Toxicologists of African Origin (TAO)

President’s Message

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in the Toxicologists of African Origin (TAO), a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Society of Toxicology (SOT). The formation of TAO has been a long time coming and we are most grateful of all of the organizations and individuals that have supported our efforts. TAO was officially inaugurated at the 2008 SOT Meeting in Seattle, WA.

The objectives of TAO include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting career development opportunities for toxicologists of African origin, and to increase the recruitment and retention of Africans and African Americans entering the profession of toxicological sciences
• Promoting information exchange, collegiality and networking among toxicologists and related professionals of African origin; and to recognize the accomplishments of toxicologists of African origin
• Proposing, developing, and sponsoring scientific and educational programs including symposia, workshops, poster and platform sessions, continuing education classes and informational sessions on current scientific and policy issues that are relevant to populations of African origin
• Enhancing focus within SOT on environmental and public health issues relevant to populations of African origin
• Acting as SOT’s liaison to other organizations o¬n toxicological issues that are relevant to populations of African origin

To achieve these objectives and many challenges facing our community, we will be counting on your full participation and sharing of ideas.