The Society of Toxicology (SOT) was a sponsor of the recent International Conference on Reproductive Biology and Toxicology (CBRT), held November 10–11, 2014, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The theme of this meeting was on the impact of environmental stressors on aspects of male and female reproductive tracts and developmental processes during pregnancy. The objectives of the meeting were to bring together experts in reproductive and developmental toxicology from South and North America to facilitate interaction between graduate students and international scientists, encourage international collaboration on critical and emerging issues in toxicology, and to explore opportunities and mechanisms to expand Professional Society memberships amongst South American scientists.
The meeting was well attended with more than 100 delegates from across Brazil and representing Chile, Argentina, Australia, United States, and Canada. Delegates included graduate students through to senior investigators and program directors. Highlights of the meeting include the following:
1.Round table discussion of representatives from Brazilian and International Societies of Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, including
Society for the Study of Reproduction: Kate Loveland; Society of Toxicology: Warren Foster; American Society of Andrology: Sally P. Darney; Society Brasileira de Toxicologia: Daniel Dorta; Society Brasileira de Biologia Cellular: Luis Renato de França; Society Brasileira de Farnacologia e Terapêutica Experimental: Maria Christina W. Avellar; Society Brasileira de Tecnologia de Embriões: José Buratini Jr.;Latin American Society for Maternal Fetal Interaction and Placenta: Estela Bevilacqua; Latin American Society of Toxicologic and Experimental Pathology: Wilma Kempinas
2.The mandate of each society along with the benefits to membership was discussed by each representative. SOT Special Interest Groups were also indentified as a method for scientists in South America to become more active in SOT. Also highlighted were travel grants and awards for graduate students along with the site for the next Annual Meeting in San Diego.
3.The meeting included oral presentations by leading international experts and local Brazilian and Chilean scientists as well as local graduate students. In addition, graduate students gave oral presentations of their posters in a structured format with judging by visiting experts for selection of the best poster presentation. Local faculty and graduate students were provided with adequate time during breaks to meet with visiting scientists (Daniel Cyr and Warren Foster) to discuss their experiences as members of SOT and the benefits of membership in international professional societies. In addition, faculty and students had the opportunity to discuss their own research, ask questions, and problem-solve technical issues. It is anticipated that several new collaborative projects will arise from discussions at this meeting.