The International QSAR Foundation is the only nonprofit research organization devoted solely to creating alternative methods for identifying chemical hazards without further laboratory testing. We develop, implement and support new QSAR technologies for use in regulation, research and education or wherever testing animals with chemicals is now required. QSAR models predict chemical behaviour directly from chemical structure. QSAR is used to predict chemical properties directly from chemical structure. When combined with other alternative test methods, QSAR can minimize the the need for animal tests while making the use of chemical safer. The McKim Conference on Predictive Toxicology. Duluth, MN September 16-18, 2008 The International QSAR Foundation is pleased to announce the program for the 2008 Mckim Conference on Predictive Toxicology to be held in Duluth, MN, on September 16-18, 2008. This is the third conference aimed at incorporating QSAR methods into hypothesis-driven testing strategies to improve efficiency. The emphasis of this discussion will be integration of QSAR endpoints with mitochondria-mediated pathways as well as a review of progress on ER- and thyroid-mediated pathways. For more information please visit conference website mckim.qsari.org QSAR APPLICATION TOOLBOX. Barcelona 20-24 October 2008 We are pleased to announce the autumn training workshop for QSAR Application Toolbox developed by OECD. The Toolbox is available to the public as a free download. The application featured in Phase I of the Toolbox is the formation of chemical categories and filling data gaps in test data for industrial chemicals. The full potential of the Toolbox in avoiding unnecessary testing will be realized after a two-day training session on the QSAR methods included in the Toolbox. The International QSAR Foundation is coordinating with OECD, the developer of the Toolbox and local organisers to make training available on a cost-recovery basis. For more information please visit Reachmonitor webste