Developmental Neurotoxicology Society

Awards & Distinguished Speakers

The 48th Annual Meeting of the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society (DNTS)

June 22 - 26, 2024

Elsevier Distinguished Lecturer

Gül Dölen, PhD

University of California Berkeley
Reopening Critical Periods with Psychedelics: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
Monday, June 24, 2024 1:30 – 2:30pm

Dr. Gül Dölen is a Professor and the Renee and Bob Parsons Endowed chair in the Department of Psychology, the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, and the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics at the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, Dr. Dölen maintains an adjunct professorship in Neuroscience and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she previously served as an Assistant and Associate Professor.

Keynote Lecture

Putting the Pieces Together: Head to Toe

Wendy Chung, PhD
Boston Children’s Hospital

Genomics have provided an unbiased way to assess the molecules and processes involved in developmental disorders. The genetic contributions to congenital anomalies include de novo variants of large effect, inherited rare variants of modest effect, and common variants of small effect. There are similarities and differences between the genetic architecture and genes involved in different congenital anomalies. By putting this information together, the genetic information can be used to diagnose syndromes prenatally and postnatally, provide improved prognostic information, and potentially tailor clinical care based upon the underlying diagnosis.

Monday, June 24, 2024 8:00 AM-9:00 AM

Josef Warkany Lecture

Understanding of Mechanisms of Environmental Teratogenesis: From Mercury to Nutrition

Christina Chambers, PhD
University of California San Diego
This lecture recognizes Josef Warkany’s contributions to BDRP. Dr. Warkany was the first person to demonstrate that exposures to environmental chemicals are responsible for the production of congenital malformation. His early studies culminated in the formulation of the scientific principles of teratology. This award recognizes a scientist who has significantly contributed to the field over the course of their career.
Sunday, June 23, 2024 8:15am - 9:00am

Robert L. Brent Lecture - Teratogen Update

Everywhere All At Once: The Prenatal Chemical Exposome and Influences on Health and Health Inequities

Tracey Woodruff, PhD
University of California San Francisco

This lecture recognizes Robert L. Brent’s contributions to the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and particularly for the implementation of the “Teratogen Update.” The purpose of the Robert L. Brent Lecture is to facilitate the discussion of new and old teratogens during the Annual Meeting.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 11:00AM – 12:00PM

Patricia Rodier Mid-Career Award for Research and Mentoring

Reproductive Toxicology in Industry: Research and Mentoring are the Special Sauce

Christopher Bowman, PhD
Pfizer, Inc.

This award honors the legacy of Dr. Patricia Rodier, a past President of the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society and a Council member of the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. The award is presented during the annual meetings of the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society and Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention. The awardee will give a presentation related to his/her research at a jointly sponsored session at the annual meetings. It is intended that the presentation will serve as a demonstration of independent mid-career research in neurobehavioral teratology, birth defects, or other related fields.

Sunday, June 23, 2024 4:00 PM-4:30 PM