Yax Thakkar currently Manages the Scientific Innovation and Discovery program at the Research Institute for fragrance Materials (RIFM) Inc., in Mahwah, NJ. His current research includes the evaluation, development and validation of animal alternative models to assess fragrance materials. Prior to joining RIFM, he worked as a Scientist with various consumer product companies like L’OREAL and COTY INC. Dr. Thakkar received his B.S in Pharmacy, and MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, working in the evaluation of anti-carcinogenic effect of carvacrol, a phytochemical which is a key component of oregano. He also received his Doctoral degree from the New York Medical College in the department of Pathology, where his work focused on evaluation of the chicken egg model as an animal alternative model to assess genotoxic potential for chemicals. Dr. Thakkar has co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed safety assessments for fragrance materials and has also authored multiple peer reviewed publications related to various models assessing genotoxic potential for fragrance materials and Chemicals. He is also active in GTA, HESI-GTTC, ICCS, EMGS and SOT.