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Nominations are now open for the 2027 SOT Achievement Award and SOT Leading Edge in Basic Science Award, which recognize scientists whose work is helping move toxicology forward. Full SOT members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals for these awards.

Achievement Award

The Achievement Award honors an SOT member who has made significant contributions to toxicology within 15 years of earning their highest degree. It celebrates scientists whose accomplishments early in their careers already are influencing the field. The award consists of a plaque presented during the SOT Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony and a cash stipend.

Leading Edge in Basic Science Award

The Leading Edge in Basic Science Award honors a scientist, SOT member or nonmember, whose research within the past five years has produced a seminal advance in the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of toxicity. Eligible nominees include toxicologists as well as scientists who may not identify with the discipline of toxicology. The recipient should be a respected scientist whose findings are likely to have a lasting impact on toxicology. The award includes a plaque presented during the SOT Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony, a cash stipend, and an invitation to deliver the Leading Edge in Basic Science Award Lecture at the SOT Annual Meeting.

Making a Nomination

Nominations for both awards are due on October 9, 2026. Each nomination package must include:

The two letters should be distinct from one another and provide specific, substantive support for the nominee rather than simply repeat information from the CV. For the Achievement Award, the letters should explain the nominee’s significant contributions to toxicology and how the nominee fulfills the award criteria. For the Leading Edge in Basic Science Award, the letters should identify the specific recent contribution or contributions being recognized and discuss their potential impact on toxicology; a publication list alone is not sufficient.

For more information on making a nomination, please review the “Awards Review Process and FAQs” web page of the SOT website. Please direct any inquiries to SOT Headquarters.  

Help SOT celebrate the scientists advancing toxicology through exceptional achievement and discovery. Review the award criteria and begin a nomination today!

Preference will be given to nominees who have not received any of the following SOT Awards in the past two years: Achievement, Arnold J. Lehman, Distinguished Toxicology Scholar, Education, Enhancement of Animal Welfare, Founders, Leading Edge in Basic Science, Merit, Public Communications, Toxicologist Mentoring, Translational Impact, and Undergraduate Educator Awards.