The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) has selected NIEHS Molecular Pathology Group lead Arun Pandiri, Ph.D., as its inaugural Mid-Career Excellence Award recipient. The award was presented at a June 19 recognition ceremony during the STP Annual Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Arun is the epitome of an outstanding scientist," said Robert Sills, D.V.M., Ph.D., of the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), who nominated Pandiri for the award. “He is leading several noteworthy research activities and mentoring the next generation of scientists to address important public health problems using cutting-edge technologies.”

Pandiri, whose career at NIEHS has spanned 15 years, was also the inaugural recipient of the STP Distinguished Early Career Award in 2014. His research group works to identify molecular signatures of exposures in rodent models of cancer, as well as in human tumor samples resulting from suspected exposures. They also have an active program investigating potential factors implicated in early-onset colorectal cancers.

“I’m grateful for the recognition by the top professional organization in my specialty,” said Pandiri. “I feel it reflects the excellent team science at DTT, and I’m lucky to be working in such a collaborative and encouraging environment that provides so many opportunities for career advancement.”

Beginning in 2024, the STP Mid-Career Excellence Award is given to a member in good standing who has made outstanding contributions in toxicologic pathology in the middle phase of their career. Nominees are active members, within 11-20 years of last relevant training, who have distinguished themselves as leaders in industry, government, education, and/or public service.