe was
one of the most famous learning sites in the Medieval Europe. It boasts
of having Nicolas Copernicus among its scholars.
We are offering a wide range of support for the young scientists, e.g.
Young Scientist Award, Young Toxicologist Fellowship. Look for the details
at www.eurotox2005.org
The Scientific program for the 42nd Congress of The European Societies
of Toxicology has been has been attached to this mail.
We do hope that the program will encourage all of you to come to Cracow.
And apart from the Scientific program we will offer you the highlights
of Cracow including the unique tour through the Collegium Maius, the
oldest part of the Jagiellonian University. We are faithful that both
the Scientific and Social programs will fully satisfy your needs.
All details of the 42nd Congress of The European Societies of Toxicology
are available at our web-page www.eurotox2005.org.
Hope to see you all in Cracow in September 2005!
prof. Konrad Rydzynski
Chairman
Local Organizing Committee
India
Society of Toxicology
Report of symposium
on GLP;
 A
National Symposium on Good Laboratory Practice and Regulatory Issues
was organized in connection with the Silver Jubilee Year Celebrations
of Society of Toxicology, India during 28-30th October 2004 at Sree
Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Government
of India), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The theme of the conference
was Good Laboratory Practice and Regulatory issues, and the aim was
to communicate the ideas and advantages of GLP and regulatory Issues
at grass root level of the scientific community. To a certain level
this meeting catalyzed the creation of awareness among the young scientific
community and moulded their thought process, so that Research and Development
in India gears up to meet the GLP requirements and will be globally
competitive.
 The
National Symposium on Good Laboratory Practice was inaugurated by Dr.
K. Mohandas, President, Association of Indian Universities and Vice
president Common wealth universities. Dr. R Saha, Advisor and Head,
National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority presided over the function.
Felicitations were made by Dr. GS. Bhuvaneshwar and Dr. PK. Gupta. Dr.
CC Kartha welcomed the gathering and vote of thanks was given by Dr.
PV. Mohanan, Organizing Secretary of the conference. The highlight of
the symposium was Continuing education course on Good Laboratory Practice
by Dr. Nigel Dent, Director, Country Consultancy, UK. The Continuing
Education Course was sponsored by International Union of Toxicology,
USA. The afternoon sessions saw various aspects of GLP being covered
by eminent industrialists and academic personalities from all parts
of India.
The symposium was attended by more than 180 delegates from India and
abroad. The active participation of all delegates in the discussions
was an indication of the importance GLP.
Best wishes
Sincerely yours,
Dr. P.V. Mohanan
Organizing Secretary
Polish
Society of Toxicology
 The
history of Toxicology in Poland as a scientific discipline dates back
to the period between the two world wars when the toxicological analysis
was introduced into institutes of toxicological and forensic chemistry
in the universities’ pharmaceutical departments. These institutes
were responsible for the preparation of most of the legal expertise
required by the courts. New problems emerged as a response to intensive
industrialization of the century after the II World War, especially
within the fields of industrial and environmental toxicology and utilization
of chemicals. These changes prompted the development of clinical, industrial,
environmental and veterinary toxicology.
The first organization of Polish toxicologists, the Toxicology Section
of the Polish Pharmacological Society, was created in 1966. The Section
organized first Polish Toxicological Symposium in 1968.
On 8 March 1978 Polish Society of Toxicology was formally founded as
an interdisciplinary scientific society acting under the auspices of
the Polish Academy of Science (PAN). The aims of the Society include
organization and promotion of scientific research in the field of toxicology;
dissemination of research results in toxicology and related fields;
informing the public about current toxicological issues; representation
of Polish toxicology in Poland and abroad.
The Polish Society of Toxicology operates nationwide. There are 11 regional
branches: Bia_ystok, Gda_sk, Kraków, Lublin, _ód_, Pozna_,
Silesia, Szczecin, Warsaw, Wroc_aw, Warmia and Masuria. Altogether,
the Society has more than 300 members. The current president is Prof.
Konrad Rydzy_ski and _ód_ is the seat of the Society. The board
of directors of the Polish Society of Toxicology co-ordinates the activities
of its regional branches and fulfils its duties through established
commissions and sections, such as the Charter Commission, the Commission
for Education, the Commission for the Registration of Toxicologists,
the Commission for International Cooperation, the Editorial Commission
and the Environmental Toxicology Section.
 In 1991,
The Society became a member of EUROTOX and in 1999 member of IUTOX.
Training of toxicologists in Poland under the auspices of the Polish
Society of Toxicology was formally included in postgraduate education
programs as early as 1983. Since the very beginning of its existence
the Society has acted as an advisory body and provides scientific consultation
in toxicology and the Commission for the Registration of Toxicologists
appoints experts whose authority is recognized internationally. Since
1993 the Society has been publishing in English its own scientific journal
Acta Toxicologica. Its Editor-in-Chief is Prof. Jan Stetkiewicz
and the editing offices are in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
in _ód_. In 1994, the Editorial Commission compiled and published
the “Dictionary of toxicological terms”.
Scientific congresses organized by the Society provide the largest forum
for the presentation of the research results in all areas of toxicology
and stimulate further advances in toxicology and constitute a significant
contribution on the part of Polish toxicologists to Polish and world
science. The Society is very proud of having organized eight national
scientific congresses. The Polish Society of Toxicology together with
the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine is also organizing the
42nd Congress of The European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX) in Cracow,
Poland, 11-14 September 2005.
The scientific activity encompasses all areas of toxicology, including
environmental, industrial, clinical, forensic and veterinary toxicology,
toxicological biochemistry, immunotoxicology, toxicological analysis,
regulatory toxicology and others.
Slovenian
SOT
The Slovenian Society
of Toxicology (SST) was founded on March 15, 2000. SST joined EUROTOX
in 2000 and IUTOX in 2001. The Slovenian Society of Toxicology is an
independent, voluntary, nonprofit organization of professionals working
in toxicology. The aims of the SST are to foster and promote toxicology
in Slovenia and to facilitate information exchange amongst various fields
of toxicology and related disciplines by:
- Following toxicological
developments nationally and internationally
- Encouraging
advancement of research in toxicology in Slovenia
- Encouraging
education in toxicology in Slovenia
- Organizing lectures,
meetings, seminars and conferences
- Liaising with
other relevant societies nationally and internationally
- Establishing
a national register including the provision of legal expertise
- Providing information
and consultation to the general public
- Identifying national
toxicological issues and suggesting solutions
- Maintaining
the SST website
The membership of
SST is comprised currently of 78 members from academia, health service,
public and private research institutes, industry and regulatory authorities.
Two members of SST are EUROTOX registered via French and British Societies
of Toxicology. A five-member Executive Committee that is elected every
five years at the annual general meeting of the Slovenian Society of
Toxicology oversees the Society.
Fedor Krej_i, a recently deceased physician, who established the foundations
of clinical toxicology in Slovenia, founded the National Poisons Centre
in the 1960s and initiated an annual course in Clinical Toxicology that
has been successfully run for thirty years, and Vladimir Zelenko, a
chemist, who complemented dr. Krej_i’s efforts by developing and
advancing forensic toxicology to very high standards, were elected to
honorary membership in the Slovenian Society of Toxicology in recognition
of their outstanding contributions to toxicology in Slovenia.
The current Executive Committee consists of the following:
President: Prof. Dr. Metka Budihna, University of Ljubljana, Medical
School
Vice President: M.Sc. Lucija Perhari_, Institute of Public Health of
the Republic of Slovenia
Secretary General: M.Sc. Alenka Franko, Clinical Institute of Occupational
Traffic and Sports Medicine
Treasurer: Dr. Nevenka Ko_uh Er_en, University of Ljubljana, Veterinary
School
Member: Prof. Dr. Du_an _uput, University of Ljubljana, Medical School
Since February 2001, SST has been listed in the register of the Ministry
of Education, Science and Sport as non-governmental scientific organisation
acting in the national public health interest. This status gives SST
opportunities to obtain financial support for its activities while obligating
its members to work in the public interest.
From the beginning, SST has maintained regular contacts with the Croatian
Society of Toxicology and the Hungarian Society of Toxicology. Professor
Danica Prpic Majic of the Croatian Society of Toxicology provided helpful
advise during the formation of SST. The Slovenian and Croatian Societies
now share Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology as their official
journal.
As part of its mission, the Slovenian Society of Toxicology has organized
a number of meetings, workshops and lectures including:
- Toxicology Symposium
at the 8th International Conference on Life Sciences of Slovenia,
Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia, September 2001.
- Environmental Biomarkers, 1st SloTox Workshop, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
October 25 – 26, 2002. IUTOX supported speakers included Dr.
Marshall Adams, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA and Dr. Judith
Zelikoff, New York School of Medicine, USA.
- EUROTOX Basic Toxicology Course, Ljubljana, Slovenia, March 28 -
April 3, 2003.
- Joint Workshop organised by Hungarian Society of Toxicology and
Slovenian Society of Toxicology, Zalakaros, Hungary, November 8, 2003.
Invited speaker was Dr. John Timbrell, King’s College London,
UK.
- 1st International Congress on Toxicology and 9th International Conference
on Life Sciences of Slovenia, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, September 18-21,
2004
- Several lectures for the professional and lay public.
In the future,
the SST plans to further develop its activities along the lines stated
in its Statute, in particular encouraging education in toxicology in
Slovenia by actively participating in establishing formal education
courses.
Turkish
IUTOX
The Turkish Society
of Toxicology (TST) was founded in 1987 by 14 talented and dedicated
toxicologists from academia to promote the advancement and enlargement
of toxicology in Turkey. The membership has climbed steadily from the
original 14 to over 100 members representing mostly academia, but also
government and industry. The main objectives of the society include:
(1) to inform the authorities concerning the scientific problems of
toxicology in general, (2) to prepare training programs and workshops
for educating the public about the potentially harmful effects of chemicals
on the environment and human health, and (3) to foster national and
international scientific cooperation between toxicologists. Members
of the Turkish Society of Toxicology have close contact in both research
and education with toxicologists from other countries. Many members
of the society take part on advisory boards of health, agriculture and
environment related commissions of the Turkish government. TST became
a member of EUROTOX in 1989 and IUTOX in 1998. Prof.Dr. Ali Esat Karakaya
who is a founding member and past chairman (1991–1993 and 1995–2001)
of the Turkish Society of Toxicology, is the current President of the
International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) for 3 years between 2004–2007.
TST has organized not only regular training symposia, panels and national
congressess since its establisment but also international scientific
meetings such as the 4th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries
in 1999 in Antalya and the 39th Congress of the European Societies of
Toxicology (EUROTOX 2001) in Istanbul.
Executive Committee of the Turkish Society of Toxicology:
L to R: Ismet Cok, Nilgun Oto Gecim, Nursen Basaran, Asuman Karakaya,
Belma Giray, Neslihan Aygun Kocabas, Yalcin Duydu
Awards
and Fellowships
2005
IUTOX SOT/AstraZeneca Travel Fellowship Recipients
 Nine
distinguished scientists from developing countries were selected to
receive AstraZeneca and SOT Fellowships to attend the 2005 Society of
Toxicology, USA Annual Meeting in New Orleans Louisiana. The winners
were: Diana Apostolova, Marite Bake, Teresa Fortoul, Mary Gulumian,
He Jiliang, Khalidya Khamidulina, Livinus Orisakwe, Songsak Srianujata,
and Sinan Suzen.
Award winners were selected based on their statement indicating how
they would benefit from the fellowship; Curriculum vitae; letter of
recommendation from home Society; and a demonstration of ability to
meet other expenses to attend the meeting. Award winners each received
$2000 USD.
Congratulations to these outstanding toxicologists!
The on-line application
site for 2006 AstraZeneca and SOT Fellowships to Attend the SOT USA
Annual Meeting in San Diego, California will be open beginning July
15 and will close on October 9, 2005.
African
Education Initiative and Internship Opportunities
NEF-NVRI Toxicology
Internship Program: The Africa Education Initiative (NEF), a U.S. based
Foundation, in collaboration with National Veterinary Research Institute
(NVRI), Vom, Nigeria hereby announces a three-month exciting internship
opportunities in drug development.
NEF and NVRI are
strongly committed to the advancement of science in Africa. We offer
internship opportunities that further expose and prepare students for
the industry while enhancing their technical and research abilities.
Past interns found their internship experience challenging, interesting,
and career enhancing. We expect that you would as well.
Awardees have the
opportunity to:
- Explore research
methodology and conduct research in an area compatible with the interest
of the NVRI.
- Work with the
state-or-the-art research facilities.
- Devote full-time
effort to research and publication.
- Access the excellent
and often unique facilities of the NVRI research enterprise.
- Interact and
collaborate with leading scientists and engineers at NVRI research
laboratories.
Eligibility:
Students from institutions of higher learning in Africa in the following
fields of science: Toxicology, Veterinary Medicine, Biological Sciences,
Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Life Sciences,
and related areas are eligible.
Benefits:
Stipend, housing and travel allowance will be provided The Application
Process: Applications for awards are reviewed by the NEF Internship
Committee and the NVRI. Detailed program information, including application
deadlines and instructions on how to apply, are available at the NEF
web site: http://www.nef3.org
How to Apply:
Visit NEF web site at http://www.nef3.org
and download the application material. Follow the application instructions
carefully.
Completed application forms and supporting documents can be submitted
electronically to: ougweje@uakron.edu
or sent by mail to:
Internship Application
The African Education Initiative
P. O. Box 545
Mystic CT. 06355, USA
For more information,
you may also contact:
Prof. Okechukwu Ugweje
Tel: (330) 972-7168
email: ougweje@uakron.edu
Dr. Levi Mgbojikwe
Tel: (234) (0)281453
email: lomgbojikwe@yahoo.com
The Africa Education Initiative is a non-profit foundation incorporated
in the USA.
Tax Exempt No. 36-4480351.
IUTOX
SOT/AstraZeneca 2006 Travel Fellowships
For more information
about the IUTOX SOT/AstraZeneca
2006 Travel Fellowships visit the link provided.
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