Summer 2018 Newsletter

IUTOX News

CTDC10 and 12SCT Report

The joint 10th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries and 12th Serbian Congress of Toxicology was held in Belgrade, Serbia, April 18–21, 2018. The idea of organizing both meetings together was approved by IUTOX and SETOX General Assemblies a few years ago. It should be emphasized that this was the first time that Serbia had the opportunity to host a worldwide international toxicology meeting gathering representatives from all over the world, coming from surrounding countries such as Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Hungary, Romania, but also from far destinations such as the United States of America, Australia, Japan, China, South Africa…

The activities covered by the organizers of this congress, the Serbian Society of Toxicology (SETOX) and the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX), and under the auspices of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA), started on April 16 at the SASA with a two-hour tribune “Toxicology and Us.” The President of SETOX, the honored academicians and eminent experts informed the audience and citizens of Belgrade about the current situation on occupational and environmental exposure, food and water safety in Serbia, as well as smoking habits and its health effects. The tribune was very successful, with a vivid discussion, highlighting further toxicological problems and ecotoxicological issues in this region. This event was followed by the Opening Ceremony of the exhibition “History of Toxicology” that was held at the Gallery of SASA. Thanks to Philip Wexler and National Library of USA, posters from Toxicopedia were presented, enabling citizens of Belgrade to learn more about the history of toxicology in different parts of the world. The visitors also had a unique opportunity to gain insight into the history of toxicology in Serbia, to see the first books of toxicology printed in Serbian, to learn about the development of forensic, clinical and occupational toxicology in Serbia, to see old reports of toxicological analyses, and to read about interesting cases in toxicological practice, etc. The exhibition lasted for a week and was visited by a great number of citizens of Belgrade, as well as the participants of the CTDC10 congress.

Pre-congress activities held on the morning of Wednesday, April 18, included four continuing education courses (CECs); 1) Carcinogenicity Studies: Perspectives on design and execution for successful product registration (presented and sponsored by American Toxicology College-ACT speakers), 2) Health-Based Limits for Toxicological Risk Assessment: Setting acceptable daily limits for pharmaceutical and chemical safety (also ACT), 3) RISK21: A Practical Framework for Risk Assessment in the 21st Century (presented and sponsored by British Society of Toxicology), and 4) Water Security: Integrating Lessons Learned for Water Quality and Sustainability. The CECs had an attendance of about 100 participants.

The Congress was officially opened on Wednesday, April 18 at 6 pm. During the Opening Ceremony welcome notes were given by the President of SETOX, Vesna Matović, and the President of IUTOX, Jun Kanno. The Lifetime Achievement Award was delivered to Ali Esat Karakaya, and the travel award winners supported by IUTOX, SOT and NIEHS were presented to the audience. Prof. Mary Gulumian, Head of the Toxicology Research Projects, National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) and former President of the Toxicology Society of South Africa, gave the Opening Lecture “State of Science and Profession of Toxicology on the African Continent: Lessons Learned from Challenges, Advancements, and Future Developments.”

The Congress was organized through: Four CECs, one Opening and four Plenary lectures, 16 Symposia, four Workshops, three Short Communications and three roundtables. Furthermore, WHO organized a Chemical Risk Assessment Network Meeting with more than 30 participants. A superb scientific program was complemented by prominent scientists from around the world who lectured on diverse topics covering many aspects of toxicology.

The Congress started off with a strong continuing education program and progressed to highly engaging and relevant workshops, plenary lectures and innovative roundtables. All the sessions were well attended with lively discussion. Roundtables titled “Promoting Undergraduate Toxicology Education and Career Opportunities for Students in Developing Countries,” “Women in Toxicology in Developing Countries” (recorded and available at www.ctdc10.rs), and “Toxicology for Health in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” had great success. After the Women in Toxicology in Developing Countries roundtable, the President of SOT, Patricia Ganey, and the Immediate Past President of ACT, Tracey Zoetis, presented to the audience the goals and main activities of these societies which have many resources to offer their sister societies.

The total number of participants was 357, coming from 57 countries, with a leading number of participants, 77, from Serbia, followed by 30 from Turkey, and 21 from Croatia. The total number of speakers was 126 (invited speakers and 13 speakers at CECs), 21 short communication presenters, and 180 poster presenters, with 348 total abstracts.

Besides the excellent science, we offered participants attractive social programming and a chance to experience charming April days and the exciting sights and sounds of Belgrade. On Thursday, April 19, on a beautiful sunny day, we had a walking tour through Belgrade and visited the exhibition of the “History of Toxicology” at the Gallery of SASA, and on Friday, April 20 we had a Gala dinner on a floating boat with live music just for us. The Closing Ceremony was on Saturday, April 21, at 3 pm after successful sessions such as a plenary workshop “Toxicology Data and Online Tools in Support of Research and Publications” and a roundtable provided by WHO that presented the main goals and further activities of WHO concerning human and environmental health. At the very end, we had a chance to see a program organized by the leadership of the Malaysian Society of Toxicology (MYSOT), the hosts of the CTDC11 meeting in Kuala Lumpur.  Special thanks to Mr. Nik Ady Arman Bin Nik Mohd Kamil, the Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) at the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade for joining us and providing a film of beautiful Malaysia, and music and dancers for our closing ceremony. We wish MYSOT all the best in 2021!

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to IUTOX EC members who recognized the Serbian Society of Toxicology as capable of organizing a CTDC congress; to the Gold Sponsors SOT, ACT, WHO, and IPIECA; Silver Sponsors Japanese Society of Toxicology, MatTek In Vitro Life Science Laboratories s.r.o., British Society of Toxicology, and NIEHS; Bronze Sponsors RTC S.p.A., and Bio Basic Europe; as well as other sponsors who made this congress organization possible! A huge thanks to all our amazing partners, as well to all the participants. We couldn’t have had a successful conference without you!

Vesna Matović
CTDC10 President
President of Serbian Society of Toxicology

Lifetime Achievement Award

IUTOX Presents the First Lifetime Achievement Award to Ali Esat Karakaya

(Awarded by IUTOX and Sponsored by Current Protocols: A Wiley Brand)

At the opening ceremony of the CTDC10 meeting in Belgrade, Ali Esat Karakaya was named the first recipient of the newly created Lifetime Achievement Award. IUTOX established the award to honor a distinguished scientist who has made lasting contributions in a country where toxicology is underrepresented.

Professor Karakaya has been working for over 40 years to promote toxicology in Turkey through teaching, research, consulting, training, mentoring and public outreach through the media. During his career he founded the Department of Toxicology at Gazi University in Ankara, served on several national scientific advisory committees, and has been actively engaged in numerous national and international scientific and professional organizations.

In 1988, Professor Karakaya was the founding Secretary-General of the Turkish Society of Toxicology (TST), and under his leadership TST became an active member of IUTOX in 1998.  Professor Karakaya went on to serve IUTOX as 1st Vice President (2001–2004), President (2004–2007), and Chair of the Nominating Committee (2007–2010). In 1999, Professor Karakaya also served as President of the CTDC4 meeting held in Antalya, Turkey. In another first for IUTOX, Professor Karakaya requested—and the IUTOX Executive Committee agreed—that the CTDC4 meeting be held “under the auspices of IUTOX,” which paved the way for future CTDC meetings to be fully integrated into IUTOX activities.

IUTOX was proud to honor Prof. Ali E. Karakaya with the first Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of all the “firsts” he has stood for in IUTOX and in the international toxicology community.

Then and Now: Interviews with IUTOX Notables

This column features past travel award winners of ICT and CTDC meetings, RASS and RAW trainings, and recipients of SOT/SOT Endowment/AstraZeneca/IUTOX travel awards. True to its mission, IUTOX has consistently raised and awarded funds for junior and senior scientists to participate in international toxicology meetings and to receive training and education to increase their skills and knowledge in risk assessment. A great number of recipients have gone on to contribute to the field of toxicology in significant ways in colleges and universities, private industry, and scientific communities on a local, regional, national and international level. If you are a past recipient of an IUTOX sponsored travel award or risk assessment training, we want to hear from you. Please contact the Secretariat with your “Then and Now” success story!

Interviewer: Donna Breskin
Name: Marijana Curcic, PhD

IUTOX Notable

Dr. Marijana Curcic

In Memoriam

Prof. Dr. Sameeh Abdel-Kader Mansour

With great sadness we regret to inform the IUTOX community that Sameeh Mansour passed away in May. Sameeh was a beloved friend to many and well-known in toxicology circles around the world. Professor Mansour earned his B.Sc. Hon., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Alexandria University in Egypt. His specialty was pesticides chemistry, which he practiced as Former Head of the Pesticide Chemistry Department, National Research Centre (NRC) in Cairo. He also served as Chairman of the National Committee of Toxicology, Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (ASRT), Egypt. Sameeh was the Founder of the Environmental Toxicology Research Area at the NRC of Egypt; a member of the Directory Board of the National Poison Control Center; on the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University; Scientific Consultant with the Ministry of Culture for the protection and conservation of national archives and documents; and a member of the Permanent Scientific Committee for ranking research associate professors and professors in the field of applied organic chemistry and toxicology.

Prof. Mansour’s interest in toxicology spread far beyond the borders of Egypt. In collaboration with UNESCO, he planned the Egyptox-2000 meeting in Cairo and worked with NATO Partner Countries to organize an advanced research workshop on “Food Security and Safety Against Terrorist and Natural Disasters.”

Prof. Mansour’s contributions to IUTOX were many. For decades, Sameeh served as the official representative of the Egyptian Society of Toxicology (EST) and in 1995 he organized the 3rd Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC3) in Cairo. In 2001, Prof. Mansour was named to a committee to explore merging the CTDC meetings with IUTOX as one of its official activities, an idea which was later adopted. Sameeh’s lasting legacy to IUTOX is the Egypt Cup, which he created and commissioned in 1995 to honor CTDC host societies and their commitment to scientific research in developing countries. On the cup, Sameeh inscribed the phrase, Together for Human and Environmental Welfare, which embodied his commitment to the international toxicology community, which he held so dear. Sameeh Mansour will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Women in Toxicology in Developing Countries: A CTDC10 Roundtable

The CTDC10 meeting in Belgrade, Serbia (April 18–21, 2018) played host to the first Women in Toxicology in Developing Countries roundtable held at an IUTOX congress. Judging by the enthusiasm of the attendees, it was deemed a great success. Dr. Tao Wang, former President of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group (2015–2016), organized the event and raised funds to videotape the session.

Please see Dr. Wang’s abstract below followed by the list of expert panelists who so generously shared their time and personal stories during the roundtable presentation.

The video is available for your viewing pleasure: http://www.ctdc10.rs/women-in-toxicology/

Tao Wang, MD, PhD, DABT

Although the global share of women in research has been increased over the last several decades, women still remain underrepresented in many areas of science including toxicology not only in developing countries but also in many developed regions. It is actually difficult for women to get a good position in research. Gender differences in researchers are even more pronounced in some developed countries such as UK, Japan and Canada compared to some developing countries. According to the report of Elsevier (1) in 12 comparator countries and regions over 20 years, in developed countries, the percentage of women in science and research in the area of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Pharmaceutics and also in the implementation of policies and legislation are still lower than men. But compared to other areas, a relatively high portion of women among researchers in Pharmacology & Toxicology and Pharmaceutics has been observed. The data about the situation of women in toxicology research in developing countries are not clear but it seems that female representation is still lagging behind in scientific bodies. The push for gender equality in developed and in developing countries is not easy and seems to need time. The panel is aimed to describe the situation of women researchers in toxicology in some developing countries and also to increase and foster awareness of the power of women in the area of toxicology.

It’s Official! The International Council for Science Merges with the International Social Science Council in July 2018

(Reprinted with permission from ISC)

The founding General Assembly of the new International Science Council (ISC) took place in Paris, France, from July 3 to July 5, 2018.

The draft strategy of the new organization emphasizes that the importance of scientific understanding to society has never been greater, as humanity grapples with the problems of living sustainably and equitably on planet Earth. It stakes out a space for the Council to defend the inherent value and values of all science at a time when it has become harder for the scientific voice to be heard. It will strengthen international, interdisciplinary collaboration and support scientists to contribute solutions to complex and pressing matters of global public concern. It will advise decision makers and practitioners on the use of science in achieving ambitious agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015. And it will encourage open public engagement with science.

The vision of the new Council, as stated in the High-Level Strategy, is to advance science as a global public good. Scientific knowledge, data and expertise must be universally accessible and its benefits universally shared. The practice of science must be inclusive and equitable, also, in opportunities for scientific education and capacity development.

According to its mission statement, the new Council will act as the global voice of science. That voice will:

• Speak for the value of all science and the need for evidence, informed understanding and decision-making;
• Stimulate and support international scientific research and scholarship on major issues of global concern;
• Articulate scientific knowledge on such issues in the public domain;
• Promote the continued and equal advancement of scientific rigour, creativity and relevance in all parts of the world; and

For detailed background information on the merger process, see this Gitbook that is being updated on a regular basis.

Faustman Nominated by IUTOX to Run for ISC Governing Board

At the founding General Assembly of the new International Science Council, the combined membership of the two predecessor organizations (International Council for Science/ICSU and International Social Science Council/ISSC) gathered to elect their representatives to the governing structures of the new Council. Elaine Faustman, nominated by IUTOX, was on the ballot as an Ordinary Member of the new ISC Governing Board.  Dr. Faustman has served as the liaison between IUTOX and ICSU for many years and was the driving force behind writing successful proposals to receive ICSU grants for IUTOX to conduct trainings in the areas of risk assessment and water security in Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. IUTOX thanks Elaine for her extensive work with ISC on behalf of IUTOX and for representing all of our member societies on the occasion of the inaugural ISC elections.

Member News

Submitted by IUTOX Member Societies (Contact iutoxhq@iutox.org to submit your news.)

ALATOX (Asociación Latinoamericana de Toxicología—Latin American Toxicology Association)

Main Activities

In July of 2017, our 15th congress was held in Lima (Peru), in collaboration with the Peruvian Toxicology Association (APTOX). It was a three-day event that gathered people from all over Latin America and some from other countries, including USA, Russia, and France.

It was a multidisciplinary event, with a special focus on updates and exchanging experiences. The topics were environmental and clinical toxicology.

As always, the most enriching experience consisted in exchanging know-how with specialists from all over the region, learning about the situations they are going through so we could aid their initiatives, and establishing bonds for further collaboration to enhance and sustain our efforts.

The next ALATOX congress will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2020.

In November of 2017, there was another ALATOX-sponsored activity in Santiago, Chile. This one was in collaboration with Universidad Mayor de Chile, Rita, Chile and ToxicologyPartners.org. It was the fifth workshop on HAZMAT and terrorism.  The focus was mainly on cyanides. The event gathered 300 people, which is the biggest event of this kind in our region so far.

On November 26–30, 2018, the next edition of this workshop will focus on pesticides.

Finally, we are developing our new online platform and social media, so we invite you to visit us at www.alatox.org and stay in touch.

British Toxicology Society

Main Activities

The 39th Annual Congress of the British Toxicology Society (BTS) took place in Newcastle, April 16 to 18, 2018, with a rich and varied scientific programme and outstanding speakers. The spacious and well-appointed conference facility in the Gateshead Hilton Hotel proved popular with the 260 delegates in attendance.

The full programme of the Congress can be seen on our website.

At the Annual General Meeting held during the congress the following leadership positions were confirmed:

• Dr. Chris Powell (GSK) as the next President of the BTS,
• Prof. Shirley Price (University of Surrey) as Vice President,
• Dr. Elizabeth Martin (Astra Zeneca), re-elected as Treasurer,
• Dr. Jason Gill (Newcastle University) as Chair of the Scientific Subcommittee,
• Prof. Paul Baldrick (Covance) re-appointed as Chair of the Communication Subcommittee,
• Dr. Emma Marczylo (Public Health England) and Dr. David Mason (Unilever) as members of Executive Committee. 

Biographies of the Officers and Members of Executive Committee are available online.

The Congress was preceded by a Continuing Education Programme “Immuno-oncology—safety assessment strategies.”

The Congress was opened by the President, Dr. Ernie Harpur, who then introduced Ms. Syril Pettit, the Executive Director of the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute based in Washington, DC, who delivered a thought-provoking plenary lecture on “The Science and Art of Implementation: Collaboration, Communication, and Caution.”

Attendees were able to choose from a number of symposia which were paired to run in parallel: “Liver disease and environmental causes of liver disease,” “Respiratory toxicity and lung pathology,” “Advanced in vitro models for inhalation toxicity testing,” “Ageing, Frailty and Multi-morbidity: Medical challenges, current interventions, future solutions,” “Redox and oxidative stress” and “Stem cells and toxicology testing.”

Two BTS Prize Lectures were also included in the programme.

The Early Career Investigator Prize was awarded to Dr. Ian Copple, an outstanding young scientist from Liverpool University who delivered an impressive, broad-ranging lecture on the “Role of Nrf2 in protection against drug-induced disease.”

This year’s Paton Prize, awarded biennially to encourage scholarship in the historical aspects of toxicology, was awarded to a former President of the BTS and someone with an international reputation for his scientific contributions and leadership in toxicology and risk assessment, Professor Lewis Smith.  Professor Smith delivered a wonderfully insightful and entertaining lecture, “The Importance of Balance in Toxicological Decision Making.” The challenging ideas Prof. Smith advanced were illustrated with detail from high profile scientific case studies. Young and old alike gave rapt attention to the wise counsel imparted by Prof. Smith.

Opportunity for active participation and presentation of science came in a number of forms, including the Study Director/Study Monitor workshop which continues to provide a great forum to exchange ideas between scientists. There were also oral communication sessions encompassing talks on a range of organ systems, animal and in vitro models and investigative techniques.  Posters were on display throughout the congress, with a lively discussion session.

The calibre of science presented in Oral Communications and Posters was very high across the board.  Research excellence was once again celebrated through award of several highly competitive awards for presentations made at the Congress. The BTS student poster prize and student oral communication prizes were awarded to Louis Bibby and Arathi Kizedath from Newcastle University for work on “Predicting adverse immune reactions to biologics” and work on “Hepatotoxic and dermal toxicity effects of Parabens,” respectively. An award from the In Vitro Toxicology Society for the best poster developing or using in vitro methods was awarded to Dr. Chichagova from Newcastle University and Newcells Biotech for her work on, “Use of statistical models to identify key variables for retinal organoid generation for toxicological studies,” and the Royal Society of Chemistry poster prize for chemical toxicology was awarded to Nathan Goldsmith for his work, “The presence of tobacco specific nitrosamines in the urine and saliva of cigarette users transitioning to electronic cigarettes.”

On the final afternoon of the Congress attendees enjoyed a wonderfully crafted and highly informative Hot Topic lecture on “Challenges in the Assessment of Nonclinical Pharmacology and Safety of mAb-based Immuno-Oncology Products,” presented by Dr. Lolke de Hann, Senior Director R&D, MedImmune, Cambridge, UK.

The Congress closed with an interactive Workshop on Public Communication which provided an opportunity for members to offer opinions to help shape and influence the way in which the Society responds to matters of public interest.

As always at BTS Congresses, the convivial atmosphere of the Congress was enhanced by a number of opportunities to socialise; coffee and meal breaks among the Exhibitor stands, the Early Career Networking Quiz, BTS Specialty Section gatherings, BTS Ambassadors breakfast, a couple of drinks receptions, and, of course, the conference gala dinner.

Some future BTS events for your calendars:

• Practical Application of Toxicology in Drug Development. Registration for this course co-organised by the BTS with ACT, now in its fifth year, is open. For more information, or to register, please visit this link.
• RSC/BTS/BSAC meeting—Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance, 17 September 2018 09:30–16:30, London, United Kingdom. Registration and meeting details can be accessed here.
• The 40th anniversary BTS Congress (joint meeting with UK Environmental Mutagen Society) 5th to 17th April 2019, Robinson College, Cambridge UK. Further details will be announced on the BTS website.

International Neurotoxicology Association (INA)

International Neurotoxicology Association (INA)

Remco H.S. Westerink, INA President 2017–2019
Christoph van Thriel, past INA president 2013–2015; local organizing committee INA-17
Ellen Fritsche, local organizing committee INA-17

The International Neurotoxicology Association (INA) is a scientific society whose members have interest and expertise in the discipline of neurotoxicology. INA held its first meeting in the Netherlands in 1987 and by now INA’s biennial meetings have a long history. A common theme in our past meetings relates to translational neurotoxicology: neurotoxicological research for the promotion of human health.

Despite the common theme, INA meetings are held in diverse locations. INA-14 (2013), which coincided with the 25th anniversary of INA, was held in Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands, to honor one of INA’s founding members Jacob Hooisma. INA-15 (2015) was held in Montreal, Canada, and INA-16 (2017) was the first meeting of INA in South America, together with the NeuroToxicity Society (NTS).

INA-17 (2019): The 17th Biennial Meeting of the International Neurotoxicology Association…The Journey Continues in Europe

The next biennial meeting will be held close to Düesseldorf, Germany. From September 29–October 3, 2019, neurotoxicologists from all continents are invited to join INA-17 at the Land Gut Höehe close to the vivid Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.

The local organizers, Drs. Ellen Fritsche and Christoph van Thriel (past INA president 2013–2015), are already working vigorously with Dr. Remco Westerink (current INA president 2017–2019) on the scientific and social program of the meeting. The call for symposia proposals has been launched and was distributed during the 57th SOT meeting in San Antonio, Texas, USA, this March.

The scientific committee is happy to announce that Prof. Dr. Deborah Cory-Slechta from the University of Rochester, NY, USA, accepted the invitation to give the opening Jacob Hooisma Lecture on Sunday afternoon.

Another important event that is dedicated to our young scientists will be the prestigious David Ray Student Travel Award. Dr. David Ray of Nottingham was a former INA president and teacher of many PhD students. The winner of the David Ray student symposium will receive this award. All PhD students currently supervised by an INA member are eligible for this competition. Traditionally, the president-elect of INA (Dr. Tim Shafer) takes care of the application process. More details about the scientific program will be available this fall.

The (neuro)toxicological landscape is in a transmission process for more than a decade.

This renewal process was at least partly provoked by (a) the National Academy of Sciences report "Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and Strategy” published in 2007, (b) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) program of the EU that also started in 2007, and (c) the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) developed over 50 years ago providing a framework for performing more humane animal research.

It’s time to think about the progress that we as a branch in toxicology have reached. Thus, the aims of the science at INA-17 are to sum up what has been achieved so far in the field of neurotoxicology, show the recent results of all areas of neurotoxicological research, and generate discussion on how our research results support decision making for a safer and healthier environment.

With respect to cultural and recreational aspects during INA-17, the congress venue is close to the Neander Valley, the place that gave our archaic sisters and brothers, the Homo neanderthalensis (40ka–250ka) their name. Some of the DNA of these Neanderthals is still alive in the DNA of modern humans and researchers are currently investigating the geographic Neanderthal admixture in modern humans. An excursion to the Neander Valley Museum will be part of the recreational activities.

Please consider joining INA, and we hope we may welcome you in 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany! An INA-17 website will be available this summer and all information can be found on our website: www.neurotoxicology.org.

Malaysian Society of Toxicology (MYSOT)

MySOT Hosted the 3rd Malaysian Congress of Toxicology

The 3rd Malaysian Congress of Toxicology (MyCOT) with the theme Toxicological Advances in Shaping Sustainable Asian Communities was held at the National University of Malaysia from December 5–6, 2017. As a developing country, one of the major concerns faced by modern Malaysia is exposure to various chemicals that could affect the populations in many ways. The Congress’ theme reflected Malaysian vision towards achieving an industrialized nation by the year 2020 and making sure that sustainability in all aspects encompassing a healthy nation is not compromised.

The 3rd MyCOT was opened by the secretary of the MySOT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’edah Abu Bakar. The scientific symposium kicked off with an inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Kurt Straif from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France, on IARC monograph experience in identifying human carcinogens. The first day continued with a poster pitching session, followed by engaging invited lectures on Environmental Toxicology from Dr. Jin-Yong Lee (Aichi Gakuin University, Japan), Prof. Dr. Talib Latif (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Dr. Carlos Arias-Barreiro (PETRONAS, Malaysia). After lunch, lectures on Experimental Toxicology took centre stage delivered by Dr. Franҫois Richeux (Phycher Biodevelopment, France), Assoc. Prof. Dr. A’edah Abu Bakar (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia) and Dr. Rozaini Abdullah (Universiti Putra Malaysia). The day ended with the Young Investigator Award pitching session that was sponsored by the Young Scientist Network Academy Science Malaysia.

The second day of the congress started with an eye-opening keynote speech by Dr. Tim Gant from the British Society of Toxicology on “Epigenetics in Toxicology”. Then, Ms. Shabanon Sharif (Department of Occupational, Safety and Health, Malaysia) and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rohi Ghazali (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) gave talks on Occupational and Industrial Toxicology. Another poster pitching session was held during tea break and followed by series of lectures on Emerging Issues of Toxicology from Mr. Mohd Helme Mohd Helan (National Nanotechnology Centre, Malaysia), Dr. Ram Sahu (Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, India) and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ali (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia). After lunch, notable speakers, Ms. Salbiah Yaacob (Ministry of Health, Malaysia), Dr. Jahangir Kamaldin (Universiti Sains Malaysia) and Mdm. Isnazunita Ismail (SIRIM, Malaysia) delivered insightful talks on Regulatory Toxicology. The scientific discourse was concluded by young scientists presenting short lectures on various topics in toxicology.

The congress ended with awards for the best speaker among young investigators and the best poster sessions. The closing ceremony of the Congress was headed by Assoc. Prof. A’edah Abu Bakar where she announced the upcoming Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDCXI) 2021 to be held in Malaysia.

The Congress has been a success with more than a hundred local and international participants engaging in scientific discourse on various toxicology issues. The organizing committee expressed gratitude to all sponsors and individuals who have helped to make this Congress a success.

Society of Toxicology, USA (SOT)

SOT Previews ICTXV with Hula and Scientific Program Announcements during its 57th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo

Hula in San Antonio?

The more than 6,100 attendees of the SOT 57th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo experienced this unexpected treat throughout the week-long conference in March thanks to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. SOT is co-hosting the IUTOX 15th International Congress of Toxicology (ICTXV) at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, July 15–18, 2019.

SOT was delighted to feature this sneak peek at Hawaiian culture during its Annual Meeting and also to unveil a first look at the ICTXV Scientific Program. The ICTXV Scientific Program Committee has tentatively accepted 20 Symposia and eight Continuing Education courses that fit the meeting theme of “Toxicology Solutions for Global Public, Environmental, and Personal Health.” The full list of session and course titles is available on the ICTXV website. The official schedule will be finalized soon and will feature Continuing Education courses on Monday, July 15, 2019, with Symposia scheduled throughout the remainder of the conference (Tuesday, July 16–Thursday, July 18, 2019).

In addition, Peter Warner, MA, DPhil, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been confirmed as the ICTXV Keynote Speaker. Plus, Kate Z. Guyton, PhD, DABT, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, and Maurice P. Whelan, PhD, European Commission Joint Research Centre, will engage in a debate around mode of action (MOA) versus adverse outcome pathways (AOP).

Registration and housing for ICTXV will open this summer, as will an abstract submission period. More information on the abstract submission period, which begins August 30 and ends November 30, 2018, will be available later this summer.

Mark your calendars to say “aloha” to SOT and IUTOX in Hawaii in 2019.

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:

• Updated: Acute Systemic Toxicity: Regulatory Testing Overview
• In the Spotlight: Acute Systemic Toxicity: U.S. Regulatory Testing News
• In the Spotlight: US FDA — New Paradigms in Drug Safety Testing
• Updated: Meetings & Events
• Cell-based Technologies: Primary Cells versus Cell Lines for In Vitro Toxicology
• Cell-based Technologies: Advantages and Limitations of 3D Cell Culture-Based Models in Toxicology Safety Testing

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!

Folia Filters are now available in retail packs. Each filter pack contains 50 Folia Filters; each filter has been rated to provide 50 liters of germ free water. The tough weatherproof bags are designed to ensure the filters can be stored or transported all over the world. Additionally, the filter papers are produced from sustainably grown trees.

Future Earth

Save the Date: Early Career Conference on Sea Level Rise Impacts, 26–29 August 2018
Scientific exchange between early-career researchers from a broad range of disciplines working with sea-level change. Read more.

New Integrated and Useful Urban Knowledge for the Cities We Want and Need
Urban Planet: Knowledge Towards Sustainable Cities is Out Now. Read more.

NIH Fogarty International Center

NIH, Fogarty discuss health inequities at Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) annual meeting

At least half of the world's population lacks access to health services, the WHO Director-General told attendees of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) annual meeting. Financial barriers and stigma prevent many from receiving treatment and that must be addressed, said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Read full article online.

On 50th anniversary, Fogarty reviews progress
To commemorate 50 years of its global health research and training programs, Fogarty convened partners and grantees on May 1, 2018 to review accomplishments and lessons learned, as well as consider future directions and goals. The day-long symposium was titled Fogarty at 50: What are the new frontiers in global health research?"

See full article online.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Visit the WHO website for resources including publications, data, WHO programs, partnerships, and other projects.

Also find the latest issue of the WHO Chemical Risk Assessment Network newsletter.

International Programme on Chemical Safety: Network Meeting at Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC10)
On 19 April Network Participants who were attending the Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC10) in Belgrade, Serbia met for a lunchtime meeting. The theme of the meeting, attended by 30 participants from 15 Network institutions, was capacity building activities for the Network. Read more.

UN’s Health and Development Agencies Join Forces for Good Health
While real progress has been made on a number of serious health issues, half of the world’s citizens lack access to essential health services. Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and WHO signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help support countries to achieve the health-related targets across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the agenda’s commitment to leave no-one behind. Read more.

9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, but more countries are taking action
Air pollution levels remain dangerously high in many parts of the world. New data from WHO shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Updated estimations reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. Read more.

International Science Council (ISC) (Formerly ICSU)

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

ISC Submits Position Paper to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
The position paper, prepared by the Science and Technology Major Group for the 2018 HLPF, gathers inputs from nearly 60 authors from ICSU member and partner organizations. Read more.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST)

19th IUFoST World Food Science and Technology Congress in India 2018
The 19th IUFoST World Food Science and Technology Congress is coming October 23–28, 2018, in Mumbai, India. Meet, learn, network and get inspired by some of the most fascinating and accomplished professionals from established, evolving and emerging markets. See more on the IUFoST 2018 website.

Early Career Scientists Section Committee Announced
The members of the Early Career Scientist Section Inaugural Committee have been announced by the Academy Executive Council. This committee will lead in developing the structure and activities of this new section of the Academy. Read more.

Scholars at Risk Network

Turkey’s Academics for Peace to Receive 2018 Courage to Think Defender Award
Scholars at Risk (SAR) has announced Turkey’s Academics for Peace (Barış İçin Akademisyenler) as recipients of the 2018 Courage to Think Defender Award, for their extraordinary efforts in building academic solidarity and in promoting the principles of academic freedom, freedom of inquiry, and the peaceful exchange of ideas. Read more.

Scholars at Risk Network 2018 Global Congress
23–26 April, Berlin, Germany The 2018 Global Congress brought together in Berlin over 500 participants from more than 60 countries for four days of workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions around the theme, The University and the Future of Democracy. Read more.

See more information about Scholars at Risk Network.

The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)

Mitochondria in Health and Disease
On November 2, 2017 the Biochemical Pharmacology Discussion Group at the New York Academy of Sciences presented Mitochondria in Health and Disease, a daylong conference exploring the many facets of mitochondrial function in physiology and medicine, across diverse disciplines including: neurology, aging, oncology, autophagy, membrane morphogenesis, structural biology, and bioenergetics. Read more.

Making Big Goals Achievable
In these videos you’ll meet a few people who have taken this idea to heart and are using the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve serious results. See videos.

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Healing Plants from the Congo
Using scientific approaches, Congolese chemist Kalulu Taba, the only TWAS Fellow in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hopes to drive scientific innovation and to set up a science academy in his country. Read more.

TWAS Launches Online Directory
The new TWAS Online Directory gives unprecedented global visibility to TWAS Fellows and Young Affiliates. With powerful search tools and infographics, the Directory will be a useful tool for policymakers, journalists and others. Read more.

Toxicology Education and Training Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)

Access the Risk Assessment Training Course Database to find information regarding human health chemical risk assessment training courses and resources worldwide.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST)

Distance-Assisted Training Programme

IUFoST is committed to improving the knowledge of people working in the food industry and using web-based technologies to distribute knowledge of food science and technology and the Distance-Assisted Training Programme is a key component of realizing this goal. Read more.

Toxicology Webinars and Continuing Education

ACT ToxChats^©

ACT ToxChats^© is excited to announce the expanded availability of select podcasts on iTunes and Google Play Music (search ToxChats), in addition to all episodes on the ACT website. Further instructions on accessing iTunes by iPhone or Android using Google Play Music are readily available in your preferred search engine. The podcasts report on cutting-edge news in toxicological research from around the globe, and feature interviews with experts and a review of current advances.

In the latest release (Episode 7), The Opioid Epidemic was discussed from a preclinical drug development perspective with Dr. Carrie Blum, Associate Director, Toxicology at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Mary Jeanne Kallman, VP and consultant at her own company Kallman Preclinical Consulting LLC.

We encourage you to listen and welcome any feedback or suggestions for future topics.

ACT and BTS: Basic Training in Toxicology E-Learning Series

The American College of Toxicology (ACT) and the British Toxicology Society (BTS) are offering a training in toxicology webinar series. These educational modules provide twelve modules of basic toxicology training by experts in the field to professionals and students worldwide. The live webinars are offered every other month in 60–75-minute segments followed by 15 minutes for questions and answers. Registrants have access to the webinar recordings for thirty days following the live webinar. Additionally, users can take advantage of these stand-alone segments by viewing the e-learning archives when it’s convenient. For more information and to register, visit the website.

Additional Webinar Resources

American College of Toxicology Educational Webinars
US FDA Training and Continuing Education
Society of Toxicology (SOT), USA Webinars
Society of Toxicology (SOT), USA CEd-Tox Online

IUTOX Meetings

15th International Congress of Toxicology (ICTXV), 2019

July 15–18, 2019

Check out the Schedule at a Glance.

Call for Abstracts Deadline: November 30, 2018

Visit the ICTXV website for more information!

Travel awards will be available from IUTOX for junior and senior scientists. Watch the IUTOX website and our social media channels (Facebook | Twitter) for all the details.

The Toxicology Education Foundation is now accepting applications for the Robert L. Dixon International Travel Award.

Upcoming Society Meetings

If your member society would like its meetings added to our Upcoming Meetings section on the IUTOX website, please send an email to IUTOX Headquarters.

View a full listing of the Upcoming Meetings.

Student Travel Grants

What is the ACTRA Student Travel Grant?

ACTRA is offering a number of travel grants for students to attend this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Student travel grants are awarded to eligible students who apply and can demonstrate outstanding research efforts in the field of toxicology and/or risk assessment, or ecotoxicology. Deadline for applications is 31 May 2018.

Student Travel Grant Entitlements
The travel grant consists of one free conference registration (including dinner), economy return airfares, and accommodation for the duration of the ASM (to be organised by ACTRA). The successful candidates must present their research in a short oral presentation or poster presentation at the ACTRA ASM.

For further details, please visit the ACTRA website or contact the ACTRA Conference Managers.
National Office: Suite 5, 250 Gore St, Fitzroy 3065
Phone: +61394163833
Email: actraasm@clems.com.au
Website: www.actra.org.au

EUROTOX

August 10th is the deadline for late abstract submissions. Find detailed information on late breaking abstracts online.

Plan to join us in Brussels. Register today!

Dear Colleagues and Delegates,

With great pleasure, the Belgian Society of Toxicology and Ecotoxicology (BelTox) will organize the 54th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2018) from 2 to 5 September, 2018, in Brussels.

Besides three universities, Brussels hosts many stakeholders in toxicological sciences such as the EU institutions, ILSI Europe, ECETOC, and numerous industry trade associations. Several chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are located in Belgium. Brussels can easily be reached by airplane, train and by car. The SQUARE, a modern convention centre located in the heart of the city’s business and cultural district, is in walking distance to many hotels of different categories.

Our theme for 2018 is “Toxicology Out of the Box”. It reflects our willingness and enthusiasm to offer a really innovative, forward-looking and imaginative scientific programme. We will offer attractive lectures and sessions with well-balanced inputs from academia, industry and regulators. We have the knowhow and capacity to cater to your every need, and the city and its environment offer a wealth of opportunities for excursions, gastronomy and leisure activities.

We warmly invite you to enjoy the congress in Brussels and our Belgian hospitality!

Sincerely yours,

The EUROTOX 2018 Organizing Committee

Prof. Dominique Lison
Congress President and Chair of the LOC

French Society of Toxicology

We are pleased to announce that the next annual meeting of the French Society of Toxicology will be held in Lille, France, on November 27 and 28, 2018.

This year, we will focus on “Environmental Risk Assessment of Xenobiotics and its Impact on Human Health.”

The congress will be divided into four main sessions corresponding to the three environmental matrices, namely water, air, and soils, the last part being devoted to residues. During this meeting, focus will be on:

1. Specific contaminants:
   • (nano)-TiO2, risk assessment and risk management for occupational and general population by Prof. Francelyne Marano
   • Chlordecone: Epidemiological considerations by Prof. Luc Multigner and Assessment of dechlorinated derivatives after in situ chemical reduction, occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals and human health, pesticide residues and perinatality
2. Experimental models:
   • Skin models to assess the impact of impurities in cosmetics by Prof. Vera Rogiers
   • Zebrafish as an innovative tool for evaluation of aquatic and human toxicity
   • Micro/mesocosms in environmental risk assessment
3. Regulations with the risk assessment of residues of human drugs in water
4. Risk assessment of electromagnetic radiations, crossing environmental and health data through a Geographic Information System (GIS) to assess the links between air pollution and human health by Prof. Damien Cuny.

The introductory lecture will be led by Professor Dominique Lison, President and Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the 54th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2018) from 2 to 5 September 2018, in Brussels.

We will be pleased to welcome you and your interest in these current scientific topics.

Beyond the scientific content of the conference, we warmly invite you to enjoy the congress in Lille and taste the legendary hospitality of the North of France!

Sincerely yours,
The French Society of Toxicology Organizing Committee

Society of Toxicology of Canada (STC)

Join us in Toronto for the 50th Annual Symposium of The Society of Toxicology of Canada (STC). December 10–December 12, 2018.

Symposium Theme: What’s in a NAM? (Novel approach methodologies). Benefits, limitations, translation, communication. A one-room format fosters high engagement between experienced, new, and trainee toxicologists (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows). Student poster and travel awards are available.

Confirmed Speakers:
NAMs Benefits and Limitations: Charu Chandrasekera, Canadian Centre for Alternatives; Nicole Kleinstreuer, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences; Andy Nong, Health Canada; Milica Radisic, University of Toronto, SenzaGen AB

Translational Toxicology: Jack Uetrecht, University of Toronto, David Clarke, Pfizer Inc.

Risk and Risk Communication: Ron Brecher, Toxicology Risk Assessment and Risk Communication

Venue: Courtyard Marriott Toronto Downtown. 475 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 1X7. The excellent room rate offered for the meeting is extended before and after the meeting, perfect for visiting the tourist friendly city of Toronto.

Details at www.stcweb.ca.

Fellowship and Travel Award Opportunities

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 occur twice per year: February 1 and September 1.

Annual 2018 PhRMA Foundation Awards
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

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

Fogarty Emerging Leaders

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a global science academy based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in the developing world. TWAS currently has 460 PhD fellowships with 13 partners in eight countries, and 150 postdoctoral fellowships with 16 partners in nine countries.

Upcoming Deadlines:

TWAS-SN BOSE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
The S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Science in Kolkata, India, and TWAS have established a fellowship programme for foreign scholars from developing countries who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in physical sciences.

Deadline: 31 July 2018
Partner Organizations: S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Host country: India
Eligible nationalities: Developing countries in the South

TWAS-NCP POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
For young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in physical sciences in departments and laboratories of the National Centre for Physics (NCP) in Islamabad.

Deadline: 31 July 2018
Partner Organizations: National Centre for Physics, Pakistan
Host Country: Pakistan
Eligible Nationalities: All developing countries

To see the full list of fellowship opportunities available from TWAS, please check out the TWAS website.

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.

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!