The Society of Toxicology (SOT) has been dedicated to recognizing exceptional members with the Merit Award for more than 45 years. The Merit Award is presented to members of the Society who have distinguished themselves from among their peers through a lifetime of contributions to the field of toxicology, specifically in the areas of research, teaching, regulatory activities, consulting, and service to the Society.
SOT Secretary Ruth Roberts presents Samuel M. Cohen with the 2017 Merit Award.
The 2017 Merit Award recipient was Samuel M. Cohen. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has made exemplary contributions to toxicology as a practicing pathologist, researcher, teacher and mentor, scientific writer, and scientific advisor on important issues at the intersection of science and public policy. His primary research focus has been on the mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenesis related to human exposure to environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and the importance of that understanding for the prediction of human risk of cancer from chemical exposure.
Similar to many other SOT Awards, nominations for the Merit Award should include the nominee’s CV and both a primary and seconding letter of nomination from Full members of the Society that document and describe the significant contributions to toxicology by the nominee. These letters should explain in layman’s terms how the nominee's significant accomplishment contributes to toxicology and how they apply to the criteria of the award.
If you know a colleague or other scientist who deserves to be recognized, please begin the nomination process today by visiting the SOT Awards website! Nominations are accepted through October 9, 2017, and can be made for scientists who have made significant contributions to toxicology in the areas of research, teaching, regulatory activities, consulting, and service to the Society. This award will be presented during the 2018 SOT Awards Ceremony.
The recipient of this award will be invited to deliver the Merit Award Lecture during the 2018 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
Previous Recent Merit Award Recipients
- 2006 A. Wallace Hayes
- 2007 James A. Swenberg
- 2008 Hanspeter Witschi
- 2009 Gary Williams
- 2010 Marion F. Ehrich
- 2011 Michael Aschner
- 2012 Curtis D. Klaassen
- 2013 Frederick Peter Guengerich
- 2014 Jay I. Goodman
- 2015 Günter Oberdörster
- 2016 Melvin E. Andersen
- 2017 Samuel M. Cohen