Congratulations to the 2021 Barnes Prize Recipient Dr Bette Meek

At the 2021 Annual Congress the British Toxicology society had the honour of awarding the Barnes Prize to Dr Bette Meek (Associate Director of Chemical Risk Assessment at the McLaughlin Centre for Risk Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa). The Barnes Prize is an award established in memory of the pioneering toxicologist, Dr John Barnes, and awarded biennially to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in the profession of Toxicology and Safety Science, particularly regarding their research achievements.

Dr Meek is a worthy recipient of the Barnes Prize and has been heavily involved in the field of toxicology. Dr Meek has been a key member of multiple chemical risk assessment programs within Health Canada. Furthermore, in partnership with international colleagues, Dr Meek has developed methodologies in chemical risk assessment, including mode of action, chemical specific adjustment factors, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK), combined exposures and predictive modelling.

These initiatives have involved collaborations with a range of international organizations and national Agencies, including the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Joint Research Centre and the Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety of France (ANSES). She has authored approximately 200 publications in this area and received several awards for her contributions in this domain.

Dr Meek with her award:

In 2022, the British Toxicology Society will be awarding the Paton Prize. The Paton Prize is in honour of Sir William Paton to encourage scholarships in the historical aspects of toxicology. Professor Brian Lake was the recipient of the 2020 Paton Prize. The Nominations Subcommittee are looking for nominations so please do consider submitting a nomination. Further information can be found on the BTS website https://www.thebts.org/events-2/awards-and-prizes/