International experts will gather for an open scientific debate on the harmonisation of human and ecological risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals (chemical mixtures). Discussions will focus on the following topics of relevance to both human and ecological risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals: i) mechanistic models for hazard assessment; ii) harmonisation of methods for combined exposure assessment; iii) the use of OMICs and in silico methods for risk assessment; and iv) application of science-based uncertainty factors and approaches for risk characterisation using mechanistic approaches.

This is the 50th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology. Its aim is to “Advance Science for Human and Environmental Health” and we have an exciting programme highlighting new and innovative science and current regulatory topics. There will be a mix of plenary and keynote lectures, symposia, workshops and a full continuing education programme. In addition, there will be interactive poster sessions and a dynamic trade exhibition. EUROTOX 2014 will be THE meeting place for toxicologists from around the world to come together to meet and discuss the key issues facing the discipline today.

Please find the programme here.

The main sessions will cover the following topics: Drugs in semen (HESI DART Symposium), the Role of Primary Cilia in Abnormal Development, Developmental Neurotoxicology and Behavior, Adverse Outcome Pathways, Imaging Techniques, Mandatory Folic Acid Fortification (ETS/TS exchange), and Education Course - Molecular Pathways in Embryology.

Satellite Meeting at the 9th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences in Prague. This meeting is intended for those scientists who are not yet familiar with the AOP concept but would like to learn to apply it to their own work or to become involved in ongoing projects. Speakers are from industry and OECD.

The 9th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences provides an exceptional forum to underline the importance of both the ethical issues of animal experimentation and the approach to the life sciences in the 21st century. During the past two decades, responsible reduction in the number of animals used for scientific purposes and development and improvement of 3R-relevant research methods clearly demonstrate the commitment of the scientific community to provide novel science of higher quality. This approach respects not only human ethical principles, but also animal rights and their social and environmental needs. The implementation of the 3R principles has become an integral part of innovation and research. Advanced experimental study designs embark on a completely new concept based on pathways in cells and tissues of human origin to satisfy the highest scientific criteria in humans, the species of interest. Contemporary high quality research is aimed at increasing the public understanding and confidence in the ethical approaches applied in science and its meaning and significance in modern society. The motto of the 9th World Congress in Prague is thus: "Human Science in the 21st Century".

Doping – healthier minds in healthier bodies? "The important thing in the games is not winning but taking part. The essential thing is not conquering, but fighting well" Well, that’s what the creed of the Olympics states. Truth is, that second place is viewed as the "first loser" in modern sports events and the winner takes it all (notably the money). Given this reality, it is not surprising that athletes and coaches will sacrifice and risk a great deal in order to obtain a competitive edge and enhance performance at all costs. Consequently, doping in professional sports has now become a medical, ethical, and legal problem for modern athletes and athletic organizations. The concept of “taking part is important” does not really work in examinations at school, university or in all professional life. Therefore, brain doping or neuro enhancement has become pretty common claiming to turn every bonehead into Einstein. The XeRR symposium offers the unique opportunity to learn about the most modern doping methods in humans and animals and how cheaters can be convicted. Besides classical sports doping, social, psychological and neuropharmacological aspects of brain doping are also examined.

A l’instar de la société dans son ensemble, la gestion de la santé et de la sécurité au travail au XXI ème siècle s’accompagne d’un accroisse- ment de complexité qui nécessite d’adapter nos modèles, nos pratiques, nos méthodes de travail et nos enseignements à cette nouvelle réalité. Ce sont ces questions que se propose d’étudier le 6e congrès national Santé dans le monde du travail qui se tiendra en 2014. 

The principal themes of the academic programme of the Congress are: Where have we come from and where are we going?; Main challenges for the future; Poisonings in the developing world/resource-limited areas; New insights in mechanisms of toxicity and its clinical relevance; Chemical warfare agents; Revisiting the challenges posed by new recreational drugs. The Pro/Con-debates on controversial toxicological subjects which proved so popular in London and Copenhagen will again take place during the main Congress, as well as the Pre- Congress. There will be a poster discussion session featuring a selection of interesting and controversial topics, but also short poster presentations imbedded in the main programme. As in previous year there will be a Round Table discussion focussing on the role of poisons centres in the eyes of the European partners.