TIAFT Seoul YSC 2005 Summary Report

The young scientists' symposium this year was held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul Korea, just prior to the main meeting of TIAFT. Approximately 60 young scientists attended the symposium and about 20 people were attending TIAFT for the first time.

We had three presentations from young scientists which included

• Dr Frank Peters gave an all YS the opportunity to join IATDMCT as young scientists such that the profile of young scientists can be raised in IATDMCT.
• Dr Thomas Grobosch gave an overview of acute intoxication with two superwarfarin intoxications.
• Dr Sooyeun Lee gave an overview of the recent trends of marijuana use and the anti-estrogenic effects of smoking cannabis.
• Andrew Liebe discussed workplace drug testing and the role of the toxicologist in not only the analysis but the further role of scientists in educating the public about drug testing and laboratory confirmations.

The young scientist then had a traditional Korean lunch which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The TIAFT YSC committee then met to discuss other issues pertaining to the function of the YSC.

1. The YSC subject to ratification by the board proposes to enforce the age limit of 41 at all future meetings. This also means that through natural selection the committee would undergo some structural changes with the voluntary departure of Thomas and Olivier. The YSC subject to ratification by the board, proposes that Dimitri would be the next president of YSC following the completion of this meeting and that Nele or Robert would assume secretarial duties. The committee is highly appreciative of both Thomas and Olivier's contributions over the last few years.
2. The YSC subject to ratification by the board, proposes that Sooyeun Lee would join the committee, meaning that we have now an Asian representative.
3. The YSC subject to ratification by the board, proposes that Dr Frank Peters (GER) and Dr Serap Akgur (TKY) would join the committee in place of Thomas and Olivier.
4. The YSC subject to ratification by the board, also proposes that three year terms be recommended for the presidency and secretary which means that in 2008 there will be a change in these two official roles. Other members can continue to be part of the committee provide they satisfy the age criteria and maintain an active role in the YSC.
5. The format of the meeting for Slovenia 2006 would remain the same with a 3-3.5 hour session prior to the main TIAFT meeting and a lunch.
6. The funds which were passed on to the YSC from Washington 2004 could be used for some of these expenses. It is hoped that the Korean meeting organizers would also contribute to the funds of the YS.
7. It was also decided that we would improve the open discussion forum by having prepared questions for the young scientists who attended the meeting. Marc agreed to be the moderator of this discussion forum next year in Slovenia.
8. The YSC also decided that committee members would also be responsible for a small presentation for the 2006 meeting - either by organizing someone to give a presentation or alternately giving a presentation themselves at the next YS symposium.
9. The YSC subject to ratification by the board, proposes that the committee would no longer be responsible for the procurement of external sponsor funds for the YSC prizes. This conflict of interest particularly for the meeting hosts - who organize sponsorship for the main meeting - means that other sponsors can interfere with the official sponsorship process by sponsoring TIAFT YSC awards. TIAFT should provide the funds for the collective prizes of $1500 USD. This is a small amount of money given the pivotal role this committee plays in securing new young members to TIAFT every year. The number of young scientists attending the YSC symposium in the last three years (Melbourne, Washington and Seoul) has averaged about 60 people. The YS represent the future of TIAFT.
10. This year there were 12 oral contenders for the best oral; 9 contenders for the best poster and 6 contenders for the best published paper. The number of applicants has grown each year and is a reflection of the increased profile of the YSC.

Meeting started at 14:15, closed at 16:45.

Dr Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos
President TIAFT YSC