Fostering opportunities for Early Career (EC) scientists is essential to driving progress across all fields, including in vitro and in silico toxicology. Reflecting this commitment, the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) has established the Early Career Network (ECN) to actively champion the contributions of EC scientists. The creation of ECN serves several key purposes:
1) infusing the field with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless enthusiasm;
2) ensuring continuity and sustainability by investing in the future;
3) supporting professional growth through the development of networks;
4) providing leadership opportunities that empower EC scientists to shape the future of toxicology.
Among the ESTIV ECN activities is the ECN mentorship program.

The 1^st ESTIV-ECN mentorship program for 2025 “Dare To Interact” has been launched. This initiative offers young professionals (early career researchers) in toxicology a unique platform for meaningful engagement and expert guidance at crucial stages of their careers. It acts as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth, enabling them to advance their careers, explore new opportunities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Several mentees, interested in academic and private sectors, have been accepted and are now enrolled in the program. Experienced ESTIV member mentors were selected based on mentees’ interests.

ESTIV-ECN mentorship program structure: Over the course of six online sessions, mentors and mentees meet to discuss various topics. For the 2025 edition of the ESTIV-ECN program, suggested topics include:
– professional development,
– career path selection, and
– work-life balance.
In addition, three sessions will be dedicated to free topics, allowing mentors and mentees to explore areas of their choice. After the program ends, feedback (e.g., reflections, impressions, and suggestions) from mentors and mentees will be published on the ESTIV website

Other future ESTIV-ECN activities include a career development session at the ESTIV 2026 Congress in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

ESTIV Early Carrer Network (ECN): Mohamed Fathi Abdallah Abdelmohsen (Lead), Luiz Ladeiram, Andreas Stucki, Benoit Maisonneuve, Bambou Tan