Blogs

Barbara L. Kaplan Is the 2026–2027 SOT Vice President–Elect

By Matthew Campen posted yesterday

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SOT is pleased to announce that Barbara L. Kaplan, PhD, Mississippi State University, has been elected to serve as the 2026–2027 SOT Vice President – Elect. Dr. Kaplan earned her BS in e nvironmental t oxicology from the University of California Davis and her PhD in p harmacology and t oxicology from Michigan State University. After conducting postdoctoral research in tumor immunology at the University of Chicago, she returned to Michigan State University as a Research Assistant Professor. She is now a Professor in the Center for Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at Mississippi ...

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Gary D. Minsavage Is the 2026–2027 SOT Treasurer-Elect

By Matthew Campen posted yesterday

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SOT is pleased to announce that Gary D. Minsavage , PhD, DABT, MBA, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc., has been elected to serve as the 2026–2027 SOT Treasurer-Elect. Dr. Minsavage has been an active member of SOT since 2001. His contributions to the Society include serving in leadership roles within the Risk Assessment Specialty Section, including as President, and currently as a member of the SOT Finance Committee. He also has been involved in R egional C hapters, multiple S pecialty S ections, and the Alternative Revenue Sources Task Force. Dr. Minsavage earned his PhD in t oxicology ...

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Global Session at 2026 SOT Spotlights the Promise—and Limits—of AI-Driven Protein Prediction in Modern Toxicology

By Larissa Williams posted yesterday

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Sometimes the future arrives unexpectedly. For me, it began on an airplane in 2025, while browsing the in-flight movie options and stumbling across The Thinking Game , a documentary following Demis Hassabis and Google DeepMind’s pursuit of artificial general intelligence. At the center of the film was AlphaFold, the AI system that transformed biology by predicting the three-dimensional structures of proteins from their amino acid sequences, a feat that helped crack the decades-old protein - folding problem and opened new frontiers in drug discovery. Just a year later, that same technological leap took center stage at the 2026 SOT Annual ...

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Are We Human? Or Are We Integrated?

By Krista Enos posted yesterday

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Traditional chemical risk assessment approaches have separated the human from the environment, which has allowed toxicologists to focus in on relevant species and data to assess possible exposure levels or hazards with a narrowed scope of concern. However, there is a growing appreciation for the interconnectedness of biology and that humans are not necessarily unique from environmental chemical hazards. Lauren Brown from Applied Risk and Toxicology LLC chaired the “Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Has the Time Come for Greater Integration of Approaches?” S ymposium S ession. Joseph Shaw from PRECISIONTOX ...

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a Diagnosis with Worse Outcome Than Some Cancers

By Johanna Elizabeth Ku posted yesterday

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In our modern lives , we are running from one thing to another . To calm down, we tend to start breathing calmly and in a controlled way . Our lungs fill with air, and in our alveoli, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide . Our heartbeats slow, and our blood pressure decreases . After a couple of minutes, we move on to the next appointment. We often do not think about the important role our lungs play in our daily lives until we get sick and we can´t breathe normally . For most of us, we will be able to recover… but some will start experiencing a cough, dyspnea ( shortness of breath ...

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Discover Changes to Session Proposals for the 2027 SOT Annual Meeting

By Robyn Tanguay posted 8 days ago

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After a highly successful scientific program at this year’s SOT Annual Meeting in San Diego, planning for the 2027 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Tex as, has already begun. The 2027 “ Session Proposal ” web page has been launched, and submission portal is open. T he SOT Scientific Program Committee ( SPC ) and Continuing Education Committee ( CEC ) will host the annual proposal development webinar , on Monday , April 6 , at 1 :00 pm (US EDT, UTC -4) . Beginning with the 2027 Annual Meeting, there ...

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Around the World of Toxicology: April 2026 Activities Update

By Matthew Campen posted 8 days ago

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Each month, SOT provides an update on activities and events of importance to the toxicology community through the release of the “Around the World of Toxicology” blog. To submit an event, opportunity, or information for consideration for inclusion in the monthly “Around the World of Toxicology” blog, complete the special submission form for “Around the World of Toxicology” items . Please note that only activities by societies and professional associations (i.e., nonprofits) will be considered. If you are an organization or company seeking to promote an event, please submit your activity to the SOT “ Calendar of Events ...

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SOT Is a Big Tent Society

By Cynthia Rider posted 8 days ago

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At the recent SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo , I found myself telling anyone who would listen what a joy and honor it has been to serve as SOT President. I was obsessively expressing this bursting sentiment because SOT is a uniquely welcoming and enriching professional home, and I really need people to hear that . Reflecting on the multitude of reconnections and new interactions brought home that our Society’s strength is in its breadth: SOT is a “ big tent ” society . Like toxicology itself , SOT has space for varied disciplines and all the associated scientific models and tools ...

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Keep the Annual Meeting Momentum Going: Stay Involved with SOT

By James Luyendyk posted 8 days ago

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T hank you to everyone who helped make the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo such a n incredible success. Whether you presented, attended sessions, reconnected with colleagues, or simply powered through on coffee and curiosity, you helped make the meeting a meaningful experience. We’re sure many of you want that momentum to keep going. The good news is that getting involved with SOT doesn’t mean you have to do everything all at onc e. You don’t need to join five C ommittees by Friday or spend your entire day on ToXchange . Here are ...

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Ensuring More Healthy Lives Through Endowment Funding for Toxicology Trainees

By Tae-Won Kim posted 8 days ago

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My decision to support the SOT Endowment comes from gratitude for the path I have been able to walk and a desire to help others walk a similar one. When I first came to the United States to pursue my graduate studies, I did not yet fully understand toxicology as a discipline. Through my master’s and doctoral training, particularly after entering North Carolina State University, I was introduced to toxicology in a meaningful way and began to see how this field connects rigorous science with real-world impact on human health. That training shaped not only my scientific foundation, but also my sense of purpose. My entry into ...

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SOT Leader and Mentor Strengthens the SOT Endowment Education Mission Fund

By William Slikker posted 8 days ago

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The Society of Toxicology is known worldwide for promoting student professional development and exposure to groundbr eaking science . After attending over 40 SOT A nnual M eetings, I remain convinced that presenting my research at SOT was critical to my scientific development . Having had the privilege of mentoring students at all levels, I appreciate the value of undergraduate, graduate , and postdoctoral student interaction with experienced scientists and with fellow students at SOT meetings to broaden their scientific training. To carry out this role of student enrichment, SOT desperately ...

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ToxSci March 2026 Issue Available

By James Luyendyk posted 22 days ago

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The March 2026 issue of Toxicological Sciences features a ToxPoint article discussing the challenges of identifying respiratory sensitizers and more. Additionally, a Systematic Review article reviews animal studies on ethylbenzene exposure. Tox Point Article: “ The Case Study for Respiratory Sensitization Assessment of Methyl Methacrylate Using New Approach Methodologies ” Systematic Review: “ A Systematic Review of Nervous System Effects of Ethylbenzene Exposure in Animal Models ” Other Research Articles “ Zonal ...

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Update on Add-On Events for the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo

By Cynthia Rider posted 22 days ago

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The 2026 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo offers a full lineup of add-on events designed to help you connect, grow, and get the most out of your time in San Diego . Whether you ’ re a student, postdoc, or seasoned professional, there ’ s something here for you. While some add-on events are sold out, others are still open for enrollment. Read on to find the ones that are right for you. Sunday, March 22 Continuing Education Courses (Fee required | Open to all registrants) Kick off the meeting with a deep dive into specialized topics through the Continuing ...

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Investing in the Future: SOT Launches Education Mission Fund Expansion Campaign

By Ranulfo Lemus Olalde posted 29 days ago

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The future of toxicology depends on the scientists we inspire and support today. To expand educational opportunities for students and early career scientists, SOT has launched the Education Mission Fund Expansion Campaign —an ambitious effort to strengthen the Society’s ability to support training, mentorship, and professional development across the field for generations to come . The Education Mission Fund supports programs that introduce students to toxicology and help scientists build successful careers through programs such as travel grants for graduate students to attend the SOT Annual Meeting and research ...

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Recognizing Excellence in Student Research

By Checo Rorie posted 29 days ago

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The SOT Initiatives for Development and Engagement Committee (IDEC) is pleased to announce that the re are two recipients of the 202 6 SOT Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award : Jayla Barkle y and Mario Ramirez . This award recognizes undergraduate or graduate students who were selected for the U ndergraduate D evelopment Program (UDP) in the last four years and have an abstract accepted for the SOT Annual Meeting. The selection is made by IDEC . Jayla Barkley: Investigating “ Forever Chemicals ” Ms. Barkley is ...

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In Memoriam: Richard A. Parent

By Matthew Campen posted 03-05-2026

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This tribute was written by Robert W. Kapp Jr . Richard “Dick” A. Parent of Damariscotta, Maine—renowned toxicologist, fearless advocate in court, sailor, and indefatigable force of nature—passed away on February 12 , 2026 . True to form, he was actively practicing toxicology and racing his beloved sailboat right up to the end. He turned 91 on January 1 6 , and his life was, by any measure, a very good run. Dick lived every one of those years to the fullest. He was truly one of a kind. For those who didn’t have the chance to know Dick Parent, here’s a brief overview of the man and mentor I knew. ...

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Announcing the New 2026–2027 SOT Officers and Elected Committee Members

By Matthew Campen posted 03-05-2026

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Thank you to the SOT members who participated in this year’s election. Congratulations to the newly elected officers and elected Committee members, who will begin their service on May 1, 202 6 . Following the  2026 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo , additional blogs will provide more information on these individuals, including the qualifications and volunteer contributions that led them to their new positions. Vice President–Elect Barbara L. Kaplan , PhD Mississippi State University Treasurer-Elect Gary D. Minsavage , PhD, DABT, MBA ExxonMobil Biomedical ...

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SAVE THE DATE: Webinar on Developing Competitive Scientific Session Proposals for 2027 Annual Meeting

By Robyn Tanguay posted 03-05-2026

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Like most SOT members, speakers, poster presenters, exhibitors, and many others, members of the SOT Scientific Program Committee (SPC) and Continuing Education Committee (CEC) continue to prepare for the 202 6 Annual Meeting later this mo nth in San Diego . Yet for the SPC and CEC, planning has already started for the 20 27 Annual Meeting , which will be held in San Antonio. A few weeks after the 2026 Annual Meeting, SPC and CEC will host the annual proposal development webinar , on Monday , April 6 , at 1 :00 pm ...

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Celebrating the 2026 Best Postdoctoral Publication Awardees

By Esther Omaiye posted 03-05-2026

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The SOT Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA) Executive Board is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 20 2 6 Best Postdoctoral Publication Award (BPPA)! The BPPA recognizes talented postdoctoral researchers who have recently published papers in the field of toxicology as a result of their postdoctoral research. The PDA Executive Board received a record number of applications this year and wants to thank all of the applicants for submitting their exceptional papers! Haoxuan Chen, PhD University of California Los Angeles Chen, Haoxuan, Airi Harui, Yu Feng, ...

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SOT Endowment Recognizes Accomplishments and Donors

By Ranulfo Lemus Olalde posted 02-26-2026

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The 2025 SOT Endowment Annual Report highlights the generosity of SOT members and friends in supporting long-term investment in the careers of toxicologists and activities that meet the Society’s strategic goals. With prudent oversight by the Endowment Fund Board and SOT Council, the Endowment Fund balance reached $6.1 million at the June 2025 year-end. D uring the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year, SOT disbursed more than $ 173,000 from the SOT Endowment F unds, including awards to more than 177 scientists ( predominantly trainees ) , as well as funding for multiple ...

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