SRNT Newsletter

November/December 2007, Volume 13, Number 4

President's Column

by Ray Niaura

Dear Colleagues,

This fall has seen busy and exciting times for SRNT. I had the distinct pleasure of attending the first SRNT Latin American meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this past September. The meeting was a resounding success all around. The scientific sessions were excellent, as was the attendance – in excess of 300 people from all over Central and South America and the Caribbean – demonstrating an encouraging level of interest in SRNT’s mission in Latin America. SRNT was also able to sign up several new members. On behalf of SRNT, Harry Lando, Martin Raw, Mira Aghi, Bruce Wheeler and myself engaged in productive discussions with our Latin American colleagues regarding forming a Latin American chapter of SRNT. Considerable work needs to ensue before this becomes a reality, but the discussions were very encouraging and constructive. Kudos especially to Martin Raw, Harry Lando, Analice Gigliotti and Beatriz Champaign, among many others, for making this meeting a reality. Stay tuned for another SRNT-sponsored meeting in Bangkok in the fall of next year. Harry Lando will provide updates.

Just before Thanksgiving, an amicus brief was filed in response to Philip Morris’ appeal of a decision against them in a longstanding case filed by the Department of Justice. In essence, the brief provided arguments in support of Judge Kessler’s ruling that the industry deceived the public about the health risks of "light" and "low tar" cigarettes, how the descriptors are fraudulent, and why the trial court's injunction preventing the use of such descriptors should be upheld. The brief was filed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) and SRNT was asked to support it. The Board had an opportunity to speak with Bill Corr of CTFK and Matt Barry, a member of our Policy Committee, and we agreed to provide our support because SRNT’s participation would lend considerable credence to the scientific merits of the arguments contained in the report. Mike Cummings and the SRNT Executive committee reviewed the brief before it was submitted. For more information, you can contact Mike Cummings and/or Matt Barry.

Finally, I urge all of you to become active in the Society in one simple way. I am reiterating a communication that you may have seen before. Please nominate a colleague for one of the following prestigious awards: Langley Award for Basic Research on Nicotine and Tobacco honors scientists who have made ground-breaking advances in basic nicotine research in the areas of pharmacology, neuroscience and/or genetics. The award consists of a $2000 prize, a plaque and an expense-paid trip to the SRNT Annual Meeting to present a plenary lecture of the awardee’s research.

John Slade Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public health and tobacco control through science-based public policy and public advocacy. Nominees must be SRNT members. The award and plaque will be presented at the SRNT Annual Meeting. Expenses to attend the meeting will be paid by the society.

Jarvik-Russell Young Investigator Award recognizes scientists early in their careers who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of nicotine and tobacco research. The nominee should be no more than 40 years old at the time of the nomination, although consideration will also be given to individuals within 7 years of receipt of their graduate degree. Nominees should be SRNT members. The award consists of a $1000 prize, a plaque and an expense-paid trip to the SRNT Annual Meeting to receive the award and present an lecture on their research.

We have simplified the process this year. Nominators need only submit a letter of nomination to the SRNT staff, who will follow up with the nominee to get their CV and other other information the Scientific Awards Selection Committee may need. If you know a colleague who would make a good candidate for one of these SRNT awards, nominate them by going to the SRNT website and submitting a letter of nomination. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2008.

Enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.