In my first President’s Message, I outlined the steps SOT would take to develop a 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, including small focus group discussions, individual interviews, and a survey. We are completing this research phase of the project, and I thank everyone who responded to our participation request(s).
In preparation for this Strategic Planning year, during its June meeting, SOT Council spent time examining SOT programs and priorities to determine how SOT should focus its energy and resources during the coming year. One action resulting from this discussion was to place a funding hold on select programs that either overlap with another program or that could become more efficient with guidance from a new strategic plan. Another action was to conclude certain programs or activities. Here is a list of some of the affected programs and the action taken.
FASEB Membership
SOT has elected not to renew its membership in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).
ToxScholar Outreach
Funds that support travel expenses for individuals to visit undergraduate institutions have been paused while SOT develops its new strategic plan, but presentation resources and promotional materials remain available on the SOT website, as members are encouraged to continue visits to undergraduate institutions to share information about toxicology.
Component Group Collaboration Groups
The Regional Chapter Communication and Collaboration Committee (RC4), Special Interest Group Collaboration Group (SIG-CG), and Special Section Collaboration and Communication Group (SS-CCG) have been disbanded. SOT will continue to work with the Component Group leadership to identify efficient, effective ways for the groups to communicate and collaborate.
Non-SOT Meeting Funding
Funding for non-SOT meetings has been paused. Once the new Strategic Plan is finalized, SOT will determine if non-SOT meeting support remains a priority.
Global Senior Scholar Exchange Program
This award program is on hold for two years, with no Scholars and Hosts selected for 2024 or 2025.
If you have questions or concerns about these decisions, please do not hesitate to contact me or another member of Council.
I will share additional updates from recent SOT Council discussions in a separate message next week.
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