Oxford was the setting for the 18th World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology. Toxins was pleased to support and attend the conference. It proved a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with many of the journal’s editors, authors and reviewers.

MDPI at the 18th World Congress

The topics of the conference covered the whole plethora of toxic species. Most notably, animal venoms, including looking at therapeutic and other medical applications of toxins were covered. At the same time, experts warned that the incidence of snakebites could be double the current estimates. Given that stocks of anti-venom are, in some areas, dangerously low, this could be deadly. In the context of these warnings, the field is looking to the future.

How can new technologies be applied to better understand known toxins?

The aim is to make more targeted anti-venoms and leverage the beneficial properties of toxic molecules.

About 400 of the most prominent researchers in the field met, and the meeting incorporated the Annual General Meeting of the International Society of Toxinology.

We congratulate Toxins Guest Editor Jay Fox on his election as the next President of the society.

Toxins held an editorial board meeting with the board members present, including Section Editors-in-Chief Bryan Fry and John Berry, and Manging Editor Chao Xiao. We reflected on the journal’s recent success and improved impact factor, and discussed ideas for how to keep moving the journal forward and maintaining high standards. Thanks to all those present for their input!