UNC SRP presents cutting-edge research to ATSDR

Recognizing a need for increased collaborative research, engagement, and translation between the Superfund Research Program (SRP) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the two agencies held a joint meeting in August 2012 entitled Connecting Research and Practice: A Dialogue between ATSDR and the NIEHS Superfund Research Program.

 

UNC SRP was well represented during the meeting with two oral presentations and four poster presentations. This speaks highly of the relevance of UNC SRP’s work to ATSDR needs, as ATSDR personnel selected the agenda items. Included among the seventeen oral presentations during the two-day meeting held at ATSDR headquarters in Atlanta were Dr. Rebecca Fry’s research on epigenetic changes associated with in utero exposures to cadmium and Dr. Damian Shea’s development of passive sampling devices used to monitor current-use pesticide exposures in waterways.The meeting was organized with the intent to maximize the positive effect of research dollars on environmental public health. Presentations on emerging and legacy contaminants, environmental fate and transport, and community engagement around contaminated sites provided opportunities for ATSDR personnel to learn about innovative research from scientists across the SRP. Four panel discussions during the meeting helped SRP researchers learn more about ATSDR’s Superfund-related research and informational needs.

 

“This is the first time we have had the opportunity to bring SRP scientists from across the country to ATSDR to discuss the application of our emerging science to improving understanding of the health outcomes associated with cleaning up hazardous waste sites,” said Kathleen Gray, leader of the UNC SRP Research Translation Core and one of the meeting organizers.