Registration of toxicologists in Europe

Recently several European Toxicological Societies have established national toxicology registers. Such societies include the British, Dutch, Finnish, French, Hungarian, and Swiss societies of toxicology. The basis for registration in these societies is peer review evaluation of the applicants. A key-criterion for acceptance is theoretical training covering the main areas of toxicology. Furthermore, job experience is required. After reviewing the merits of the applicant, the register then accepts the applicant to the register usually for five years. As a consequence of this development, EUROTOX, European Societies of Toxicology, has established a European Register of Toxicologists which will be officially inaugurated during 1997. The register already contains more than two hundred British, Dutch, Finnish, and German toxicologists. The European Register of Toxicologists already has had an impact on the recognition of toxicology in Europe, and will strive to promote toxicology education and professional status in other parts of the world.