The Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) is the primary, global scientific society that
fosters research on basic mechanisms of DNA repair, mutagenesis, and environmental epigenetics and
application of this knowledge to understanding human health effects from environmental exposures. Studies of
DNA repair, mutagenesis, and epigenetics by EMGS scientists are integrated with research on inherited and
acquired genetic alterations that predispose individuals to cancer, premature aging, neurodegenerations and
birth defects. Fundamental understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of cellular, tissue, whole
organism, and human population responses to genotoxic agents is crucial to informed regulatory decision-
making with respect to environmental health hazards. The integration of multi-disciplinary basic and applied
research is essential to this process. Such integration remains the central focus of the EMGS, and the annual
meetings are key to the dissemination of information and fostering the necessary interactions. In addition,
meetings provide an important forum for students and new/early stage investigators to present their research
and to interact with leading scientists in their field in a setting that encourages open exchange of ideas. The 54th
Annual Meeting of the EMGS will be held in Chicago, IL. from September 9-13, 2023. The theme is “EMGS in
the Windy City: Billowing the Sails of DNA Science”, encompassing areas of current research that converge on
the issues of environmental exposure, how cells and organisms respond to such challenges, and how this
information can be applied to promote human health in the era of high-throughput data. The themes for the 55th
and 56th Annual Meetings will be selected approximately a year before each meeting. Comprised of symposia,
workshops, plenary lectures, platform and poster sessions, the Annual Meeting will encompass the full range of
scientific interests within the Society, bringing together academic, industrial, and governmental scientists
interested in how environmental factors lead to genotoxic and epigenetic outcomes. The objectives of this
application are to request funds for Travel Awards for students and new/early stage investigators to attend the
Annual Meeting and partial support for travel expenses of invited speakers. Travel Awards assist in offsetting
the financial burden that might otherwise prevent students and new/early stage investigators from attending.
Support to defray travel costs for invited speakers enables the Society to provide the greatest value at lower
costs to attendees. Speakers from both within and outside the society provides the cross-fertilization of research
and ideas necessary for a world-class meeting.