The currently used regulatory test methods in the fields of neurotoxicity (NT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) are mainly based on in vivo approaches using rodents. New developments, in particular the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework aim at incorporating mechanistic informations into the risk assessment process, moving from solely apical animal testing to mechanism-based decision-making. In addition, the need of testing a large amount of chemicals as stated in the European REACH legislation, as well as the 3 R’s strategy for replacing, reducing and refining animal testing, have stimulated the development of alternative methods. Moreover, recent developments using cells of human origin derived from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells will allow safety testing based on human biology. Discussions and collaborations between scientists of academia and industry and scientists involved in risk assessment are necessary to define the requirements for the development of in vitro NT / DNT testing strategies suitable for regulatory purposes. Within the framework of the initiation of this dialogue between scientists and regulators, XeRR is organizing this symposium presenting some of these alternative methods for NT and DNT testing.

Der Workshop orientiert sich an den regulatorischen Bedürfnissen im Zusammenhang mit den wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen für Nanomaterialien. Wir bieten eine Standortbestimmung der Nanopartikelregulation in der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union. Anhand von konkreten Beispielen zeigen wissenschaftliche Experten die Grenzen und Möglichkeiten der Expositionsbestimmung (Modellierung und Messung), der Gefährlichkeitsabschätzung (Nanotoxikologie und Nanoumwelttoxikologie) und der resultierenden Risikoabschätzungen auf. Kursteilnehmer und Experten erarbeiten eine kurze Handlungsempfehlung zu den regulatorischen und wissenschaftlichen Herausforderungen von Nanomaterialien.

The main topic of our Congress this year is "Life style, toxicants and environment: influence throughout reproductive life". Human population and action affects the environment, and at the same time both women and men are increasingly exposed to environmental hazards and components present in daily consumables. These global and micro environmental hazards have an impact on reproductive health, menopause, reproductive cancers and life expectancy. Asknowledge concerning such toxic effects has been emerging, we are convinced that our Women's Health Congress will provide you with a compact and up-todate overview of the evidence.

The scientific programme will include toxicology’s novel scientific and regulatory discoveries presented in symposia and workshops framed by key note lectures, continuing education courses, poster sessions and an exhibition.  The EUROTOX meeting offers a unique opportunity for toxicologists with different backgrounds, coming from a variety of countries, to meet and network with friends, colleagues and leaders in the different disciplines.

The aims of the 11th Congress of the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics are: To promote health and evidence-based management of chronic illness in an ageing population; To showcase recent advances in translational medicine and therapeutics; To explore recent developments in the drug discovery pathway; To promote safe use of medicines; To promote the utilisation of clinical pharmacological services in health care delivery; To improve and harmonise the teaching of the rational use of drugs; To contribute with clinical pharmacological expertise to policy decisions regarding drug regulation in Europe; To promote high professional standards in drug prescribing; To promote high ethical standards in clinical drug research.

It is the place where scientists from all continents will meet. This is the first-ever joint conference of three leading scientific societies dedicated to improve public health, namely the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology ISE, the International Society of Exposure Sciences ISES and the International Society of Indoor Air Quality ISIAQ.

Humans are exposed to thousands of chemicals from the environment, diet, drugs and consumer products with potentially adverse influences on human health. At present, human risk assessment relies on animal studies and an empirical one-by-one approach to identifying and characterizing risks. This approach is costly in terms of time, money and animals, and it is far too limited in scope for the innovations of modern industry and the complexities of multiple exposures. In addition, there is increasing public reluctance to accept continued reliance on animal tests, and increased demands on risk assessors due to new chemical safety legislation. Risk assessment is undergoing a paradigm shift with the development of new powerful and rapid systems-wide approaches, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, molecular dosimetry, and computational biology. Based on these tools, the emerging Systems Toxicology paradigm relies more on in vitro and computational data, and changes the focus from empirical endpoints to modes of action and life stages. It also offers the potential to better define real human exposures to potentially harmful chemicals. However, the critical gap between these data and regulatory human risk assessment has not yet been bridged, and there are no harmonized global standards. It is therefore of vital importance to promote dialogue between basic scientists and experts in risk assessment and regulations, to clarify the needs, potential, and limitations of the Systems Toxicology approach. For further information visit: http://systox2013.ch/