It’s that time again. SOT is gearing up for the 7th Annual Tox ShowDown, the toxicological quiz game par excellence where members test wits against members. Consider volunteering as a contestant. Three teams of three contestants each, the Endocrine Disruptors, the Free Radicals, and the Toxic Metabolites, battle each other to answer questions wholly, partially, or remotely related to toxicology. Topics cover the gamut, including the role of toxicology in history, current events, arts, culture and society, not to mention science.
Even if you had to re-take molecular genetics three times in graduate school, don’t know the difference between metabolomics and macro-economics, or can’t stop your zebrafish from escaping from their tanks, you can be a star in the ShowDown. Studies have shown that research grants committees, prospective employers, and scientific award panels put greater stock in ShowDown contestant participation than education, work experience, publications, or other honors combined. And if you believe that one, we’ve got a bridge to sell you.
There will be prizes aplenty for the winning and losing (hey, at least they tried) teams and a cash bar to keep you on track. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast, so give it a shot. We’re looking for 9 contestants and 2 or 3 alternates.
Send expressions of interest to Phil Wexler, Tox ShowDown Chairperson at wexlerp@mail.nih.gov.