Toxicology Operations Branch

Research Summary

The Toxicology Operations Branch (TOB) — headed by Acting Branch Chief Paul M. Foster, Ph.D. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/tob/foster/index.cfm) — provides administrative oversight and performance for a number of activities at the National Toxicology Program (NTP). TOB is responsible for the following functions:

• Design, monitoring and reporting of toxicity and carcinogenicity studies on chemicals and research concepts under evaluation by the NTP
• Preparation of the Report on Carcinogens
• Coordination of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM)

The NTP was established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1978 to coordinate toxicology research and testing activities within the Department, to provide information about potentially toxic chemicals to regulatory and research agencies and the public, and to develop and validate improved methods and to strengthen the science base in toxicology. During its 29 year history, the NTP has become the world's leader in designing, conducting and interpreting animal assays for toxicity.

The TOB is comprised of five groups, each performing specific duties for the NTP:

The General Toxicology Group

The General Toxicology Group is responsible for the design, monitoring and reporting of the majority of the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies carried out by the NTP. Current projects encompass a wide range of a diverse research programs but with emphasis on synthetic industrial chemicals, pesticides, various pharmaceuticals, metals and food additives. Rajendra S. Chhabra, Ph.D., DABT is Group Leader.

Integrated Toxicology Group

The Integrated Toxicology Group is responsible for the design, integration, conduct and communication of specialized “non-cancer” toxicity studies carried out as part of NTP research and testing activities.  The group encompasses expertise in several areas including immunotoxicity, reproductive and development toxicity, genetic toxicity, toxicogenomics, and molecular toxicology. Paul Foster, Ph.D, is Group Leader.

The Program Operations Group

The Program Operation Group is responsible for assembling the contracting instruments, coordinating the reviews and awards of research contracts, and monitoring contract performance. In addition, the group is responsible for the collection and dissemination of information from all NTP studies. It also supports the presence of the NTP and ETP on the Web and oversees the electronic capture of all data from NTP studies carried out at contract laboratories. Joseph H. Roycroft, Ph.D., is Group Leader.

The Report on Carcinogens Group

The Report on Carcinogens Group (http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/roc) is responsible for all activities relating to the Report on Carcinogens, the official Government list of known and reasonably anticipated human carcinogens. Ruth M. Lunn, Dr.P.H., is the Report on Carcinogens Director.

The NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

The NTPInteragency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) (http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/) administers and provides scientific and operational support for the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM). NICEATM and ICCVAM promote the scientific validation and regulatory acceptance of new test methods that are more predictive of adverse health effects than current methods, and techniques that refine, reduce and replace animal use where scientifically feasible. William S. Stokes, D.V.M., is NICEATM Director and Executive Director, ICCVAM.

Scientific Support Staff

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