Project 460045

The International Conference on Environmental Mutagens (ICEM) is convened every four years and is the largest gathering of scientists working in the field of environmental mutagenesis. Mutagenesis is the process by which DNA damage from environmental exposures can lead to mutations, or changes in DNA sequence, and is the key driver of cancer. The ICEM brings together experts from industry, academia, government, and non-profits to exchange information on the state-of-the-science in understanding and managing the mutagenic impacts of environmental exposures (e.g., pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, diet, cosmetics, biological agents, etc.). The 13th ICEM will be held, for the first time, in Canada from August 27 - September 1, 2022, in Ottawa. The vision is to promote critical scientific knowledge and research into the causes and consequences of mutagenesis in order to inform and support national and international efforts to ensure a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations. The theme of the conference is "Maintaining Genomic Health in a Changing World" encompassing both our changing exposures and ground-breaking tools available to assess mutagenicity. In this proposal we request $10,000 to provide travel awards to support attendance of trainees from underrepresented groups from Canadian universities at the 13th ICEM. With leading scientists attending from across the globe, the ICEM provides a critical opportunity for these trainees to showcase their work, obtain feedback, learn the newest innovations and discoveries, develop the required networks and collaborations to build a research program and career, and foster a passion for research. This multi-disciplinary conference enables interactions across sectors to catalyze research uptake and impact. We believe it is vital that trainees from underrepresented groups should be afforded as much opportunity as possible to participate in the ICEM and be included in our research community.