GENERAL INFO > Welcome

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We cordially invite you to INVITOX 2006, the 14^th International Workshop on In Vitro Toxicology which will be held in a unique art deco hotel in Ostend, Belgium, October 2-5, 2006. INVITOX Workshops have an outstanding tradition of bringing together junior and senior researchers, involved in the development and use of in vitro methods.

It is an honour and support for us that H.R.H. Prince Laurent of Belgium, as the chairman of the Prince Laurent Foundation (www.stichting-prins-laurent.be) which aims to protect animal welfare and to stimulate scientific research into sustainable technology, has accepted to be patron of the workshop.

While more advanced products, new compounds and chemicals are introduced in our everyday life, there is a continuously increasing societal demand for more safety, hazard and risk evaluation to protect men and the environment. Such evaluation should be cost-effective and bear in mind ethical constraints on the use of animals. In vitro technology combined with new scientific concepts for toxicity testing will contribute to this demand. The 14^th International Workshop on In Vitro Toxicology is offering to researchers and students from academia and industry, who want to contribute to these challenging tasks, a forum to improve knowledge and discuss new concepts and opportunities.

The scientific programme will include state-of-the-art lectures, workshops, original communications and poster sessions. INVITOX 2006 will cover strategies to develop sensitive and specific molecular markers (genes and proteins), the use of advanced cell technology, how to address sensitive subgroups e.g. children, ecotoxicology and testing for endpoints related to major human health effects, e.g. teratogenesis, endocrine disruption and immune effects.

In addition to the scientific programme, you will be attracted by the hospitality of the dazzling seaside resort, characterized by its fascinating marine history, picturesque harbour, beaches and promenade.

We look forward to seeing you in Ostend and we will work hard to offer you an excellent scientific programme and a friendly atmosphere.