#USA #Mahwah #RIFM #Marissa Guttenberg #SOT

Dr. Marissa Guttenberg Honored with SOT 2025 Best Paper of the Year Award

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) is proud to announce that their Safety Assessment Team researcher, Dr. Marissa Guttenberg, has been distinguished with the Society of Toxicology's (SOT) 2025 Best Paper of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes the outstanding quality of her research contributions to the field of immunotoxicology, specifically in relation to environmental health concerns.

Dr. Guttenberg's influential paper, titled "Tissue-Resident Alveolar Macrophages Reduce Ozone-induced Inflammation via MerTK-mediated Efferocytosis," which was published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology in February 2024, explores the crucial role that alveolar macrophages play in mitigating lung inflammation caused by ozone exposure. This research holds significant implications given the increasing concern regarding air pollution and its effects on public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In her acceptance of the award, Dr. Guttenberg expressed her gratitude towards her co-authors and mentors. She said, "It is a great honor for us to receive this recognition from the Society of Toxicology. I am grateful to my co-authors and mentors for their guidance and collaboration. This research highlights the important role of alveolar macrophages in lung health, and I am proud to contribute to the growing understanding of immune responses to environmental exposures."

Dr. Anne Marie Api, President of RIFM and a Fellow of the American Thoracic Society, commended Dr. Guttenberg's commitment to advancing the field of safety science. She stated, “This recognition underscores Dr. Guttenberg's dedication to advancing safety science. Her research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of immunotoxicology, aligning with RIFM's mission to protect human health through scientific research and application.”

Ozone exposure is a critical environmental health issue, noted for its harmful effects on respiratory health. The research conducted by Dr. Guttenberg sheds light on the essential mechanisms through which tissue-resident alveolar macrophages can alleviate inflammation triggered by this common air pollutant. Findings like these could pave the way for developing clinical strategies aimed at reducing the impact of air pollution on respiratory conditions.

The implications of this research extend beyond academic achievement; they resonate strongly with RIFM's commitment to supporting innovative research initiatives that promote human and environmental health. As an independent international non-profit organization, RIFM has dedicated itself to assessing the safety of fragrance materials since its establishment in 1966, providing public access to peer-reviewed safety assessments and research.

As Dr. Guttenberg continues her work, RIFM and the broader research community anticipate her ongoing contributions to safety science, particularly in the area of immunotoxicology. The organization takes immense pride in her achievements and unwavering dedication to improving public health outcomes. Through further exploration and understanding of immune responses, we can better address pressing environmental challenges and protect our communities against the threats posed by air pollutants. RIFM remains devoted to fostering pioneering research efforts that could lead to actionable insights in the field of respiratory health and safety.