*******HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012*******
IFSTP (International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists) is a confederation of ten national and regional societies of toxicologic pathology (STPs) representing scientists from around the globe. The IFSTP’s stated role is to build, integrate and set standards in toxicologic pathology. The IFSTP is not a society per se but more a coordination and initiation body. Its activities are controlled by the member STPs, which provide funds and volunteers to conduct IFSTP functions. The IFSTP is governed by an Executive Committee (EC) composed of one representative from each member STPs as well as several elected officers (chosen by the EC). These elected positions include the President, Secretary-General, and Treasurer. The IFSTP Presidency and Secretary-General offices rotate among the member STPs. For example, the next president is coming from the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP, of North America) while the current president is from the European STP and the immediate past president from the Japanese STP.
The IFSTP has a relatively short history. I was established in 1989 by the STPs of France, Germany/Switzerland/Austria (now the European STP), Japan, North America, and United Kingdom.
In 1995 the STP of the Nordic countries and the STP of the Netherlands joined, followed in 1996 by the STP of Italy. In 1999 the International Academy of Toxicologic Pathologists (IATP) was founded as an offshoot of IFSTP to accredit senior toxicologic pathologists. In 2000 the IFSTP was registered as a nonprofit organization. In 2002 the STP of Korea joined and in 2005 the Nordic Society merged with the European STP. In 2009 the Indian and Latin American STPs joined as well. Hence, all organized societies are now represented in the IFSTP.
In order to foster high professional standards and provide global accreditation, IFSTP founded the International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology (IATP) as an IFSTP organ in 1999. IATP is governed by a Board of Directors. An Accreditation Committee with Fellows from Asia, Europe and North America reviews applications for Fellowship on the basis of outstanding scholarship, professional conduct and scientific contributions. Today, there are more around 40 IATP Fellows. tend to take a backseat in the area of toxicology, though their strong background in biological sciences is ideal when it comes to risk evaluation and assessment.
Together with its Member Societies, IFSTP wants to support toxicopathologists around the world to be at the top of their profession and to be recognized as experts.
To add value for its Member Societies, toxicologic pathology in general and the well-being of mankind and the environment, IFSTP has developed a 5 year plan and established comittees especially for the following areas:
To establish an accreditation system also for toxicopathologists at the entry and advanced level (in addition to IATP Fellowship for the top level).
To identify topics for IFSTP symposia, sponsored meetings and sessions, to prepare position papers, etc. to read more...
To improve communication among Member Societies, with other global organizations (e.g. IUTOX), the public, etc.
Regulatory Interaction: