To highlight our expanding commitment and capabilities in in vitro respiratory toxicology, IIVS is sponsoring and taking part in several events and activities at the Society of Toxicology (SOT) annual meeting. These events are designed to take a critical look at the utility of in vitro approaches to assess respiratory toxicants from chemicals and pesticides to next-generation tobacco products. Each meeting, session and roundtable provides a platform to discuss these approaches and share ideas on how to strengthen the use of these methodologies.

We will kick off the week with an Ancillary Meeting on Monday evening to discuss cross-sector efforts to identify and standardize non-animal approaches for respiratory toxicology. On Tuesday, we will co-chair a roundtable session to explore the opportunities and challenges in using in vitro and other alternative testing methods to evaluate e-cigarettes. Ending the week, on Thursday, our symposium will bring together speakers from industry and government to focus on how a range of pulmonary exposures can be evaluated using in vitro methods for detecting local respiratory effects, and the steps necessary to standardize these test methods.

In addition to our sessions and posters, we invite you to visit our booth (#533) to talk with us and learn more about our respiratory toxicology program.

IIVS has appointed Frank Gerberick, Ph.D as its Chief Scientific Advisor. With his expertise and knowledge of technological advances and industry trends, Dr. Geberick will advise the organization's governing body on scientific matters and make recommendations on future directions, such as unique research opportunities, processes to promote efficiencies, and competitive positioning for the organization.

“In the current business and regulatory climate, we see the value in establishing an independent advisory role to guide us on making scientific decisions. There is no one better than Dr. Gerberick to serve in that role with his long and accomplished career in developing and promoting alternative test methods.” said IIVS President, Erin Hill.