Spring 2017 Newsletter

Society of Toxicology (SOT), USA

SOT 2017 Annual Meeting Attracts Over 6,800 Scientists from Around the Globe

More than 6,800 scientists participated in the Society of Toxicology (SOT) 56th Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, March 12‒16. 2017, and more than 20% were international attendees. These scientists came from as far away as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Europe, India, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, Nigeria, South Korea, and from every corner of the United States. As stated by SOT 2016‒2017 President John B. Morris, “We have gathered to share research, exchange ideas, and form collaborations to advance toxicology’s impact on health."

IUTOX again hosted the 2017 Global Collaboration Coffee on the Monday of the SOT Annual Meeting. IUTOX President Jun Kanno welcomed everyone to the coffee and introductions were presented by Barbara Hales, Chair, Communications Committee; Dieter Schrenk and Lijie Fu, Co-Chairs, Education Committee. This year the agenda was framed by Sustainable Development Goals (SDCs) developed by the UN and adopted by WHO, IUPAC, and others. A hallmark of these SDGs is to encourage actions that can be taken by individuals as well as local, regional, national, and international organizations.

Before the small group discussions that provided an opportunity for brainstorming and networking, there were brief presentations by the following scientists:

• Linda Birnbaum, Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Toxicology Program: NIEHS Contributions
• Elaine Faustman, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington: The WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Initiatives
• Richard Brown, WHO and Martin Wilks, Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology: The WHO Risk Assessment Network and the Role of Systematic Reviews
• George Daston, Procter & Gamble Company: Green Chemistry and the 3Rs
• Ofelia Olivero, National Institutes of Health-National Cancer Institute: Mentorship and Educational Resources

The roundtable discussions at the coffee focused on the SDGs that have action items to: 1) Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals, and 2) Enhance mentorship, education, and scientific research in all countries. IUTOX, as a WHO NGO, is in an excellent position to participate as a supporting organization by educating its member societies about the SDGs and encouraging them to participate in their own ways.

Thirty-four toxicology societies from around the world participated in the Global Gallery of Toxicology. Now in its fifth year, posters of these sister societies were prominently displayed during the meeting, showcasing their formation, key accomplishments, strategic initiatives, and activities. The goal of SOT, and of IUTOX and all of its member societies, is to increase the reliance of international decision-makers on the science of toxicology and to advance human health and disease prevention. These posters were on display from Monday, March 13 to Wednesday, March 15, in the ToxExpo Exhibit Hall.

The SOT Annual Meeting also provided many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to engage in peer-to-peer and mentoring activities, including the Undergraduate Diversity Program, Graduate Student-Postdoctoral Mixer, and Chat with an Expert. These activities are vitally important to building the next generation of toxicologists.

ToxExpo, the largest toxicology exhibition in the world, this year featured 335 exhibiting companies, including 60 first-time exhibitors. These exhibitors included 80 international companies from 20 countries and US companies from states extending from coast to coast and border to border. In addition, 67 Exhibitor-Hosted Sessions were held.

The Society is grateful for the generous contributions of the 45 diverse organizations that provided support for this stellar meeting.

We Look Forward to Seeing You at the 57th SOT Annual Meeting March 11–15, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas

RESOURCE CORNER

AltTox: Online Resource for Non-Animal Methods of Toxicity Testing

The Alttox.org website, co-sponsored by Proctor & Gamble and The Humane Society of the United States, provides scientific and policy news, information, and resources exclusively about non-animal methods for toxicity testing. Content includes:

• New AltTox Digest: February 2017
• New Article: Single Cell Analysis: An In the Spotlight Update
• In the Spotlight: The Human Cell Atlas: An international effort
• In the Spotlight: DIY Entrepreneurship: Regulation Crowdfunding
• In the Spotlight: Implementing the Vision for Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: An Opportunity for Action

We welcome stakeholder participation and suggestions, or just feel free to browse.

AltTox publishes a free monthly e-newsletter to provide users with ready access to new/updated website content. Each issue also includes a brief feature story. The AltTox Digest is a great way to keep in touch with new developments on the website and, in general, with the field of non-animal testing methods. You can read past issues and subscribe to the AltTox Digest online.

Folia Water (formerly Drinkable Book)

www.foliawater.com

Folia Water is a project that grew out of the Drinkable Book project by Theresa Dankovitch. The original book was both a filter and an instruction manual for how and why to clean drinking water. As Folia Water, the filter technology was adapted into Safe Water Books^™, which have been distributed to over 30 countries around the world since the product launch in January. That’s over 1 million liters of safe water!

Future Earth

Scientific integrity at risk from globalization backlash

In a new statement, Future Earth affirms our commitment to support international collaboration and free movement of scientists and the flow of data, information and knowledge for global sustainability. Read the letter...

Welcome to MAIRS-FE

Future Earth has signed a memorandum of understanding with the global research project Monsoon Asia Integrated Research on Sustainability–Future Earth (MAIRS-FE). The project explores important questions around the monsoon climate of Asia and has launched offices in China and India. Read more...

NIH Fogarty International Center

Fogarty protects Americans by building pandemic response capacity in Ebola-hit West Africa

When Ebola struck West Africa in 2014, countries with little or no scientific capacity suffered the most, and the cost of the US response to help them soared above $2 billion. A new Fogarty program is aimed at strengthening scientific expertise at institutions in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone so that when the next outbreak comes, they will be prepared to rapidly respond. The goal is for US scientists to partner with their African counterparts to plan research training programs that would enable quick implementation of therapeutic or vaccine trials when the next infectious disease threatens.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Visit the WHO website for resources including publications, data, WHO programs, partnerships, and other projects.
Access the www.who.int/ipcs/network/en/ to find information regarding human health chemical risk assessment resources worldwide.

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action    
           
Recent Events from the WHO GCM/NCD Newsletter: 
           
GCM/NCD Working Group on health education and health literacy for NCDs was held on 27-28 February 2017 in Geneva.

The first pre-Dialogue caucus meeting let by the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) in Budva, Montenegro draws to a close.

The GCM/NCD Community of Practice (CoP) on NCDs and the Next Generation is launched.   

Save the date: the GCM/NCD is hosting its fourth Global Dialogue meeting. The Dialogue meeting will be on 'how governments can promote policy coherence between different spheres of policy-making that have a bearing on noncommunicable diseases"–20 October 2017 in Uruguay.

Health sector participation: First meeting of the intersessional process on the Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond        
           
The health sector participated in the First meeting of the intersessional process to prepare rec­ommendations regarding the Strategic Approach and sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020. Around 20 ministries of health from all over the world and many health-focused civil society organizations attended the meeting. A key video statement was delivered addressing the importance of sound management of chemicals and the need for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement, as well as a WHO draft road map to enhance health sector engagement towards the 2020 goal and beyond. The WHO road map was described by many during the meeting as useful for assessing and identifying national priorities and it was pro­posed as a model for other sectors to consider. The road map will be discussed in the upcom­ing World Health Assembly in May 2017.

During a health sector meeting organised by WHO, 50 participants shared experiences about chemical issues and discussed the role the health sector can play in addressing them, both within the health system, as well as by working with others. The meeting was held from 7 to 9 February 2017, in Brasilia, Brazil. For more information click here.            

World Water Day 2017: Why waste water?           

Globally, the vast majority of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back into the natural environment without being treated or reused. This year’s theme, Why waste water? was set in support of SDG 6.3 on improving water quality and reducing, treating and reusing wastewater. Reducing and safely treating and reusing wastewater, for ex­ample in agriculture and aquaculture, protects worker, farmers and consumers and promotes food security, health and well-being.

For more information on World Water Day 2017 click here. For the feature story, click here.  

WHO alarmed by use of highly toxic chemicals as weapons in Syria

5 APRIL 2017 | GENEVA - WHO is alarmed by serious reports of the use of highly toxic chemicals in an attack in Khan Shaykhun, southern rural Idleb, Syria. According to Health Cluster partners on the ground treating the patients, at least 70 people have died and hundreds more have been affected. Doctors in Idleb are reporting that dozens of patients suffering from breathing difficulties and suffocation have been admitted to hospitals in the governorate for urgent medical attention, many of them women and children.

Read the full statement online.
                                   
World No Tobacco Day 2017

As an NGO with WHO, IUTOX is a partner in all WHO initiatives and especially promotes World No Tobacco Day every May 31.

World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2017
Tobacco—A Threat to Development
Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health and additional risks associated with tobacco use, and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2017 is "Tobacco—a threat to development."

About the Campaign

• It will demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses to the sustainable development of all countries, including the health and economic well-being of their citizens.

• It will propose measures that governments and the public should take to promote health and development by confronting the global tobacco crisis.

Goals of the World No Tobacco Day 2017 campaign

• Highlight the links between the use of tobacco products, tobacco control and sustainable development.

• Encourage countries to include tobacco control in their national responses to 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

• Support Member States and civil society to combat tobacco industry interference in political processes, in turn leading to stronger national tobacco control action.

• Encourage broader public and partner participation in national, regional and global efforts to develop and implement development strategies and plans and achieve goals that prioritize action on tobacco control.

• Demonstrate how individuals can contribute to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world, either by committing to never taking up tobacco products, or by quitting the habit.

Tobacco Control Supports Health and Development

WHO is calling on countries to prioritize and accelerate tobacco control efforts as part of their responses to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
All countries benefit from successfully controlling the tobacco epidemic, above all by protecting their citizens from the harms of tobacco use and reducing its economic toll on national economies. The aim of the Sustainable Development Agenda, and its 17 global goals, is to ensure that "no one is left behind."

Tobacco control has been enshrined in the Sustainable Development Agenda. It is seen as one of the most effective means to help achieve SDG target 3.4 of a one-third reduction globally, by 2030, of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancers and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease. Strengthening implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco in all countries is an additional target to be met by governments developing national sustainable development responses.

Controlling Tobacco Helps Achieve Other Global Goals

In addition to saving lives and reducing health inequalities, comprehensive tobacco control contains the adverse environmental impact of tobacco growing, manufacturing, trade and consumption.
Tobacco control can break the cycle of poverty, contribute to ending hunger, promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth, and combat climate change. Increasing taxes on tobacco products can also be used to finance universal health coverage and other development programs of the government.

It is not only governments who can step up tobacco control efforts: people can contribute on an individual level to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world. People can commit to never take up tobacco products. Those who do use tobacco can quit the habit, or seek help in doing so, which will in turn protect their health as well as people exposed to second-hand smoke, including children, other family members and friends. Money not spent on tobacco can be, in turn, used for other essential uses, including the purchase of healthy food, healthcare and education.

Facts about Tobacco, Tobacco Control and the Development Goals

• About 6 million people die from tobacco use every year, a figure that is predicted to grow to more than 8 million a year by 2030 without intensified action. Tobacco use is a threat to any person, regardless of gender, age, race, cultural or educational background. It brings suffering, disease, and death, impoverishing families and national economies.
• Tobacco use costs national economies enormously through increased health-care costs and decreased productivity. It worsens health inequalities and exacerbates poverty, as the poorest people spend less on essentials such as food, education and health care. Some 80% of premature deaths from tobacco occur in low- or middle-income countries, which face increased challenges to achieving their development goals.
• Tobacco growing requires large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, which can be toxic and pollute water supplies. Each year, tobacco growing uses 4.3 million hectares of land, resulting in global deforestation between 2% and 4%. Tobacco manufacturing also produces over 2 million tons of solid waste.
• The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) guides the global fight against the tobacco epidemic. The WHO FCTC is an international treaty with 180 Parties (179 countries and the European Union). Today, more than half the world’s countries, representing nearly 40% of the world’s population (2.8 billion people), have implemented at least one of the WHO FCTC’s most cost-effective measures to the highest level. An increasing number of countries are creating firewalls to ward off interference from the tobacco industry in government tobacco control policy.
• Through increasing cigarette taxes worldwide by US$1, an extra US$190 billion could be raised for development. High tobacco taxes contribute to revenue generation for governments, reduce demand for tobacco, and offer an important revenue stream to finance development activities.

International Council for Science (ICSU)

Visit the ICSU website for resources including publications, events, science, and international policy.

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of the International Council for Science (ICSU) is pleased to circulate the call for the TWAS ROLAC Prize: The Public Understanding and Popularization of Science—2017

TWAS ROLAC

PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND POPULARIZATION OF SCIENCE PRIZE—2017

1. The Public Understanding and Popularization of Science Prize will be awarded every three years    
   by TWAS ROLAC to a researcher or writer who has made significant contributions to popularize Science and Technology.
2. The US $3,000.00 prize will be awarded to a candidate engaged in popularizing Science and Technology.
3. A “Special Mention” may be awarded, as an incentive to a researcher, if the prize committee unanimously so decides. In that case, the;awardee is eligible for the prize in other years.
4. The candidate is responsible for his/her own registration.

• Registration form dully filled.
• Updated curriculum vitae.
• Description of candidate’s works justifying their significant contribution to popularization of science.
• Up to five significant publications by the author in this area (electronic copy).

5. The registrations must be submitted by email to twas-rolac@abc.org.br in the following format: Popscience_SURNAME_first initial.doc
6. The complete set of documents must be emailed all together, at the same day, under the title (subject) “Popularization of Science Prize”.
   Late registrations will not be accepted.
7. In case the prize is not awarded, the money prize will not be accumulated for the next edition.
   
8. The Chair of TWAS ROLAC will preside over the Prize Committee and will have the quality vote.

The registration deadline is: May 12, 2017

The winner will be announced during the TWAS General Meeting.

United Nations

The United Nations has developed a comprehensive 15-year plan with 17 sustainable development goals as its centerpiece. Adopted by numerous international organizations including WHO and ICSU, IUTOX embraced SDGs as the theme of its Global Collaboration event held at the SOT Annual Meeting on March 13, 2017.

For a complete overview of the SDGs and to learn how you and your societies can participate, connect, and support this mission, visit their website: sustainabledevelopment.un.org

(Editor’s Note: For an historical perspective, the article below was reprinted from sustainabledevelopment.un.org/resourcelibrary)

Sustainable Development

Since the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment the reach of sustainable development governance has expanded considerably at local, national, regional and international levels. The need for the integration of economic development, natural resources management and protection and social equity and inclusion was introduced for the first time by the 1987 Brundtland Report (Our Common Future), and was central in framing the discussions at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) also known as the Earth Summit. In 1993 the General Assembly established the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), as the United Nations high level political body entrusted with the monitoring and promotion of the implementation of the Rio outcomes, including Agenda 21.

The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development advanced the mainstreaming of the three dimensions of sustainable development in development policies at all levels through the adoption of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).

A process was created for discussing issues pertaining to the sustainable development of small island developing States resulting in two important action plans - Barbados Plan of Action and Mauritius Strategy. The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which was held in 2014, took these processes forward and provided the SAMOA Pathway. In 2012 at the Rio+20 Conference, the international community decided to establish a High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to subsequently replace the Commission on Sustainable Development. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held its first meeting on 24 September 2013. At the Rio+20 Conference, Member States also decided to launch a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were to build upon the Millennium Development Goals and converge with the post 2015 development agenda.

The process of arriving at the post 2015 development agenda was Member State-led with broad participation from Major Groups and other civil society stakeholders. On 25 September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the universal, integrated and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST)

CODEX Regional Consultation and IUFoST Events in Kenya

IUFoST was invited to participate in a series of meetings held in Nairobi, Kenya in conjunction with the 22nd Session of FAO/WHO Regional CODEX Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) from January 16–20.

• Food Safety Symposium

  Dr. George Ooko Abong', Food Science and Technology Platform of Kenya (FoSTeP-K, IUFoST adhering body), chaired a one-day Food Safety Symposium on January 19, organized by FoSTeP-K with support from IUFoST. IUFoST African Adhering Body members from Zambia, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda and Senegal participated.

  Interactive sessions included the Current Food Safety Scenario in Kenya and Uganda (Prof. Archileo Kaaya); Misconceptions and Misinformation on Food Additives, with special emphasis on salt (Dr. Donald Mercer); Food Safety Concerns of GMOs, Prof. T. Mutui of National Biosafety Authority of Kenya; European Labeling Approaches to Promote Consumer Education and Selection of Packaged Foods, Dr. Pamela Byrne (Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI); and Contribution of African Higher Education to Food Safety, Prof. Anakalo Shitandi, Kisii University, Kenya. Group discussions centred on the major issues facing Africa and steps to be taken to improve food safety in the continent through application of food science and technology. An additional session featured a number of topics in the area of Food Science and the Global Food Safety Curricula Initiative (GFSCI).

• Science-based Food Regulations Presentation

  IUFoST also was one of three organisations invited by CCAFRICA to speak to the delegates and presented on the topic of the Science-based Food Regulations. The role of food science professional bodies in standards development was presented by the Hon. Prof. Ruth Oniang'o, IAFoST President, and Prof. Kiiyukia Ciira, Mt. Kenya University, spoke about the importance of science in food standards and regulation development. Dr. Gerald Moy, IAFoST Fellow and co-chair of the IUFoST Aflatoxin Working Group, gave a presentation on how food businesses can be shaped through CODEX standards, while Dr. Pamela Byrne (FSAI) presented on the science of risk assessment and risk communication. A discussion on achievable outcomes concluded the session, which was attended by more than 100 delegates from 22 African countries.

Recognition of Food Science and Technology Programmes

Congratulations to the Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA), University of Campinas, Brazil, on the recent IUFoST recognition of its B.Sc. Food Engineering degree. The programme, facilities and reputation of FEA have been determined by the IUFoST Education Committee to be of the highest level, the opportunities for students are globally competitive and the FEA provides an outstanding example of leadership, scientific expertise and teaching ability.

Find out more on the IUFoST website.

The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI)

Annual Scientific Meeting June 13–15, Dublin, Ireland

HESI is an international non-profit public private partnership engaged in collaborative scientific research to help resolve human and environmental health challenges. This year it will be holding its annual scientific meeting in Dublin. Registration is complimentary for delegates from academia, research institutes, foundations and government. To read more visit http://hesiglobal.org/hesiannualmeetings/.

Scholars at Risk Network

Scholars at Risk Network 2018 Global Congress
23–26 April, Berlin, Germany

We are thrilled to announce that the Scholars at Risk Network 2018 Global Congress will be held in Berlin, Germany, 23–26 April 2018, in partnership with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Freie Universität Berlin, and Scholars at Risk Germany Section.

The SAR Global Congress provides an opportunity for members and partners to gather, share experiences hosting at-risk scholars, learn about new activities for faculty, staff, and students, and discuss current issues and strategies for promoting academic freedom and related higher education values. The 2016 SAR Global Congress in Montreal drew more than 180 people from 87 universities in 37 countries for four days of workshops, keynotes, plenaries, section meetings, and parallel sessions.

We are delighted to host the 2018 SAR Global Congress in Berlin in conjunction with the Humboldt Foundation's annual workshop on the Philipp Schwartz Initiative. At a time of ongoing refugee crises, armed conflicts, and growing attacks on scholars, students, and universities around the world, the German higher education sector has made great efforts to welcome refugee scholars and students to German campuses. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has helped support many through the Philipp Schwartz Initiative, providing a model for other states. Together with longtime SAR member Freie Universität Berlin, in 2016 the Humboldt Foundation helped to launch the Scholars at Risk Germany Section, now including more than 30 German institutions. These actions, like those of so many SAR network members around the world, send a strong message about the critical role the higher education community can play in guarding against threats to the values of the global knowledge community.

Now more than ever, we must come together to share and defend those values. Please save the date and plan to join us in Berlin!

See more information about Scholars at Risk Network.

Toxicology Education and Training Resources

Master Degree in “Safety Assessment of Xenobiotics and Biotechnological Products”

Applications and admissions: With entrance examination
Duration: 2 years (120 cfu)
Location: University of Milan, Italy

The aim of the course in Safety Assessment of xenobiotics and Biotechnological Products is providing the relevant chemical, biochemical, biotechnology and physical procedures for the study and identification of hazard and risk arising from xenobiotics and biotechnology products. At the end of the training, the graduates will be able to evaluate dossiers of xenobiotics and biotechnology products on the basis of accurate scientific principles and methodological approaches, internationally agreed, in order to provide quantitative safety assessment. Particular attention will be paid to the application of existing regulations (in Europe, USA, etc.), through the development of integrated different areas including legislation, chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology, biotechnology, and risk analysis.

IMPORTANT: Non-EU citizens resident abroad who do not have an Italian residence permit, must also submit their formal pre-application to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country, by the annually established deadline.

For details: www.farmacia.unimi.it

To apply: www.unimi.it select “Applying for a Master Programme without Admission Test.” After submitting the application candidates will be contacted for an interview in English. The interview will be done remotely via electronic devices.

Contact information:
Prof. Marina Marinovich
Head of Study Programme
email: saxbi@unimi.it

Toxicology Webinars

(Free access to ACT, SOT/FDA, and SLC webinars; if your society has free webinars or other resources to offer to the IUTOX audience, please let us know at iutoxhq@iutox.org)

The American College of Toxicology’s Free Webinar Recordings Now Available to IUTOX Members

In an effort to make ACT’s free educational Signature Webinars available to IUTOX societies around the world, access is now available to our webinar archives to nonmembers! ACT hosts quarterly webinars on current topics in toxicology, including primarily drug and chemical safety assessments. Presenters are experts in their field, with backgrounds in government, industry or academia. The goal of the webinar series is to provide accessible education on topics in toxicology to scientists worldwide. Please visit the ACT website to access the variety of recorded webinars available.

Scientific Liaison Coalition

Mission

A partnership of scientific societies with the goal of improving public health through a collaborative interdisciplinary approach.

• Strengthening partnerships among scientific and health-based organizations to increase awareness of the impact of toxicology and related subjects on human health.
• Functioning as a means to enhance cooperation among societies as equals with the goal of accomplishing tasks benefiting human health and disease prevention through joint and several shared activities.

Current Participating SLC Organizations

• American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
• American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT)
• American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
• American College of Toxicology (ACT)
• The Endocrine Society (ENDO)
• Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS)
• International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX)
• Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS)
• Society for Risk Analysis (SRA)
• Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
• Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP)
• Society of Toxicology (SOT)
• Teratology Society (Teratology)

Please visit the SLC website to view a complete list of free webinars on a variety of topics.

EUROTOX

Extended Deadline for Abstract Submission May 15, 2017

EUROTOX 2017 will take place September 10–13, 2017, in the Slovak National Theatre in Bratislava, Slovakia. The scientific programme comprises 5 Continuing Education Courses, 32 scientific sessions and several Keynote Lectures from distinguished scientists. We expect about 1,200 participants from all over the world as well as more than 40 exhibitors from the pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnological industry. 

To submit an abstract visit http://www.eurotox2017.com/abstracts/

Updated information will be also announced on Facebook and LinkedIn. We invite you to share your comments with us.

EUROTOX 2017 will provide bursaries for attendance at the Congress. Bursaries are available to all and are particularly welcome from individuals from low and lower-middle income economies. Conditions for applicants:

• must submit an abstract for the congress within the given deadline;
• must submit a cover letter with clear statement of why financial support is required, and clear explanation of how attendance of the Congress fits with his/her academic goal and career intentions;
• must commit to attendance on hearing if they have been accepted for a bursary.

Bursaries will be offered at 2 levels:

1. 50% reduction of Registration fee
2. Registration fee will be covered by Organisers

Acknowledgement: All accepted applications will be acknowledged in due time. If you do not receive an acknowledgement you should assume your application has not been received.

Please send the signed application to the Congress Organisation via email to info@setox.eu Deadline: May 1, 2017

Fellowship and Travel Award Opportunities

The American College of Toxicology to Offer Five International Travel Grants

EUROTOX Fellowships for Comprehensive Training in Toxicology (ERT Courses)

I. Purpose

There is an increasing need for highly qualified toxicologists in all European countries including the new EU member states and accession countries. EUROTOX has set standards of qualification by creation of the European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) in the early 90's, recently updated in the Guidelines for Registration 2016.  ERT courses in several countries offer comprehensive theoretical training required for qualification in Toxicology as ERT.

EUROTOX fellowships provide financial support and incentives for cross-border attendance of courses approved for ERT to individuals motivated for a career in toxicology, by providing

• Travelling and accommodation costs
• Course fees (mandatory in most ERT courses)

Basic and Advanced Toxicology courses financed by EUROTOX and organised by various national societies across Europe under the guidance of the EUROTOX Education and Registration SubCommittees are also eligible for fellowship support.

Support requested must be for attendance of an ERT course or module outside the applicant’s country of residence and currently recognized as providing training for ERT registration (as per guidelines indicated above).

II. Eligibility

Candidates

•  have completed academic education as defined in Guidelines for Registration 2016 
  
  and
• are MSc, or Ph.D. students in sciences related to Toxicology, or professionals such as employees of authorities, when employers certify to have no funds for supporting toxicological education of their employees. Employees of companies (e.g. SME) will be eligible only exceptionally, in justified cases,
  
  and
•  are motivated to pursue a career in Toxicology: 

a) Applicants beginning their theoretical ERT education will provide the following information:

Mandatory: personal statement (letter of motivation) why they want to study toxicology, curriculum vitae (CV), copies of relevant university certificates (e.g. bachelor, master, diploma, PhD), and recommendation letter of one of the following: employer, university teacher, supervisor or other toxicological scientist who knows the applicant personally.

Optional: relevant documentation such as on previous attendance of toxicology-related courses, and/or on conduct of scientific or regulatory work broadly related to Toxicology, scientific publications or reports, any other relevant certificates or achievements.

b) Applicants already on the track for Registration: they have completed successfully at least one module of an ERT course as listed in Section B or can document involvement in practical training in toxicology (Section C of Guidelines for Registration 2016), success being documented by certificates, publications (incl. abstracts, posters) or reports/assessments, or recommendation letter of person responsible for the candidate’s  education. They will also provide a letter of motivation and a CV.

• Candidates should be member of a national toxicology society or of EUROTOX. If the applicant has not previously supported by this program, a statement of willingness to apply for membership will be sufficient.
• Good knowledge of English and of the course language, if different, is required and needs to be stated.

III. Applications, deadlines, decisions

• Applications must contain the information listed above under II.
• Course/module attendance is granted in writing by Course Director
• email and postal address and telephone must be indicated
• Applications should be in electronic form and addressed to fellowships@eurotox.com
• Deadlines: Applications can be submitted twice per year based on the following deadlines:
  • 30 November 2016 for courses between 1 January and 30 June 2017
  • 31 May 2017 for courses between 1 July and 31 December 2017

Applications for more than one course/module are possible provided they fall within the specified period following the application deadline. Applicants who have missed a deadline but wish to attend a course in the following 6-month period are advised to contact fellowships@eurotox.com before submitting a formal application.

• The EUROTOX Education and Registration Subcommittee will evaluate all applications and make the final decision.
• Notification of applicants on the decision is expected within 4 weeks after the application deadline.
• If more eligible candidates apply than can be funded, selection will be based on qualification criteria. Candidates on track for registration and candidates from countries offering no recognized toxicology training (e.g. Eastern and South Eastern European countries) will be preferentially selected.

IV. Costs that can be covered. Reimbursement from EUROTOX

• Travel costs (cheapest airfare available, incl. advanced booking) and accommodation maximally € 600.00
• Fee (if necessity is justified by course director) maximally  € 400.00
• Total per module and person (maximally) € 1,000.00

Upon justified request, expense support can be differently allocated to within the total amount of € 1000.00 per weekly course. Candidates requesting less than maximal support increase their chance of getting funded.

Reimbursements will be made upon notification from the candidate after his/her module attendance, with written confirmation by the course director. A bank account and compilation of costs, signed by the applicant, with all receipts, must be added. Claims must be sent to the EUROTOX Treasurer by the end of the 6 month period in which the course was attended (June 30 or December 31) at the latest.

V. Checklist for Applications

1. For beginners
   • Recommendation letter
   • Documentation of previous training/work related to Toxicology (if available)
2. For candidates already on track for Registration as ERT
   • Documentation of preceding theoretical and/or practical training
3. For all applicants
   • Copies of University certificate(s) (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, PhD)
   • Curriculum vitae
   • Letter of motivation
   • Name, location, date(s), duration of the cross-border course/module(s) attendance of which is planned
   • Confirmation of admission + notification of fee by course director
   • Membership in a Toxicology Society (or statement of willingness to apply)
   • Statement on knowledge of English (and course language, if different)
   • email, telephone and postal address
   • List of costs expected (lowest airfare available, or train 2nd class, accommodation, course fee (max 400.00 €), and indication of amount requested from EUROTOX (max 1,000.00 € per weekly module or course section)

For employed professionals of authorities (or SME, with justification): certification of the director of his/her unit that they have no funds for complete or at least partial funding of their employees’ education After end of course/module: Send refund claim to the EUROTOX Treasurer, with written confirmation of attendance by course director, bank account, list of expenses to be refunded, receipts of payments for travelling (ticket, boarding pass), accommodation, and course fee.

After end of course/module: Send refund claim to the EUROTOX Treasurer, with written confirmation of attendance by course director, bank account, list of expenses to be refunded, receipts of payments for travelling (ticket, boarding pass), accommodation, and course fee.

Society of Toxicology

Society of Toxicology Supports Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program
Scholar Application Deadline June 15

The Scholar will attend the 2018 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 primary goal is to increase toxicology capacity in developing countries by providing professional opportunities for mid-career to senior 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.

When the next Scholars are announced, applications will be sought from potential Hosts with related interests from established toxicology programs around the world. . Host applications are due September 8, 2017. The program provides up to $15,000 for each pair, with up to $10,000 travel support for the Scholar and $5,000 for the Host. Support is not provided for equipment, laboratory supplies, or renovations.

More information about the program, including the application forms and a list of previous recipients, is available at Global Senior Scholar Program and questions may be directed to Betty Eidemiller at bettye@toxicology.org.

PhRMA Foundation Awards

The PhRMA Foundation supports the research and early career endeavors of scientists in drug discovery and development. With a wide range of Pre and Post Doctoral Fellowships, Sabbatical Fellowships, and Research Starter Grants, the PhRMA Foundation offers a myriad of opportunities to help young scientists advance their careers. Application deadlines

Annual 2017 PhRMA Foundation Awards

Please note: PhRMA Foundation also offers annual awards with a deadline of September 1. Awards for 2018 have a deadline of September 1, 2017 and will be accepted starting July 1, 2017.

PhRMA Foundation offers awards for:

• Pre Doctoral Fellowships
• Post Doctoral Fellowships
• Sabbatical Fellowships
• Research Starter Grants
• Other Awards

Related Disciplines Include:

• Adherence Improvement
• Health Outcomes
• Informatics
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacology / Toxicology
• Translational Medicine and Therapeutics

Apply online here.

Intramural NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate Program

The overarching goal of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Postdoctoral Research Associate (PRAT) Program is to provide high quality postdoctoral research training in the basic biomedical sciences, in National Institutes of Health (NIH) intramural research laboratories, to a diverse group of postdoctoral fellows to prepare them for leadership positions in biomedical careers. The research projects proposed should focus on NIGMS mission-related areas of basic biomedical science. These include cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, computational biology, technology development, and bioinformatics. Studies employing model organisms are encouraged. The PRAT Program distinguishes itself by providing, in addition to the laboratory research experience, a structured training environment with extensive career development and networking opportunities planned and supported by this program.

Deadline: October 3, 2017. For additional information and eligibility, please visit the NIH website.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

This directory of Non-NIH Funding opportunities includes a variety of international grants and fellowships in biomedical and behavioral research. Its goal is to provide information about additional funding opportunities available to those in the field of global health research. The directory is maintained by the Fogarty International Center, the international component of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). See listing of funding opportunities on the NIH website.
Non-NIH Funding offers funding opportunities for:

• Predoctoral/Graduate Students
• Postdoctoral Students
• Faculty
• Health Professionals
• Institutions
• Travel

The World Academy of Sciences TWAS-Young Affiliates Program

Early-career scientists gain connections and opportunities through TWAS. Every year, TWAS’s Regional Offices select up to 25 scientists younger than 40 as Young Affiliates. The honour is given to developing-nation researchers with at least 10 international publications who show potential for a high-impact career. During their five-year tenure, Young Affiliates build networks with other affiliates and with elected TWAS Fellows and attend international conferences such as the TWAS General Meeting.

 Learn more about how Young Affiliates are chosen.

WHO Internship Programme

The World Health Organization (WHO) as the leader in global public health issues is committed to building future leaders in public health. WHO's Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain insight in the technical and administrative programmes of WHO.

The duration of WHO internships is between six to 12 weeks. Exceptionally, internships may be extended up to a maximum of 24 weeks depending on the needs of the WHO technical unit and your availability. WHO internships are not paid and all costs of travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the intern candidate.

Contact Us

We’re eager to hear from you since IUTOX benefits from your feedback and ideas. If you would like to share your accomplishments and news with other member societies, please email your contributions to IUTOX Headquarters.

• Send us the dates and locations of your upcoming meetings and we’ll publish them on the IUTOX website.
• Share your society’s successes by submitting an article to be published in the IUTOX newsletter.
• Let us help you get the word out about calls for papers and nominations for awards and prizes.
• Give us feedback on how to make the IUTOX newsletter and website better!

Familiarize yourself with the IUTOX Executive Committee and feel free to contact us with your questions or comments. Every IUTOX member’s viewpoint matters and all ideas are welcome!