Joseph Borzelleca, M.D., was the 2011 recipient of the Society of Toxicology’s Founders Award. Borzelleca is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in fostering recognition of the role of toxicological sciences in safety decision-making through the development and application of state-of-the-art approaches that elucidate, with a high degree of confidence, the distinctions for humans between safe and unsafe levels of exposures to chemical and physical agents.
One of the early leaders in the society and an enthusiastic participant in all of its affairs, Borzelleca has served as councilor, secretary and president of the society. As an effective and persuasive spokesman, he has represented SOT in various governmental agencies — including the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, National Cancer Institute, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Mental Health — and has been a vigorous proponent for good science and toxicology while holding several prominent positions in the National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and a variety of other national and international organizations.
He has served as the editor of Food and Chemical Toxicology and on the editorial board of nine other journals. His contributions to food safety through well-designed and conducted studies are especially noteworthy. He regularly took the next step and vigorously championed the use of the science in safety evaluations and has personally contributed to evaluations of more than 100 compounds used as food ingredients and/or having the potential to contaminate foods.
A passionate and dedicated teacher of graduate and medical students and an advocate for toxicology in all of his many scientific activities, Borzelleca is recognized both nationally and internationally as a distinguished expert in food toxicology. He is a mentor to his fellow toxicologists, an example to follow for his students and a joy for all who know and work with him. His career epitomizes the use of toxicological science to create a healthier world.
The Society of Toxicology is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the U.S. and abroad. SOT is committed to creating a safer and healthier world by advancing the science of toxicology. The society promotes the acquisition and utilization of knowledge in toxicology, aids in the protection of public health and facilitates disciplines. The society has a strong commitment to education in toxicology and to the recruitment of students and new members into the profession.