Course Language: English
Course Level: Introductory
Instructors: Nancy Denslow, University of Florida; Sharon E. Hook, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere; Doris E. Vidal-Dorsch, VDA LCS; Adam D. Biales, USEPA; Anže Županič, National Institute of Biology; Živa Ramšak, National Institute of Biology

Several OMICS techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, are gaining popularity as a research tool in environmental sciences. However, uncertainty in the design, execution and data interpretation of studies employing these techniques can limit their scientific impact. In addition, a lack of clarity regarding OMICS data use in routine monitoring and a regulatory context has limited the adoption of the techniques. To support and accelerate the use of OMICS approaches in toxicology studies, we have developed this short course.

This course will introduce eDNA metabarcoding, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and exposomics. “Real-world” implementations of OMICS techniques will be discussed to exemplify how OMICS approaches have been successfully used. We will also provide an overview of the guidelines for effective experimental design and proven frameworks for data interpretation. In addition, we will discuss the current work undertaken by the OMICS Interest Group to move the science forward and the efforts to incorporate OMICS tools into regulation.

Course Language: Portuguese
Course Level: Introductory
Instructors: Alexandre Arenzon, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

The objective of the course is to generate a knowledge base for decision-making when the implementation of effluent toxicity monitoring is desired. For that, we start with an introduction to ecotoxicology, talking about acute and chronic testing trials. Also, we will talk about the comparison between ecotoxicological monitoring and chemical monitoring. Next, we will define the objectives of toxicity monitoring, such as environmental hazard assessment or environmental risk assessment. Finally, we will do an analysis of examples of the regulation and monitoring of the toxicity of industrial effluents in different countries evaluating the test organisms, the number of trophic levels used in the monitoring and the accepted toxicity limits.

Course Language: English
Course Level: Introductory
Instructors: Adriana C. Bejarano, Shell Oil Company; Michelle R. Embry, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI); Alexander Villalobos, BP; Julio Fuchs, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Natalie Burden, National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs); Octavio Presgrave, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS)

New and novel approaches for ecotoxicity testing are playing an increasingly important role in supporting environmental decision processes and are recognized as part of an integrated testing strategy. Numerous technical and regulatory challenges should be considered for integrating traditional 3Rs (Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement of animal tests) plus additional 3Rs: Reproducibility, Relevance, and applicability for Regulatory use. This short course will discuss animal alternatives to ecotoxicity endpoints with test species. Discussion on the practical applications of alternative methods and models in the field of environmental toxicology will be included, as well as how to address uncertainties, challenges, potential limitations, advantages, and needs for further development of alternative approaches. This short course will provide an opportunity for open discussions among scientist from multiple sectors including academia, government and industry on the role, challenges, strengths and limitations toxicity extrapolations in aquatic organisms and wildlife. The short course organizers are committed to identifying invited instructors capturing a well-rounded perspective on toxicity extrapolations methods, approaches and applications.

Course Language: English
Course Level: Introductory
Instructors: Ellen Mihaich, Environmental and Regulatory Resources (ER2); Steve Levine, Bayer CropScience; James Wheeler, Shell International; Katie Paul-Friedman, USEPA; Antony Williams, USEPA

In response to concerns that certain environmental chemicals might interfere with the endocrine system of humans and wildlife, regulations have been promulgated around the world targeting the evaluation of these types of effects. The purpose of this short course is to address key topics related to endocrine system evaluation and regulatory requirements around the world. The course provides basic information on vertebrate endocrine systems, mechanisms of control and adverse effects. The focus is the estrogen, androgen and thyroid systems, although new endocrine system targets will be discussed. The requirements of the ECHA/EFSA Guidance document (2018) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program will be presented. As such it will cover regulatory needs for pesticides, biocides, and REACH substances, including the development of definitions and criteria in the EU. Screens and tests used in these programs are discussed, including plans for the evolution of the USEPA program, with the use of high throughput in vitro assays, in silico modeling, and adverse outcome pathways. Use of weight of evidence evaluations in interpreting the data will be covered. Finally, an interactive simulation will be staged where groups of participants can engage in a transparent and quantitative weight of evidence evaluation of data.

Course Language: English
Course Level: Introductory
Room: 221
Instructors: Natalia Sandoval Herrera, University of Toronto; Cristiano Araujo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Freylan Mena Torres, Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET)

Behavior is a sensitive biomarker of disturbance and is linked to fundamental processes that influence individual fitness and can lead to adverse population and ecosystem-level outcomes. The study of animal behavior is therefore considered an informative tool in ecotoxicology that serves as an indicator of molecular, cellular and physiological effects of contaminants on the animal’s ecology and evolution. The evaluation of behavioral responses, however, presents challenges in experimental design, data acquisition and results interpretation, particularly for wild animals and understudied species. This course intends to provide the basic conceptual and practical tools to incorporate behavioral biomarkers in ecotoxicological studies in different systems. We will highlight current research in the field focusing on the use of technological and computational advances that have helped improve behavioral studies and are playing an increasingly important role in the growing field of behavioral ecotoxicology. Specifically, we will present open-source and affordable methods for video analysis. An important component in the course will be a hands-on experience where participants will analyze video footage and design an experiment applying the concepts and tools learned.