Abstract

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Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity (CMMT) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) boasts a rich history of presenting the latest unpublished innovations in mechanistic toxicology within a collegial environment fostering open scientific exchange, networking, and career development.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 2021 week-long program aims to highlight interdisciplinary and integrative scientific partnership across the academic, government, pharmaceutical, and consumer product professional sectors and more. Featured session topics include functional genomics, environmental toxicant metabolism, impact of the cellular microenvironment on toxic outcomes, integration of artificial intelligence in toxicology, modernization of developmental and reproductive toxicity testing, mechanistic understanding of new therapeutic modality toxicities, and novel mechanistic approaches for aneugenicity risk assessment. 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. Additionally, the program will offer a Power Hour™, which is a unique and popular session offered by the GRC to provide an open, informal venue to address challenges faced by women in science and critical issues on diversity. The 2021 CMMT GRC Power Hour™ will for the first time 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 2021 with many opportunities throughout the conference week for open scientific dialogue and collaboration during daily poster sessions, as well as emphasis on discussion following oral platform sessions and during breaks. All applicants are encouraged to submit abstracts of their latest work. Late-breaking abstracts will be selected for short, oral presentations, thus providing additional opportunities for scientists at all stages of their career to showcase their advancements. Late-breaking speakers will be notified by the Chairs via email approximately 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 and offers additional opportunities for scientific presentations and leadership. Limited funding support for trainees and young investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, assistant professors) who present posters and indicate a need for financial assistance at time of application will be considered for financial assistance to cover full/partial registration and/or travel costs. Please email the conference Chairs if you wish to be considered for financial assistance. Applications will be reviewed for potential assistance following the late-breaking abstract submission deadline. Final decisions for funding will be made by the Chairs based on scientific merit, need, and availability of funds.