Founded in 1977, ACT was originally established to provide an organization for scientists in the field of toxicology with the goals of advancing the field of toxicology and acting as a forum for the exchange of information between regulators, academia, and industry.
[2] Although the initial focus was for environmental concerns, the College quickly grew to encompass all of applied toxicology, with actions including holding a joint symposium with the Society for Risk Assessment, and organizing a task force that would eventually grow to become the Academy of Toxicological Sciences (ATS).
[citation needed] The College was also one of the first societies to offer Continuing Education courses and established the triennial Salary Survey.
[3] As of 2024, ACT's membership includes more than 1150 toxicologists who work in academia, industry, government regulatory agencies, or as private consultants.
ACT provides a forum for collegiate exchange of information and provides educational opportunities including Symposia, Workshops, and Continuing Education (CE) courses offered at an annual scientific meeting,[4] as well as podcasts, webinars, and multi-day training courses in basic, advanced, or specialty toxicology which are held throughout the year.