Activities

Scientific Highlights

Commissioner Hamburg Highlights Importance of Regulatory Science

Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), told toxicologists at the SOT 50th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo™ earlier this month that while great strides have been made in the biomedical field, “we are neither effectively translating these scientific discoveries into therapies nor fully applying our knowledge to ensuring the safety of food and medical products.” Speaking to a packed room at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, Dr. Hamburg explained that regulatory science is “needed to assess and evaluate the product’s safety, efficacy, quality, and performance. It involves the development of new methods, standards, and models to speed the review, approval, and ongoing oversight of medical products.” She went on to say that this science has been “under-appreciated, under-developed, and under-funded.” Dr. Hamburg noted that advancements in regulatory science can help facilitate the development of cost-effective and accurate product evaluation, increase capacity for post-market safety assessments, detection of product-associated adverse events, and the resolution of incidents involving product contamination. She reported that the U.S. FDA has several ongoing projects that will advance regulatory science including one in nanotechnology that is designed to characterize sunscreen and assess its penetration through the skin and another to develop screening methods for the detection of nanoscale silver in U.S. FDA-regulated products. She also talked about the importance of extensive collaboration and partnerships noting that “As the world becomes smaller, and products and ideas travel seamlessly across borders and time zones, it is essential that we consider the implications of this new reality for the scientific community—and more importantly, how to take advantage of it.” Finally, she urged toxicologists to “continue talking and asking questions—and pushing each other to bring us into the new toxicology paradigm that we need in the 21st century.”

Listen to Commissioner Hamburg Highlights Importance of Regulatory Science video.

Great Debate on Capitol Hill

(l to r) George Gray, James C. Lamb, IV, and Lorenz Rhomberg.

More than 200 members of the Society visited the Russell Senate Office Building earlier this month for the Regulatory and Safety Evaluation’s lively debate on the proposition that, “Hazard Information Provides an Adequate Basis for Restricting Chemical Use.” The debate was hosted by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and moderated by RSESS Past President James C. Lamb, IV, of Exponent. He organized this classic debate between two outstanding speakers, George Gray, George Washington University, and Lorenz Rhomberg, Gradient Corporation, who are widely acknowledged as excellent and entertaining speakers, and extremely well informed on the subject. Through a top-secret flip-of-the-coin, Dr. Gray spoke in favor of the proposition, and Dr. Rhomberg spoke in opposition. They both faithfully, even aggressively, defended their assigned perspectives. But in the end, the final vote by the audience for the debater who provided the best arguments went to Lorenz Rhomberg.

View the entire Great Debate video.

Regional Chapter, Special Interest Group, and Specialty Section
Historical Posters

For the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., each RC/SIG/SS had the opportunity to hang an “Historical Poster.” These posters were on display from Sunday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 9, 2011, outside the Exhibit Hall.

Read more information on the Historical Posters.

Smithsonian Lecture

“When Good Chemicals Turn Bad” Well Received by D.C. Audience

More than 80 people participated in the one-day seminar entitled, “When Good Chemicals Turn Bad, which the Society and the Smithsonian Associates hosted on March 5, 2011, at the S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington, D.C. The seminar covered a range of topics including:

• Poisoning Through the Ages:
  Part I—Early History & Part II—1860–2010: 150 Years of a Political Science, Phil Wexler/Michael A. Gallo
• The Dose Makes the Poison: What Is Safe? Environmental Health Toxicology, Marion F. Ehrich
• The Nature of Posioning, Cathleen Clancy
• Air, Water, and Land:
  Air Pollution: From Sources to Adverse Health Effects, Amir Sapkota
  Toxic Trace Elements and Chesapeake Bay, Gerhardt F. Riedel
  Human-Induced Toxic Effects on Wetland Plant Diversity, Kathy Boomer
• Cutting-Edge Research:
  Nanomedicines and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Challenges, Martin A. Philbert
  Epigenetics: The “Softward” of Our Genome, Cheryl Lyn Walker
  Toxicology for the 21st Century, Thomas Hartung

Smithsonian Lecture Presentation

Members Highlights

50th Anniversary Celebration Event

Michael and Mona Holsapple

The Celebration Event, held Tuesday, March 8, in honor of SOT’s Golden Anniversary, provided the opportunity for attendees to socialize with new and old friends, show off their dancing moves, and capture memories of this landmark occasion. The upbeat mood was enhanced by Beattlemania Live’s play list, which included such favorites as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Penny Lane,” and “Revolution.” Guests who weren’t on the dance floor rocking to the music might have been getting their groove captured in a flipbook photo album or testing their skills at one of the multiple Wii stations. The golf putting action station was also a draw for those preparing to hit the greens this Spring! If all the activities proved too exhausting, a quick inhale from the Oxygen Bar might have helped to refresh enthusiasm to “Party On.”

In between band sets, the DJ played hits of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, which drew the festive crowd to the dance floor. The overall décor of the function paid tribute to the years since SOT’s founding and guests were encouraged to wear attire from their favorite decade. Miniskirts, bellbottoms, and dye-tied shirts were spotted on a number of “way cool” attendees. For guests who wanted a more serene environment, the esplanade provided a panoramic view of Washington, D.C. and a more serene venue for reflecting on the future of SOT. All attendees were invited to sign the “Messages to The Future” banner prior to leaving the event. These messages will be placed in the SOT Time Capsule to be opened at the 75th Anniversary of the Society.

SOT would like to thank the host organizations for their support of the Celebration Event: Calvert Laboratories for the golf station, ExxonMobil for the Will stations and Charles River for their generous underwriting of Beattlemania Live.

Awards Ceremony

On March 6, SOT recognized our prestigious award recipients at the SOT Award Ceremony.

Awards Ceremony Presentation

Senator Klobuchar Receives SOT 2011 Science Leadership Award

(l to r) Shawn Douglas Lamb, SOT Executive Director; Michael P. Holsapple, SOT President; Senator Klobuchar; John Butenhoff, Minnesota Constituent, and George Corcoran, Chairman of the Congressional Task Force.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was one of two recipients to receive the SOT 2011 Congressional Science Leadership Award. Senator Klobuchar became the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the United States in 2006. She has a long history of bipartisan support for science and health research, and for advancing clean and alternative forms of energy. She has taken strong positions on consumer product safety and on breast cancer education. She is the author of the EARLY Act, which is designed to provide increased support and awareness to young women about the risks of breast cancer. She has also continuously supported legislation to fund research to our federal agencies and universities. She is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee.

Benchmark Winners!

On behalf of the leadership of the Society of Toxicology thank you to everyone who submitted a benchmark. The response to the program was overwhelming and while we promised we would select the winners, in the end, everyone is a winner. Congratulations to all who submitted benchmarks. Your name appears on the banner and on the posters. Thank you for the time you gave and the support you continue to give to SOT.

• Benchmark Web site and Poster
• Benchmark Posters Available!

CDI Reunion

The Committee on Diversity Initiatives (CDI) hosted the CDI Reunion on Saturday, March 5. Whether as a student, peer mentor, host mentor, speaker, or organizer, anyone who has ever been involved in the SOT Undergraduate Program was invited to attend. Visitation with colleagues who have been involved in the program over the last 22 years, meet with program alums, and greeted the undergraduate students who attended the program this year. The 2011 Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award was presented.

Historical Photo Gallery

SOT Historical Photo Gallery is comprised of pictures from the SOT archives; most are from the various Annual Meetings. Take a few moments to view the slide show and share these images with colleagues and friends. Please come back and visit again as pictures will be added regularly and let us know if any of the captions need to be corrected.

Landmarks Program Presentation

On March 7, SOT President Michael P. Holsapple presented a landmark plaque to leaders of the Committee on Toxicology, National Academy of Sciences (NAS), where the Society of Toxicology was founded March 4, 1961, and subsequently re-defined, fostered, and supported. The Plaque represents the gratitude and appreciation of the leadership and membership of the Society of Toxicology.

Members Celebration Meeting

All members were invited to celebrate the Society’s first 50 years of accomplishments on March 8. They learned about the history and growth of the Society over the past 50 years and where the Society is going in the next 50 years. Member groups such as Regional Chapters, Specialty Sections, Special Interest Groups, and Committees have made SOT a vigorous and highly successful organization. They placed items in the SOT Time Capsule.

Member Meeting Presentation

Past Presidents 5K Fun Run

SOT Past Presidents James S. Bus (1996–1997), Jay I. Goodman (1999–2000), Daniel Acosta, Jr. (2000–2001), David L. Eaton (2001–2002), George B. Corcoran (2007–2008), and Kenneth S. Ramos (2008–2009) hosted the SOT 2011 Past Presidents 5K Fun Run at scenic Hains Point in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. Camaraderie ran high amongst the 30 toxicologists who on March 6 braved the hour (6:00 AM) and the rain, and everyone reported having a great time! A grand prize of a shirt signed by the Past Presidents in attendance at the Annual Meeting went to the fastest runner.

For the male runners, the top three fastest race times were clocked by:

1. Jason Matthews, University of Toronto
2. Shane Peterson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
3. Bernabe Munoz, Chevron Energy Technology Company

For the top female runners, the three fastest race times were clocked by:

1. Monika Rönn, Uppsala University
2. Christi Schulte, Iowa State University
3. Kristy Kutanzi, U.S. Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research

Thanks to all who participated and celebrated 50 years of moving the Society of Toxicology forward!

Silent Auction

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of SOT, the Postdoctoral Assembly organized the 50th Anniversary Silent Auction. Members were able to bid on vacation get-a-ways or purchase an item of historical significance to SOT and toxicology (such as books, laboratory items, memorabilia, and photographs) as well as other items of general interests.

All proceeds from the Silent Auction have gone to the SOT Endowment Fund for Strategic Priorities.

The list of Silent Auction donors and winners can be found below.

Silent Auction Donors and Winners

Item	Donor	Successful Bidder
40th Anniversary Edition of The Double Helix autographed	Mark Hurtt	Laura Plunkett
“Hot Science and all that Jazz” SOT T-Shirt from 2005 Meeting	Jim Luyendyk	Jim Luyendyk
The Society of Toxicology: The First Fifty Years signed by Past Presidents	SOT Past Presidents	Kannan Krishnan
John Doull Antismoking Photo	John Doull	Lois Lehman-McKeeman
SOT Fun Run Sunglasses from 1993 Meeting	Ken Wallace	Sarah Campion
Ski Vermont! Condo in Okemo, Vermont	Jon Cook	Courtney McGinnis
House on Block Island, Rhode Island	Matt Bogdanffy	James and Shawn Lamb
Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology autographed 2nd edition	Peter Goering	Kannan Krishnan
Needlepoint of Significant Toxicants	Lauren Aleksunes	Leigh Ann Burns
Handmade Pottery Vase	Cynthia Rider	Natasha Catlin
Encyclopeida of Toxicology, 1st edition, Wexler (1998), signed	Phil Wexler	Maria Silagyi
Framed Underwater Photographs	Bruce Fowler	Betty Eidemiller
White House Athletic Center Gym Bag	Nancy Beck	Marianne Barrier
Information Resources in Toxicology, 4th edition, Wexler (2009), signed	Phil Wexler	Kannan Krishnan, Sally Tillota
Antique Clay Bottle	Sarah Campion	Steve Gilbert
SOT Anniversary Desk Art Piece	Bob Dunn	Maria Silagyi
Framed Photograph of SOT Founders	Robert Scala	Margaret Whittaker
Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 2nd edition, Wexler (2005), signed	Phil Wexler	Kannan Krishnan
Smoked Salmon and Aplets and Cotlets	Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter	Ronald Hines
Handmade Ceramic Wall Hanging	Cynthia Rider	Milou Dingemans
Vintage Copies of The Toxicologist from the 1970s	Mel Andersen	Eileen Hayes
Compendium of CIIT Activities (1981–2004), signed by CIIT Presidents	Susan Borghoff, Mason Baldwin	Richard Pfeifer, Jon Cook
3rd Edition of the Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology	William Slikker	Angela Hofstra
Stoddard’s Dyspepsia Tonic Antique Pharmaceutical Bottle	Michael Waalkes	Elisa Turner
Handcrafted Wooden 4-Legged Stool	Kim Boekelheide	Jeffrey Charles
Wine Cork Trivet, SOT 50th Anniversary Commemorative	Peter Goering	Daniel Petersen
3 Handcrafted Washington State ja lanea Red Wines by Chaos Vintners	David Eaton	James Lamb
Handcrafted Necklace and Earrings	Clarissa Wilson	David Eaton
Framed Photograph of John Doull	Robert Scala	Robert Krieger
House on the Chesapeake Bay	Jim and Shawn Lamb	David Eaton

 

SOT Charter Members Interviewed on the History and Significance of the Society

Following the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting, five charter members who had registered for this landmark event were contacted to share their insights on the reasons for the formation and success of SOT. SOT Charter members Herbert E. Christensen, John Doull, Bernard Heitbrink, Ted A. Loomis, and Bob West provided answers to the questions below:

1. Why did the founders feel it necessary to form a unique society for the discipline of toxicology?
2. How was the Society an important factor in gaining recognition for and appreciation of the discipline of toxicology?
3. What was the impact of your involvement with SOT, both personally and professionally?
4. What most surprised you as SOT developed?
5. What occurs to you as the main reason why SOT succeeded?
6. What does the Society offer to toxicologists as this century begins to unfold?
7. If you served on Council, who were the persons on Council on whom you most often relied for help and/or advise and why?

Each of these Charter members will be featured in the Communiqué, beginning with the Spring 2011 issue article on Dr. Doull. These SOT Charter members graciously agreed to have the interview records and excerpted portions made available on-line. The recordings will be available soon.

SOT Charter Member John Doull Interview

Charter member John Doull was interviewed by Marcia Lawson of the SOT Staff on April 21, 2011. Dr. Doull served as the 1986–1987 SOT President.

SOT Charter Member Herbert E. Christensen Interview

Charter member Herbert E. Christensen was interviewed by Marcia Lawson of the SOT Staff on April 21, 2011.