Abstract
The Regulatory Forum was formed in 2007 to provide an outlet for discussion of regulatory-related topics or issues of interest to the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP). These topics and issues include the publication of Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee (SRPC) Best Practices papers; articles on best practices; comments on draft and final regulatory guidance; opinion papers by individuals from academia, industry, or government; short commentaries and letters by individuals or groups; and informal advertisement notices for events of regulatory interest. The intent was to foster a free exchange of ideas (using reasonable journalistic good taste) whereby STP members could enter into an “idea space” beyond the previously limited realm of interpersonal exchanges.
The Regulatory Forum committee would like to thank the individual most responsible for initiating this effort, Dr. Roy Kerlin. Roy has stepped down as the chair of the Regulatory Forum because of other opportunities and commitments. The chair position has now been taken up by Dr. Ken Schafer, who hopes to continue to lead the Regulatory Forum with the same vim, vigor, and expertise as Roy has so ably done.
The Regulatory Forum committee deems itself a success so far, but that is something best to be judged by the readership. Examples of articles recently published under the Regulatory Forum banner in Toxicologic Pathology include SRPC Best Practices papers and commentaries and articles concerning the Tegenero incident. The committee has a few projects in the works that the membership may look forward to, but it may be a bit premature to divulge the topics (how’s that for a tease?). Feedback on any of the topics in the Regulatory Forum is welcome, whether as a counterpoint paper to be published in the Regulatory Forum or as a letter to the editor.
To maintain the flow of ideas and keep the Regulatory Forum a going concern, the committee would like to invite the STP membership to submit ideas for Regulatory Forum articles. Ideas need not be a fleshed-out paper, but could simply be the mustard seed that we could plant to develop into the published manuscript. Interested authors are also invited to step forward and provide the membership with their opinions and expertise through the Regulatory Forum. Ideas and names of authors may be submitted to any of the committee members for consideration. Also, if there are STP members interested in participating on the Regulatory Forum committee, there is a position or two open, and we would be glad to have the assistance of those willing to be put to work.