Careers in toxicology in Europe - options and requirements - Report of a workshop organized on behalf of the Individual Members of EUROTOX during theEUROTOX Congress 2000 in London (September 17-20, 2000)

In view of the lack of information regarding careers for toxicologists in E urope, the Individual Members of EUROTOX organised a workshop on careers in toxicology during the EUROTOX Congress 2000 in London. Toxicologists are m ainly employed in academia, regulatory agencies, contract research organisa tions (CROs) and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. There are also a few governmental institutes involved with toxicological work other than teaching or regulation. Toxicologists can also work as independent consulta nts, especially for commercial organisations. The requirements for starting a career in any of the above organisations, the need and the advantages an d disadvantages of specialisation, and further career prospects are summari sed and briefly discussed. The organisations, and also working as an indepe ndent toxicology consultant, offer interesting professional work of relevan ce to modern-day society. There is currently a shortage of toxicologists no t only in the traditional field of risk assessment but also especially in n ew areas, e.g. toxicogenomics. This shortage may be at least in part due to insufficient training opportunities. Further consideration of career oppor tunities is planned and will be published in due course.