The Physicians Committee Advances Nonanimal Toxicology at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology, March 22–25

Our team will present innovative, human-specific, nonanimal approaches, expand education and training initiatives, and engage in high-impact policy discussions to help accelerate the transition to more predictive, efficient, and ethical toxicology.

(*All times are in Pacific Time)

Sunday, March 22

Qureator’s Human-Based Technology for Toxicology Research: Facility Tour and Hands-On Workshop

The Physicians Committee and Qureator are partnering to host an interactive workshop highlighting Qureator’s human-based technologies and their uses in toxicology research. Attendees will tour the facility, hear directly from scientists working on and using these models, gain firsthand experience, and connect with leaders dedicated to advancing human-specific nonanimal methods. The event is limited to 20 participants, with prior registration required. Transportation and lunch will be provided.

• When: 12:30 – 4:45 p.m.
• Where: Qureator Headquarters, San Diego, Calif. (transportation provided to/from SOT for registered attendees)

Women in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Networking Event

The Physicians Committee will co-host this year’s Women in NAMs networking event at SOT, bringing together leaders in toxicology to connect, collaborate, and accelerate the shift toward nonanimal science.

Monday, March 23

Poster Session: Educating Future Toxicologists and Communicating with the Public

Dr. Eryn Slankster-Schmierer will present on the Physicians Committee’s NAM Use for Regulatory Application (NURA) program, highlighting the archived toxicology training we provide, the new trainings offered in the previous year, and the upcoming trainings planned in 2026, which include a training on assessing sunscreen safety with NAMs, and Xeno-Free Reagents in Toxicology assessment.

• Poster #3411: NURA: Free Toxicology Training on Sunscreens, Xeno-Free Reagents, and More in 2026
• Authors: Eryn Slankster-Schmierer, PhD, Allison Martin, MSc, Jon McCord, PhD, Shagun Krishna, PhD
• When: 1:45 – 4:15 p.m.
• Where: ToxExpo Hall, Exhibit Hall B, San Diego Convention Center

Tuesday, March 24

Session: Toxicology Meets Public Policy: Lessons Learned from NAMs Advocacy in the United States

In this session, Emily Anderson will discuss the role of scientists in bridging the gap between scientific advancement and policies that support implementation of modern toxicological approaches. She will discuss opportunities for scientists to influence policymakers and best practices for effective advocacy, drawing on her experience advocating for FDA qualification of NAMs to demonstrate these concepts. This session aims to empower scientists across sectors to engage in science advocacy.

• Presentation: Advocacy 101: Influencing Decision-Makers to Advance Effective Science Policies
• Speaker: Emily Anderson, MS
• When: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Where: Ballroom 6E, San Diego Convention Center

Wednesday, March 25

Workshop Session: Cardiovascular Toxicity as a Globally Harmonized System Hazard Trait: The Evidence and the Path Forward

In this workshop, Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer will present research led by Dr. Shagun Krishna on approaches to identify cardiovascular hazards from environmental chemicals using human-relevant data. The work demonstrates how ToxCast and Tox21 high-throughput screening data can be integrated with in vitro–to–in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to predict cardiotoxicity. This approach identifies chemical classes, including organotins, bisphenols, flame retardants, and pesticides, likely to pose cardiovascular risks at human-relevant exposure levels.

• Presentation: From Assay to Dose: Integrating ToxCast Data with IVIVE and PBPK Modeling to Predict Cardiotoxicity of Environmental Chemicals
• Speaker: Shagun Krishna, PhD; Presented by Nicole Kleinstreuer, PhD
• When: 8 – 10:45 a.m.
• Where: Ballroom 6D, San Diego Convention Center

Session: Earning Trust and Driving Impact: Lessons in Communicating Risk to Diverse Audiences Amid Widespread Science Skepticism

In this session, Emily Anderson will discuss communication strategies for translating technical expertise into policy-relevant messaging that resonates with legislators across the political spectrum. Drawing on experience in federal legislative engagement through NAMs advocacy, she will discuss key concepts for strategic messaging and effective engagement with legislators, as well as practical tools for scientists to begin or strengthen their impact on science policy.

• Presentation: Making the Case to Legislators: Communication Strategies to Drive Policy Change for New Approach Methodologies
• Speaker: Emily Anderson, MS
• When: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Where: Ballroom 6E, San Diego Convention Center

Poster Session: Late-Breaking Posters 4

Dr. Jon McCord will present a computational tool for predicting drug safety, based on molecular interactions between the studied drug and proteins associated with adverse outcomes.

• Poster #5172: A Cloud Hosted Tool for Predicting Drug Distribution and Safety Based on Protein-Drug Structure and Affinity Predictions
• Authors: Jon McCord, PhD
• When: Wednesday, March 25, 1:45 – 4:15 p.m.
• Where: ToxExpo Hall, Exhibit Hall B, San Diego Convention Center