As the summer draws to a close, we all begin thinking about abstract submissions for the SOT 2015 Annual Meeting. Perhaps you have been involved with a special education activity this summer with undergraduates or high school students, or you may have been thinking about what worked well last year as you plan teaching activities for the next academic year. The SOT Annual Meeting is all about education and sharing the best in toxicological science, including activities away from the lab bench that advance the science. The Education Committee, Undergraduate Education Subcommittee, and K–12 Subcommittee encourage toxicologists to contribute abstracts on topics related to education, ethical, legal, and social issues. In the last several years, submissions have produced a robust and stimulating poster session. We anticipate a repeat at the 2015 SOT Annual Meeting with your help.
Toxicologists can provide insight and scholarly information that may not be a result of hypothesis–driven experimentation. For example, you might use innovative teaching methods with demonstrated successful outcomes, or perhaps you have a model outreach program to share. Lessons learned in developing model outreach programs with accompanying theoretical and applied techniques for success would enrich the educational experience at the upcoming meeting. Community and campus partnerships that contribute to learning about and application of toxicology in the context of social and public health provide another example of appropriate submissions.
For this type of abstract, the impact on the practice of toxicology, risk assessment, education, or public health is described. Subject matter that fosters discourse relevant to the evolution and improvement of the field of toxicology and toxicological education is encouraged. Implications for stakeholders are articulated in the abstract, the purpose, research methods, and assessment approach are described, with an explicit summary of either qualitative or quantitative findings and conclusions. Care should be taken to distinguish between statements that are based on documented facts rather than opinions. A literature review or descriptive background material is not sufficient content for a poster. The abstract submission deadline is October 7.
For further information or to discuss your potential abstract, contact Shu-Yuan (Demi) Cheng of the Undergraduate Education Subcommittee, Marie Bourgeois of the K–12 Subcommittee, or Rick Pollenz of the Education Committee. For additional information, please visit the SOT website.