President’s Newsletter: June 2025
Dear BTS Members,
As we continue to observe the geo-political changes around the world, and the impact they are having on the economy in many countries, we are already seeing the effect this is having on the toxicological sciences. Whatever employment sector you work in, many of you will have experienced funding constraints in your organisation. We are also aware of the more profound changes that are happening to our colleagues in the USA. Only time will tell what the long-term consequences are on our ability as a global toxicology community to fulfil the essential role we play in the protection of human and environmental health and the safe and sustainable use of traditional and new technologies in medicine, food production and consumer, household and industrial products.
The BTS Annual Congress which was held in Liverpool last month did though showcase what an exciting and vibrant scientific community we belong to, and that toxicological science is thriving in spite of the challenges we may be facing. The feedback we received during the Congress and especially from the post-Congress survey was very positive. Thanks to everyone who attended (there were 250 delegates this year) for your contributions to the scientific and continuous education sessions, all of which received very good feedback. Thanks especially to the Scientific Sub-Committee, led by Professor Ian Copple, for organising such a high quality programme and to our colleagues at EBS for their invaluable support for the Congress organisation and administration. As you will have seen, we have now confirmed that the 2026 Congress will be held from April 27th to 29th at Voco St John’s in Solihull.
The SSC will be using your feedback on the 2025 Congress, including ideas for themes for the scientific sessions, in designing the programme and to further enhance the overall experience for delegates.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Congress feedback was on the survey question “did you feel that the Congress provided an environment that was welcoming and inclusive?” Many of the delegates told us how much they had appreciated the welcoming, open and inclusive environment we managed to create at the Congress. In my opening address, I referred to the Society’s new strategy, which is built around three key descriptions of what we aim to be – Inclusive, Collaborative and Inspirational. Click >Here to view.
I think we are making good progress and the comments on inclusivity at the Congress were very heartening. We must not be complacent, however, and I remain committed to the further development of a Society which is fully committed in its culture and organisation to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, principles which apply not only to the legally protected characteristics but also to the wider accessibility of the Society, for example across all scientific disciplines and employment sectors. I am very pleased to report that the Executive Committee and the Officers will now be supported in this activity by a new EDI Working Group.
Finally, a reminder that nominations or self-nominations are now open for the Paton Prize and the Kevin Park Award, with a deadline of September 30th 2025, and for FBTS and Honorary FBTS appointments, with a deadline of September 1st 2025. Full details can be found via this link to the website.
Do get in touch with me if you have any thoughts or questions via president@thebts.org.
I wish you all a good summer.
Kind regards,
Phil
Dr Phil Botham
BTS President
