International Achievement Award

The Society annually presents an award to an outstanding individual in recognition of their contributions and achievements in the resolution of public environmental concerns. There are no specific criteria, no age limitations, however, international scientific developments in toxicology are of special interest.

2025 IAA

THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY PRESENTS THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO:

Dr. Suzanne Fitzpatrick

Senior Advisor for ToxiSuzzanne Fitzpatrick, Senior Advisor for Toxicology at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)cology

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)

December 9 , 2025

This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Fitzpatrick’s exceptional contributions to regulatory science, public health protection, and leadership in food safety toxicology.

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s distinguished career at the FDA spans more than three decades, during which she has been instrumental in advancing the science of food safety and regulatory toxicology. Her work has significantly influenced policies and practices that protect millions of consumers worldwide.

“Dr. Fitzpatrick exemplifies the highest standards of scientific excellence and regulatory leadership,” said Dr. Michael Dourson, President of ISRTP. “Her contributions to toxicology, risk assessment, and food safety have had profound impacts not only within the FDA but across the international regulatory community. This award recognizes her sustained commitment to protecting public health through sound science.”

Throughout her tenure at the FDA, Dr. Fitzpatrick has provided critical scientific leadership on numerous high-profile food safety issues, including chemical contaminants, dietary supplements, food additives, and emerging food safety concerns. Her expertise in toxicology and risk assessment has informed regulatory decision-making and policy development at the highest levels of the agency.

Dr. Fitzpatrick has been a dedicated advocate for advancing regulatory science and fostering collaboration between regulatory agencies, academia, and industry. She has authored numerous scientific publications, participated in international scientific forums, and mentored the next generation of regulatory scientists. Her commitment to transparency, scientific integrity, and evidence-based decision-making has earned her respect throughout the global regulatory science community.

The ISRTP International Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of regulatory toxicology and pharmacology on an international scale. Previous recipients have included distinguished scientists and regulators from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in their field.  Dr. Fitzpatrick joins an eminent group of scientists from around the world who have been recognized for their contributions to public health since 1987.

Past IAA Recipients

  • (2023) Samuel M. Cohen MD, PhD
  • (2021) Colin Berry, Ph. D.
  • (2020) James E. Klaunig, Ph. D.
  • (2019)  Peter Goering, Ph. D.
  • (2018) John Bailey, Ph. D.
  • (2017) Ernest E. McConnell, DVM, MS (Path)
  • (2015) James S. Bus, Ph.D., DABT, Fellow ATS
  • (2014) Jay I. Goodman, Ph.D.
  • (2013) John Fawell, Ph.D.
  • (2012) Michael L. Gargas, Ph.D.
  • (2011) Michael G. Bird, Ph.D., FRSC
  • (2010) Gio Batta Gori, Ph.D.
  • (2009) Michael Dourson, Ph.D., DABT, ATS
  • (2008) Mildred S. Christian, Ph.D., Fellow, ATS
  • (2007) Bernard A. Schwetz, D.V.M., Ph.D<>
  • (2006) Elizabeth I. Anderson, Ph.D.
  • (2005) Jerome H. Heckman, Esq.
  • (2004) Lester M. Crawford, M.D.
  • (2003) Curtis D. Klaassen, Ph.D.
  • (2002) Donald Hughes, Ph.D.
  • (2001) Joseph F. Borzelleca, Ph.D
  • (1999) Dr. Alan Rulis, Director, Office of Premarket Approval (OPA)
  • (1998) Dr. Roger O. McClellan, President, CIIT, Research Triangle Park, NC
  • (1997) Dr. Ian C. Munro, Principal, FRCPath
  • (1996) Dr. John Higginson, Retired Professor of Medicine, Georgetown University
  • (1995) Robert C. Barnard, Esq., Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
  • (1994) Dr. Philip Abelson, Science Magazine, Washington, DC
  • (1993) Dr. C. Jelleff Carr, Managing Editor of RTP, Columbia, MD
  • (1991) Dr. John P. Frawley, Health & Environment International, Ltd., Wilmington, DE
  • (1990) Dr. John Doull, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
  • (1989) Dr. Frederick Coulston, Coulston Foundation, Alamogordo, NM
  • (1988) Dr. Robert A. Neal, Retiring President of CIIT, Research Triangle Park, NC
  • (1987) Dr. Gaston A. Vettorazzi, Geneva, Switzerland and Dr. Frank C. Lu, Miami, FL, WHO