Conference Description
The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Collaboration across the many areas of toxicology research including the environmental sciences and pharmaceutical and consumer product development, is critical for scientific advancement as scientists from academia, private industry and government strive to solve crucial public health problems. The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity (CMMT) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) boasts a rich history of presenting the latest unpublished innovations in mechanistic toxicology within a collegial environment fostering open scientific exchange, networking, and career development. The 2023 week-long program aims to highlight interdisciplinary and integrative scientific partnership with featured session topics including functional genomics, environmental toxicant metabolism, impact of the cellular microenvironment on toxic responses, artificial intelligence in toxicology, modernization of developmental toxicity testing, and integration of new approach methodologies in risk assessment for multiple areas including neurotoxicity, mixtures, and new therapeutic modalities. The program also includes an early career investigator session featuring two trainees selected from the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) along with emerging investigators in mechanistic toxicology from across the U.S. and abroad. The program will also offer a Power Hourâ„¢, a unique session offered by the GRC to provide an open, informal venue to address challenges faced by women in science, will focus on challenges for women with intersectional identities. The session, led by active researchers in the field of toxicology who are also leading advocates of women in science and persons with intersectional identities, will stimulate dialogue on career development and inclusivity. All attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend this featured event on Monday afternoon.
Fostering fellowship in scientific dialogue, networking, and career development has been a cornerstone of the success of the CMMT GRC. The tradition continues in 2023 with many opportunities throughout the week for open scientific discussion and collaboration during daily poster sessions and emphasis on discussion following oral platform sessions and during breaks. All applicants are encouraged to submit abstracts of their latest work. Limited short, oral presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts. Late-breaking speakers will be notified by the Chairs 2-3 months prior to the meeting if selected. Graduate students and postdoctoral scientists are encouraged to also apply to the associated GRS, which is organized by and for trainees.
Limited funding for trainees and young investigators who present posters and indicate a need for financial assistance at time of application will be considered for partial registration and/or travel cost coverage. Please email the conference Chairs to be considered. Final decisions for funding will be made based on scientific merit, need, and availability of funds.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by April 15, 2023. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Gene Essentiality and Functional Genomics for Mechanistic Toxicology
Discussion Leaders
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Muireann Coen (AstraZeneca/Imperial College London, United Kingdom)
Speakers
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Jason Sheltzer (Yale University, United States)
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Keren Carss (AstraZeneca, United Kingdom)
Artificial Intelligence in Toxicology and its Role in Decision Making
Discussion Leaders
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Ruth Roberts (ApconiX, United Kingdom)
Speakers
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Shraddha Thakkar (Center for Drug Evaluations and Research, Food and Drug Administrations, United States)
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Ronald Tjalkens (Colorado State University, United States)
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Matthew Martin (Pfizer Inc., United States)
The Cellular Microenvironment in Tissue Health, Disease and Toxic Exposure Outcomes
Discussion Leaders
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Shaun McCullough (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United States)
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Kymberly Gowdy (The Ohio State University, United States)
Speakers
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Ana Mora (Ohio State University, United States)
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Matthew Campen (University of New Mexico, United States)
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Stavros Garantziotis (NIH, United States)
New Modalities, Mechanisms and Methods in Neurotoxicity
Discussion Leaders
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Matthew Wagoner (Takeda Pharmaceuticals, United States)
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James (Eric) McDuffie (Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc, United States)
Speakers
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Timothy Shafer (US Environmental Protection Agency)
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Mohamed Kreir (Janssen Pharmaceutical)
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Nibha Mishra (PhD, United States)
Novel Mechanisms Regulating Environmental Toxicant Metabolism
Discussion Leaders
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Danielle Carlin (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, United States)
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Lauren Aleksunes (Rutgers University, United States)
Speakers
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Jamie Bernard (Michigan State University, United States)
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Weston Porter (Texas A&M University, United States)
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Jonathan Doorn (University of Iowa, United States)
Modern Approaches in Developmental Toxicity Testing
Discussion Leaders
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Kari Sant (San Diego State University, United States)
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Jessica LaRocca (Corteva Agriscience, United States)
Speakers
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George Daston (P&G, United States)
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Maria Bondesson (Indiana University, United States)
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Thomas Knudsen (US EPA, United States)
A Mechanistic View of Mixtures Toxicology from Human Health to Ecological Health
Discussion Leaders
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Phillip Wages (Estee Lauder Companies)
Speakers
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Cynthia Rider (NIEHS)
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Paul Price (Retired, United States)
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Rolf Altenburger (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany)
Early-Career Investigator Presentations
Discussion Leaders
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Cassandra Meakin (Gradient , United States)
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Katelyn Lavrich (U.S. EPA, United States)
Speakers
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Cody Smith (Rutgers University, United States)
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Mohit Jain (UCSD, Sapient Bioanalytics)
Keynote Session: Mechanisms of Protein Degradation by Immunomodulatory Drugs and Targeted Protein Degraders
Discussion Leaders
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Pete Newham (AstraZeneca, United Kingdom)
Speakers
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Eric Fischer (Harvard Medical School / Dana Farber Cancer Institute, United States)
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Kevin Moreau (AstraZeneca, United Kingdom)
The GRC Power Hourâ„¢
Organizers
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Samantha Snow (ICF, United States)
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Sarah Lacher (University of Minnesota Medical School, United States)