EUROTOX 2021 was held September 27th thru October 1st, 2021 in the afternoons and early evening to accommodate participants from around the world. The scientific programme included merit and plenary lectures, a well-attended exhibition and engaging industry sponsored sessions. More than 1,200 participants from over 56 countries were E-welcomed by Prof. Heather Wallace, President of EUROTOX, who opened the congress on September 27th. During the opening ceremony Prof. Wallace asked for a moment of silence to remember fellow toxicologists that were no longer with us, and how their contributions would not be forgotten. She closed the ceremony by introducing and presenting the 2021 EUROTOX Merit Award to Thomas Hartung, who gladly accepted, thanking the Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX) for nominating him, and expressing gratitude to his family, professional mentors, and the numerous colleagues in Europe and the United States that have allowed him to pursue his passion and extensive career in the field toxicology. The week-long event proceed with a lineup of engaging key lectures, including the live debate between Alan Boobis (EUROTOX) and Syril Pettit (SOT). The virtual event also provided networking opportunity offered via the Gather platform, allowing members to meet each other and colleagues in a virtual space, or simply visit the more than 30 exhibitors that were involved in the congress.
On Friday, October 1st Prof. Felix Carvalho, the new EUROTOX President, closed the congress by presenting the various Early Career Awards, as well as the Honorary Member recognition to Prof. Mümtaz İşcan (Turkey) and Prof. Arturo Anadón (Spain), and thanking all participants, sponsors and exhibitors for their support and making the congress a “real” success story. Finally, viewers were given a peek view of Maastricht, the destination of next year’s International Congress of Toxicology (ICT) organised by IUTOX, in collaboration with EUROTOX, and hosted by the Dutch Society of Toxicology. Prof. Theo de Kok, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) presented a brief overview of the state of the art venue, the exciting social program, and inviting all participants to Save the Date and plan to join the Maastricht ICT congress, September 19-21, 2022.
