UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights to Present Safety Science Research at Society of Toxicology 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo
UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights is set to play a significant role at the Society of Toxicology’s (SOT) 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, taking place this week in San Diego. Scientists from the organization will present a wide range of findings from their safety science research portfolio, contributing to more than 16 presentations, sessions, and professional events throughout the conference.
The SOT Annual Meeting is one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the field of toxicology, bringing together over 4,000 scientists, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world. The event serves as a platform for exploring the latest scientific advancements, discussing emerging technologies, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Alongside the meeting, the three-day ToxExpo features more than 275 exhibitors, offering tools, services, and partnership opportunities for toxicologists and related professionals. In total, the annual meeting includes approximately 1,900 scientific presentations and more than 50 focused sessions, making it a key venue for knowledge exchange and innovation in toxicology.
According to Russell Thomas, Ph.D., Vice President and Executive Director of Chemical Insights, the organization’s work is centered on producing actionable and evidence-based research that addresses real-world challenges related to chemical exposure and human health. He emphasized that the team’s participation at SOT reflects its commitment to advancing faster, more transparent scientific approaches that can better inform decision-making and ultimately protect public health and communities.
Throughout the event, Chemical Insights researchers will present a diverse array of studies covering topics such as chemical exposure pathways, emerging contaminants, advanced risk assessment methods, and the health impacts of modern technologies. Their contributions span oral presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, workshops, and networking events.
On Monday, March 23, the team will kick off with an informational session focused on wildland-urban interface fires, examining environmental and health impacts that extend beyond smoke exposure. This session highlights growing concerns about the broader consequences of such fires, particularly as urban development continues to intersect with fire-prone natural landscapes. Additional presentations on Monday include research on toxicity value databases designed to support human health assessments using existing toxicology data for a large number of chemicals. Another session will explore how UL Research Institutes is shaping the future of toxicology, emphasizing innovation and scientific leadership in the field.
Further Monday presentations address emerging health concerns such as the effects of vaping on oral health, with research revealing potential sex-specific biological disruptions. Other studies examine how different exposure routes influence the bioavailability of chemical emissions and investigate inhalation risks associated with resin-based 3D printing technologies used in dental applications. The day also includes a session on advancing new approach methodologies (NAMs) for evaluating thyroid hormone disruption, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve and modernize toxicological testing frameworks. The team will also participate in a mentoring-focused networking event, supporting knowledge sharing and professional development within the scientific community.
On Tuesday, March 24, Chemical Insights scientists will continue to showcase their research with a focus on environmental contaminants and risk assessment innovations. One presentation will examine the cardiovascular toxicity associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), highlighting mechanisms such as oxidative stress and nucleic acid damage. Another key contribution includes participation in a panel discussion on next-generation risk assessment approaches for tobacco and nicotine products, where experts will discuss how new methodologies can improve the evaluation of health risks.
Additional research presented on Tuesday will address PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water, with a focus on identifying and prioritizing sources based on risk. The team will also take part in multiple mentoring and networking events organized by specialty sections within SOT, including those focused on inhalation and respiratory science as well as biological modeling. These engagements underscore the organization’s commitment not only to advancing research but also to supporting collaboration and mentorship within the field.
On Wednesday, March 25, the final day of the conference, presentations will continue with studies exploring the biological effects of PFAS exposure, including disruptions in melanin production and cellular stress responses in melanocytes. Other research will examine variability in inhalation toxicity levels observed in vivo, contributing to a better understanding of how different conditions influence toxicological outcomes.
Additional topics include the development of data curation workflows and tools that integrate regulatory and research hazard data, as well as efforts to create unified toxicity data models that support regulatory applications while adhering to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles. A workshop session will also address the interpretation of thyroid-related bioactivity data, focusing on how in vitro findings can be compared with real-world exposure scenarios to prioritize potential chemical risks.
Beyond formal presentations, Chemical Insights scientists will participate in key networking and recognition events, including the SOT President’s reception. Several team members will also be honored at awards ceremonies आयोजित during the meeting, recognizing their contributions to safety science and their impact on advancing the field of toxicology.
Overall, UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights’ presence at the SOT 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo highlights its leadership in safety science and its ongoing efforts to address complex challenges related to chemical exposure and human health. Through a combination of innovative research, collaborative engagement, and knowledge sharing, the organization continues to contribute to the evolution of toxicology toward more efficient, transparent, and impactful scientific practices.
About UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights
UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights conducts scientific research on chemicals and their risks to people’s health. Through open science, education, and collaboration, we provide trusted toxicity and exposure information to help regulatory agencies, companies, educators, and communities make informed decisions that protect public health.
About UL Research Institutes
UL Research Institutes is an independent, nonprofit organization advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, we’ve worked to build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Our researchers investigate critical risks — from fire safety and chemicals to energy storage, digital privacy, and emerging materials — through rigorous, unbiased science. We collaborate globally and share our findings openly to inform standards, policy, and public understanding, while also cultivating the next generation of safety scientists through innovative educational programs and research experiences. As part of a broader safety ecosystem, we operate independently from UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions, while contributing to a shared mission: working for a safer world.
