EUROTOX aims to foster toxicology, both scientifically and educationally, in all countries of Europe. To this, EUROTOX organises an annual scientific congress, workshops, and postgraduate training courses.
EUROTOX is actively harmonising toxicology education and training, having established the European Register of Toxicologists in 1994.
Furthermore EUROTOX honours annually a distinguished European toxicologist by its Merit Award. Young toxicologists are encouraged by the annual Young Scientist Award, which is awarded every year to the best presentation at the EUROTOX Congress.
To honour Professor Bo Holmstedt, the Bo Holmstedt Memorial Fund (BHMF), in collaboration with EUROTOX, has established the Bo Holmstedt Memorial Lecture to be presented to an outstanding European Toxicologist at the EUROTOX Annual Congress meeting. The foundation is also supporting the Paracelcus symposium at the animal meeting. Bo Holmstedt's great interest in the teaching of toxicology and supported research in developing countries, a travelling lecture fellowship has also been established to allow a toxicologist from a developing country to spent some time in a European laboratory or regulatory agency.
The title European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) is accorded by EUROTOX to individuals who have been nominated by their National Register. ERT are listed by EUROTOX according to their country and date of registration or reregistration.
The following countries have National Registers that are presently recognised by EUROTOX as setting and maintaining the standard expected for ERT:
Austria
Belgium
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
In order for a National Register to become recognised by EUROTOX in this regard, it will have lodged (and had accepted) its criteria for registering toxicologists with an appropriate National Society (i.e., a member Society of EUROTOX). The National Society in turn, will have lodged, and had accepted, these criteria with EUROTOX. An acceptable registration scheme will satisfy legislative, executive and judicial aspects.
EUROTOX does not directly register individuals. To be ‘ERT’ a toxicologist must be registered with an accepted National Registry, must be in good standing, demonstrate ongoing professional development and be currently active in the subject.
For its part, apart from maintaining current listings of ERTs, EUROTOX addresses the ‘Expectations of a European Registered Toxicologist’ on a regular basis; these expectations appear on the EUROTOX website. EUROTOX also appoints a Registration Liaison Officer (ERLO) who will provide information and assistance regarding National schemes whether in existence or envisaged. EUROTOX also provides observers who will assist in setting up and running of national schemes. EUROTOX will also advise its Individual Members, and others not adhering to a National Society, in identifying an appropriate registry, or a route to eventual registration.