On April 30, I received an “e-baton” from Society of Toxicology (SOT) 2014–2015 President Norb Kaminski, who was getting ready to step into his new role as SOT 2015–2016 Past President. The sharing of this image from the outgoing president to the incoming president has been a tradition for the past few years. The symbolism of passing of the baton is entirely appropriate. It represents a time of transition, to give responsibility for something important to another person. I prefer to see the “passing of the baton” as a ritual that highlights the cooperation, teamwork, and healthy debate among colleagues that is needed to be successful.
The setting was idyllic—mild breezes coming off the bay, the setting sun, temperature a comfortable 70 degrees (F)—for the outdoor Welcome Reception that opened the 54th Annual Meeting of the SOT in San Diego. What a wonderful opportunity to greet old friends and meet new ones. Back indoors for the rest of the week (unless you were taking advantage of the beautiful weather), attendees were feted to a strong scientific program from start to finish. The Annual Meeting featured several pre-eminent lecturers with appreciative audiences, 2,840 abstracts accepted with 2,438 posters presented, and attendance reaching 6,875, the third highest for any SOT Annual Meeting.
A major accomplishment for SOT this past year was the review and development of the SOT Strategic Plan. I’d like to thank the Council for their efforts as well as the key toxicology thought leaders and many SOT members who provided feedback that resulted in a clear and viable roadmap that will guide the Society for the next four years in key areas. The primary focus of the new Strategic Plan is the Central Challenge—“Shape the future of toxicology in a changing scientific landscape.”
The plan has three Strategic Priorities: (A) Strengthen the impact and relevance of toxicology, (B) Develop and support toxicologists to enable them to capitalize on future opportunities, and (C) Expand the outreach and impact of toxicology globally, including communicating the impact and relevance of toxicology to key audiences. I encourage you to review the Strategic Profile, a brief summary of the new Strategic Plan. The Council identified several key Strategic Objectives within the three Strategic Priorities that will guide discussions as we consider new initiatives during this next year. I plan to provide updates to the membership as we move towards implementation of these activities.
A major focus for SOT Council this year will be to take stock of the Society’s programs and activities in career advancement, recruitment, and education. This undertaking directly responds to one of the Strategic Objectives under Priority B to “promote the recruitment, education, and development of a diverse and creative community of toxicologists.” SOT can rightfully boast of its successful legacy of serving our members with many outstanding programs and resources in education, undergraduate engagement, and career resources and development. Successes and growth in these programs has been fueled by the committed and passionate members who serve each year on a half-dozen committees to the benefit of many.
Because of the importance of these programs to the future of toxicology, Council will undertake a year-long deliberative process to discern the impact of these various programs. I appointed five Council members to the Career Advancement, Recruitment, and Education (CARE) Subcommittee who will help guide this process. Some of the key questions that Council will use to focus this process are as follows:
- How can SOT best promote the career advancement, recruitment, and education of a diverse and creative community of toxicologists?
- What are the SOT’s long-range goals and aspirations in these areas that will enable toxicologists to meet 21st Century challenges in public and environmental health?
- How do the programs and activities we now have achieve these goals?
- Can SOT better integrate and coordinate these programs and activities and new activities to provide greater impact and value to our members and future members?
During this year-long deliberative process, the CARE Subcommittee will engage SOT members and committees as well as outside organizations to gather key information and data to help produce the best outcomes.
I look forward to this next year serving you as SOT President. I anticipate a productive year that will continue to advance the guiding values, goals, and aspirations of our Society. Our successes will result from “passing the baton”— the cooperation and teamwork between colleagues who serve on Council, on the many committees and component group executive boards, and on our management staff. I hope to engage with many of you this next year as we work together to advance this enterprise.
Peter L. Goering
SOT 2015–2016 President