The first 60 years: Honoring Teratology's past, a new perspective on the future.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This paper updates the history of the Teratology Society, now known as the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP), for its first 60 years and describes the current strategy to position the Society to continue to advance its multidisciplinary science in the future. Common threads across our history include the positive impact of the Society's approach to sharing multidisciplinary, cutting-edge science and the collegial nature of the annual meetings. AIM: In recent years, we have tackled challenging issues through periodic strategic planning sessions to improve the impact of the Society and its value to our members. MATERIALS & METHODS: Archived and current resources were reviewed for this historical perspective. RESULTS: In 2019, the Society took steps to rebrand itself to clarify our mission to the broader scientific and governmental communities. DISCUSSION: Although our name has changed, the mission remains to understand and prevent birth defects and disorders of developmental and reproductive origin. CONCLUSION: As BDRP, we continue to promote the exchange of research and ideas, provide educational opportunities, influence policy through advocacy, and evolve our communications to better serve our members and to have a greater impact on the health of future generations.